Crissy Chance Read online

“I know you just got here, and I hardly know you, or you me. But it seems that what I do know about you makes me want to ask you something; something you may think is ridiculous, but I think is very serious.”

  “About me and Adam?”

  “Yes. About now, not ten years ago. Not when you were just blossoming as a woman but today after you are now fully formed and experienced in the ways the world works and how people really are. Adam had a shit childhood as did I. But you didn’t. You’re not exactly mainstream; you’re more like me. We are outliers in a world designed for sameness and confining social rules. I’m certain that’s why Adam loves us both as he does. He’s not made for this world either. I cling to the belief that Adam and I will always be together, no matter what. I believe him when he says that we can make a world of our own; that there is a third piece we need to find to complete us, even though we haven’t found that piece yet.”

  “And you want to know if, after all these years, I might be that third piece?”

  “Yes. I have no right to ask anything of you after just getting here. We’ve known each other for like ten hours, but I feel like I’ve known you all my life. There’s chemistry, for sure. You’re beautiful and amazing and full of life and adventure. But there’s more to it than that. You take charge, and I can’t; not with him anyway. I don’t know how to anymore. Adam always talks about balance; not who does the dishes exactly half the time, but how we fit together making ourselves and our partners happy. Just love and kindness. In his eyes it’s so simple and I feel like he knows answers to questions I haven’t even begun to ask yet. He’s waiting for me to decide something and catch up to what he already knows in his very soul. I’m trying, but I’m failing. Then you showed up today and everything suddenly became clear.”

  Misti listened as Noki poured her heart out and already knew what she would answer. It came as a profound insight; an epiphany about her own unease over the past few years. A tiring of a certain normalization of behaviors that led nowhere and meant even less. She was who she was; she was happy with every aspect of her life but one. Where was she going and who was she going with? She wanted more than a nice condo in Vancouver with someone to discuss whether it would be red or white tonight, beautiful silk sheets and lovely jewelry.

  As she sat next to Noki, it occurred to her that what she really wanted was to be a part of Adam’s life; hard, sometimes cruel but, whatever he felt, it was real and genuine. He was alive in ways that ten other men combined would never know. He was a pain and an angel; he had killed men but spent years repairing the damage to himself, if not others. He was loving in all things family but could be brutally honest to the point of rudeness. And she knew he loved her just as she was; he would never try to change her. He would always be there, always support her and always be the catalyst for a better her.

  She decided on the spot that she was the third piece. This was what she was born to do, born to be a part of. It was the differences, her uniqueness that brought her back to him and this amazing beauty who knew the answer before Misti knew the question.

  “I agree. You’re right. It was in front of my face all this time and I never saw it. Until now, this very moment on this bench looking out at the sea.”

  “I …”

  “You were going to ask if I thought I was that third piece, that other part that would make us complete. You think I am. I think you’re right.”

  Noki burst into tears and held Misti close and kissed her. “I’m scared.”

  “Don’t be. He already knows it too. Let’s get back before he overthinks this whole thing and fucks it up. We need to talk to him right away before business tonight. Then he’ll do exactly what we want and afterward we’ll have amazing wedding night sex.”

  Noki dried her tears. “Will you … talk to him for both of us?”

  “Of course. He’s always been putty in my hands. Together we’re his kryptonite. Don’t worry about a thing. You’re a genius.”

  “I am? I mean, I am. Knew it all along.”

  “C’mon, let’s go get our guy before he does something stupid.”

  ***

  The ladies were back in the residence shortly and found Adam in the kitchen getting ready to make dinner. He was wearing his “Fellate the Cook” apron, his favorite. He had food and ingredients out everywhere and was delighted when his girls sat down at the kitchen counter on barstools to watch him work.

  “Why do I suddenly feel like you guys are the cats and I’m the canary? What are you up to?”

  “Nuthin’,” said Misti lazily, meaning she was definitely up to no good.

  “Now I know you’re lying. I have stats on you, remember?”

  “We’ve been walking and talking and have some details we’d like to discuss and get your opinion. Just stuff, boy and girl stuff.”

  “I’m listening.”

  He turned to Noki. “Is she gonna hit me?”

  “No, of course not.”

  “Trick me? Manipulate, deceive or misdirect? I’m counting on you as the only adult in the room to protect me. She tricksey, you know.”

  “I know no such thing and neither do you. Please just listen, then we need you to tell us what you think.”

  “Are we going serious early?”

  “Yes and no.”

  “You sound like her. You’ve only been here like twelve hours and you’re already a bad influence.”

  “I will let her hit you if you keep this up. Yes, this is serious, but not business. It’s personal.”

  “Good. Now first, what do you two want for din-din?”

  Misti said, “Lemon chicken over a bed of fettucine Alfredo, twelve grain rolls, with garlic and olive oil pan seared, small salad, plain, and fresh hand squeezed OJ.”

  “Could you be a little more specific?” He turned to Noki and asked, “And you my luv, what can I prepare for you tonight?”

  “Big salad, olive oil, Black walnuts, croutons and that bread Misti asked for.”

  “Hah! Just so happens I have all the ingredients, even the oranges. Thought I’d forgotten, didn’t you Misti Suarez?”

  “It might have crossed my mind? Now who’s the tricksey one?”

  “Me, and I love it when I win!”

  “God you’re such a baby.”

  “I know you are, but what am I?”

  “Oh my God, it only gets worse from here.”

