It was rather nice to have Joey out of town for the better part of two weeks after their torrid mid-week lovemaking session. I learned quite quickly that having him out of town and having him out of her life were two quite different things, as he proved to be a very attentive boyfriend, constantly calling, e-mailing, texting, and twice sending her flowers. Ellen was very pleased that Joey was proving to be an attentive and apparently monogamous suitor. All of this really came as an unwelcome development. I had trouble wrapping my mind around the fact that a horny, partier like Joey would be so enamored of Ellen. There was the 12-year difference in age, for one, plus she had a son and while she had independent means, she couldn't be expected to participate in the lifestyle of a young, single, corporate type.
But these issues were apparently not deal-breakers for either of them. I mean, it was dawning on me just how prime Ellen was, a catch for any man at any age. She was incomparably beautiful, of course, and highly, perhaps too highly, sexed. And she was more than well off financially. And, it was dawning on me that she had business and social ties to the world to which Joey aspired. There were no upgrades to be had. Ellen offered everything a man could want in a woman. I knew this of course but as the light went off in my head, I realized that the real reason Joey had been so quick to agree to a monogamous relationship with Ellen had less to do with the sex and everything to do wanting her as a life partner. I had seriously underestimated Joey. To me he was a toy; a highly skilled, youthful, and vigorous lover who had performed his role well with two of the women I dated, but who was in the end a disposable pleasure. But he was a clever, ambitious man and in his own way, as desirable a catch as Ellen. I was mentally kicking myself for being so obtuse.
Ellen and I shared a week of rather typical contact after Joey had left on his extended business trip, with daily phone calls, texts, and two visits. We made love twice and both times when I beheld her naked body, I was instantly aroused. Knowing that Joey also knew her raw beauty and enjoyed the charms of her body made me wild with the need to reclaim her as my own. And though Ellen was responsive to my impassioned lovemaking, I was unable on both occasions to bring her to a climax, something Joey did with distressing ease. The second time we made love, I was for some reason conscious that my penis did not and could not reach and press against her cervix as Joey could do with ease. Indeed he had to hold back an inch or so when he was inside of her in certain positions as otherwise he would cause pain and discomfort to her internally. And both times the joy of my release as I came inside of her was almost immediately dulled by the thought that my ejaculate was sterile, devoid of the teeming tens of millions of sperm cells that Joey could and did release into her sex. And as deflating as that bit of reality was, I had to admit that it was also intensely exciting for me to know of a certainty that Joey was regularly and deeply inseminating her, as I could not.
As we lay together in bed after making love, I wanted desperately to share my thoughts, fears, and desires with Ellen. And I realized that there was no reason why I shouldn't. I loved her, trusted her, and in a way she was my best friend. And friends listen and allow you to be yourself. I resolved to just open up to her about the situation with Joey when the phone rang.
"Hi baby," she chirped into the phone as she smiled with obvious delight. "I'm doing fine. I'm here with John. We're hanging out this evening." Yeah, and both of us are naked in bed, I thought smugly. "What are you up, naughty boy?!"
"Really? That would be great. When do you come in? For how long?" Damn. I thought he would be gone for a full two weeks. There was an extended silence.
"Yes, I can see you tomorrow. I'll just have his father keep him an extra day. "Shouldn't be a problem. I miss you too. Love you!" I could hear the joy in her voice even as I gazed on her lovely ass and gently stroked her breast as she lay on her side. She didn't take any notice as I did so.
They chatted for a few minutes as Joey apparently shared some of the details of his trip and Ellen talked about the mundane happenings of her week. They were a truly loving, happy couple. I suppose it was that phone call, more than watching them sexually coupling, which made my decision. She was in no hurry to end the call, taking obvious pleasure in connecting with him. Ellen smiled in my direction a few times which I greatly appreciated. She was entirely without shame or guile, talking with her lover in my presence, and for that simple quality I could not but love her even more. Her animated joy at hearing from her lover was genuine. I was surprised that I didn't feel angry or threatened. I actually felt relieved.
"Joey's coming into town for the weekend before he heads back out. His boss said he needed to have a few days off. He could have stayed in New York, but he wanted to come back to be with me. That's so sweet!"
"Yeah," I answered numbly. "So, what's the plan?"
And then she hesitated, biting her lip a bit. I wondered what was up.
"Would you mind if Joey and I went out together, you know, as a couple this weekend? I want to get past this whole deal of just having him just coming to my house so secretly, though the back door. I think it's time, don't you?"
And I couldn't but agree. There was no reason to be secretive any more. Joey was her boyfriend. I wasn't sure what I was any longer, but for once I decided to lay down my own rules.
"Ellen, you know that I love you."
"And I love you too. You know I do. What's up with you?"
"I know that love me, I mean, I really do. You're my best friend as well. So we need to talk, or rather I need to talk to you about this whole situation. OK?"
"I love you and you're my best friend too. I don't know what I would do without you. You can tell me anything." I melted with relief and knew in that instant I had nothing to fear.
"I'm jealous of Joey. No, that's not quite right. I mean, I'm sort of intimidated by him."
"He hasn't said anything to you, has he? Or been mean to you? I won't stand for that!" I was taken aback a bit by her intensity. I had not expected her to be so protective of me but she was and her caring warmed me.
"No, I don't talk with Joey and he's said nothing mean to me. But, look, I'm a guy. I know that he charms you. And I know that you, well, you know, have feelings for him. Do you love him?"
She didn't answer immediately, looking at me questioningly, but she was an honest woman, so I didn't have to wait long for her reply. "I do love Joey now; very much. You know that didn't happen right away, but love just happens. It doesn't change my feelings for you. I don't know, you just offer me something different – maybe better, but I love you as well. Oh god, don't leave me John," and she teared up. "I'd be lost without you. What a mess I've made of this!" It grieved me to see her so upset, so I enfolded her in my arms and kissed her.
"Ellen, you're the love of my life. You're my best friend. I want what is best for you – that's how much I love you. I will always be there for you – always." And then she cried, trembling in my arms. I held her close and stroked her hair, offering her solace and caring in my embrace. I think it was in that moment that I really got it, you know, what really mattered to me. "I will never leave you."
