Rachel and Cindy worked in different departments at the clothing company. Cindy was an administrative assistant, with an outgoing, even loud, personality. Rachel considered Cindy to be an ideal candidate for Ross to experience. She was full-figured, but not flabby. She carried her weight well, much of it in her bosom. She had a pixie face and a pixie haircut, which was always colored, often pink or blue. Her look and demeanor, while not classical, was often described as "sexy."
At twenty-three, Cindy claimed to be highly experienced sexually. She openly bragged that she was bi-sexual. She also said that she generally preferred men, but that she was always open to encounters with women. Rachel had noted that, while Cindy was very forthcoming about her own sex life, she never identified or exposed any of her partners. Perfect.
Cindy liked Rachel, and often came by Rachel's office to visit. When Cindy stopped by to say hello, one day, Rachel asked, "So Cindy, are you seeing anyone right now?"
"I am seeing anyone now, but no one in particular. Do you have someone for me?"
Rachel said, "Close the door. You remember my boyfriend, Ross?"
Cindy licked her lips and said, "Mmmm-hmmm, yes."
"Well, Ross certainly remembers you. You and I are different types, and I think he craves a little variety." Rachel let that hang out there.
Cindy looked Rachel in the eye for a moment, and said, "I would love to get to know Ross socially, Rachel, if that's what you're driving at." Rachel nodded solemnly. "Tell me more about Ross in the bedroom."
Rachel made the sales pitch, "Well, he's kinda big, you know?" Rachel nodded as if she did, in fact, know. "He is athletic, and he knows how to do it. All of it. I just want to offer him a little variety."
Cindy asked, "Is this a package deal? Would you be on the table?"
"I would be there. I might be on the table, if absolutely necessary."
Cindy said, "Let's do it. Call me after work. Bye."
After work that night, Rachel called Cindy on her personal phone, "Cindy, it's me, Rachel, the woman who is offering up her boyfriend."
Cindy said, "Rachel, let's do this. When and where?"
Rachel said, "First, the ground rules. Both Ross and I were tested at the beginning of our relationship and have been monogamous since then," Rachel discounted the encounter with Annie as harmless, "but, from what you say, Ross would have to wrap up."
"Yes, that's my rule generally. Except for head. I'll do that raw. The condom is to protect Ross, not me."
"Excellent. What's your availability this weekend?"
"I'm free Friday night. Name a time and place."
Rachel said, "Ross has a nice apartment. Friday night?"
"I'll be there." Rachel gave Cindy Ross's address and phone number, and settled the logistical details. Ross sat next to Rachel on the couch, listening and biting his lip.
Rachel said, "It's all set. You have to wear condoms, except for her blowjobs."
Ross furrowed his brow, "You know you can transmit disease through oral, right?"
"Yes, but the condoms are to protect you, not her. I explained that you are clean."
Ross said, "Good. I've never gotten a blowjob with a condom on, and I never want to."
Rachel said, "This is Monday. You should be celibate Wednesday and Thursday, so you've got tonight and tomorrow night."
"Okay, let's do tonight and tomorrow night, and then I'll see you at my place on Friday."
The next day, at work, Rachel asked Cindy, "What would you like for dinner, Friday night?"
Cindy grinned and said, "I was thinking a nice Italian restaurant," clearly indicating she wished to be wined and dined. Rachel and Ross knew the perfect place, just two blocks from the apartment. The trio met up at the restaurant at seven o'clock. Rachel wanted to eat early since the primary purpose of the night was sex.
Cindy had changed from her not-so-conservative work clothes into a black dress with a plunging neckline that displayed much of her abundant cleavage. They shared a bottle of chianti. "Shared" was a relative term, because Rachel drank two glasses, Ross sipped a quarter glass, and Cindy guzzled the remainder.
Cindy was uncharacteristically edgy and nervous. She seemed to be drinking to calm herself. During dinner, Rachel grew concerned, "Cindy, is everything all right? Do you feel okay? We can do this another night, if you prefer."
Cindy began cry, and said, "I'm so sorry, Rachel and Ross. I don't know what to say."
Ross, said, soothingly, "It's all right, Cindy. I'll tell you what, why don't we finish dinner? After, if you like, we all go to my place, and just sit around talking. Nothing more. Would that make you more comfortable?"
Cindy blew her nose into a tissue, "Oh, Ross, you are such a sweetheart. That would be good." The remainder of the meal was easier. Cindy settled down. Rachel and Cindy debated whether to indulge in dessert.
Ross said, "Why don't you each pick something to go? You can have it tonight or tomorrow." The girls agreed, and they set off for Ross's apartment in good spirits.
As Rachel showed her around, Cindy raved, "You have an amazing place, Ross! And it's so well decorated. Did you help him decorate, Rachel?"
Rachel admitted, "No, no, I'm no decorator. Ross did this himself. He has excellent taste." Ross arrived with wine. Rachel and Ross sat, with Rachel leaning heavily on Ross. Cindy sat on the other sofa. Cindy drank almost a full glass of wine right away. Rachel cautioned, "Cindy, take it easy. Tell us how you are feeling, and what you're thinking."
Cindy began to tear up, and Rachel set a box of tissue on the coffee table in front of her. Cindy said, "I know I talk a good game, but I'm not as slutty as I say I am. I don't let guys take advantage of me. I am proud to say that, at least. I've never done a threesome, Rachel."
Rachel said, "Well, that's all right, Cindy. You can be selective if you want. That's a good thing, in this day and age. I'm not bi, anyway, Cindy, so it doesn't need to be a threesome."
Ross offered, "Cindy, let's just talk this out, okay? Rachel and I respect your choices, Cindy. We haven't been playing the field, and certainly not when it comes to group sex. That's normal for us, so don't be embarrassed if you live that way, too."
Cindy sniffled, "Oh, Ross, Rachel is so lucky to have you." Rachel smiled and kissed Ross on the cheek. "I wish I could find a guy like you."
Rachel said, "Ross is a great guy, but he's not the only one. Do you know when I started my relationship with Ross? It was after I decided I wanted a real man, a man I could count on, a man brave enough to be sensitive, and a man who wanted a life partner." Ross pursed his lips, and leaned his head against Rachel's.
Cindy was touched, "So sweet! Why would you share him?"
Rachel looked to Ross, he nodded, and she explained, "Well, frankly, Ross was married for years, so I have more experience romantically than he. I think he needs to sow some wild oats, or else he'll be jealous, or wonder if he should have played the field more before settling down. It's that simple. Sharing him is not going to be our lifestyle."
Cindy sat up straight, "Guys, let's do this. Can I have more wine, please?" Ross and Rachel looked at one another again. Cindy was not noticeably drunk yet, so they shrugged. Ross rose, filled her wine glass halfway, and sat down next to her.
Ross asked, "May I touch you, Cindy?"