  Misti said, “Noki and I have talked over our situation, and you, and we think we should talk. Cook as we speak, but please pay attention.”

  “Roger that.”

  “Noki says you guys have been trying to figure out a situation that vexes you both but without any resolution so far. You know what we’re talking about?”

  “I do. And, good word. ‘Vex’. We love each other very much but have different needs sometimes, so we’ve decided to experiment and find a solution. I’m happy to wait but my girlfriend is very distraught.”

  “You understand why?”

  “I do. We mean the world to each other but she worries I will never be happy with things as they are.”

  “And?”

  “And I think what I’ve always told her. One day a year with her would be enough to make me the happiest man on the planet. But she doesn’t believe me.”

  “Does that upset you?”

  “No. I think it upsets her. It breaks my heart that she should be so unhappy when I see no need for it. But I don’t know what to do. I wish I did. We have decided we need a third partner for us both to be completely happy, but it isn’t that easy. I want to be a family. I want to be a family with her. I want to find a third partner, if we can, but whoever it is has to love us both, share our values and understand our former lives. Otherwise it won’t last. I’m a mess. Noki used to kill people for a living. It’s a challenge.”

  “What if we had a candidate?”

  “I’d love to know who it is. Does she want children? Does she know what an ass I can be? Noki will never be the problem, sis. But I will. If you think I’m wrong,
say so. Do you?”

  “I think you’re wrong. And I can prove it.”

  “I’m listening.”

  “The candidate is me. I want to be your third partner. It was Noki’s idea but when we talked it over I knew right away she was right. I’m not who I was when I was twelve, or fourteen when I came out. I certainly know where all the dead bodies are buried in your past. I know our family and I know exactly who you are inside. You know how much I love you, so no issue there. I just need to learn more about our new wife.”

  Adam kept chopping. He was quiet for a few minutes that seemed like an hour to Noki, who sat quietly and listened.

  Adam said, “We would have to agree to some house rules.”

  “We know. No more catting around and we are faithful to each other. And only to each other. If we want to change anything we agree to, then we all must agree. No secrets and that means you too, bub. Everything out on the table. And we have a trial period. We give it a year.”

  “You can do this Misti? Are you sure? Noki and I have been together for three years. She knows what a tyrant I am at times but we’ve made it work. We’re both independent and strong willed but we both have decided that ‘us’ is bigger, stronger and better than each of us separately. I don’t think it was easy for Noki. She struggled with being a couple until one day she didn’t any more. We both did. We’ve had to change, accommodate and understand what we each need. Does that describe you?”

  “Truthfully, I don’t know. I think it does. I think I’ve always loved you more than having my absolute and total independence. And I realize I’ll never have the life I want without you in it. I didn’t know that before, but I do now. I think this is exactly what I want and need.”

  “I’m a guy you know.”

  “I know.”

  “What’s your feeling about that?” Adam didn’t look up, just kept cooking.

  “I think the decisions that I made were made a long time ago, and I never considered anything else after I turned fourteen. I actually think that my decisions were right for me then, and still are. But I’m also older, smarter and more mature and willing to challenge myself, even long held beliefs. I don’t think my basic sense of self has changed at all; I think now I know better what I really want. What I really, really want.”

  Adam and Noki were a little shocked. It sounded as if Misti might say still she had no room for Adam.

  Misti saw distress in Adam’s eyes, “But that hasn’t got anything to do with you, Adam. It has to do with the rest of your gender. I told you a long time ago that, in our relationship, I was the guy and you were the chick. You aren’t a guy, you’re something entirely different. I can be exactly who I am with you, and you with me. Maybe that just means learning how to play with sex organs located on the outside rather than on the inside. But I think I know how. And I want to try. If you’ll be patient with me, I’ll try to be less … difficult with you. And we have a referee now. It’s balance, which Noki says is your new thing. I think if you thought about it, you’d agree we’re right.”

  “I admit I’ve always loved you.”

  “And?”

  “Desperately want to get in your pants.”

  “I thought so.”

  “And used to fantasize about …”

  “OK, enough. We get the picture.”

  Noki, who had been silent asked, “So?”

  “I think this is the best idea any of us have ever come up with in our entire lives. I’m in and dinner is almost ready.”

  Misti asked, “You’ll cook?”

  “Not leaving it to either of you.”

  “And clean?”

  “I know how; you don’t.”

  “You’ll be patient with us?”

  “If you are with me. Even if you’re not, too, I guess.”

  “Any questions?”

  “You won’t teach Noki bad habits?”

  “Sorry, that’s a non-starter.”

  “Just checking. What’s next after dinner?”

  “Business, then sex all night long.”

  Adam quipped, “Me too?”

  “Especially you,” said Misti. “I have things to learn. I need practice.”

  “You’re a quick learner I bet.”

  “Practice, practice, practice. And that mind thingy.”

  Noki came up to Adam, “I love you buddy. I didn’t think I could love you any more than I did. I was wrong.”

  Adam looked at Noki. “It was always you. If there was no Noki to bring us together, we’d be three miserable kittens. Now we have a lifetime of adventure. I can’t wait for tomorrow.”

  The girls laughed, “And we can’t wait for tonight!”

  Chapter 8

  Adam, Noki and Misti sat down for what Adam expected would be bad news, following so quickly on the heals of such great news. At the conclusion of her story, which was admittedly lacking in many details other than the barebones facts of who’s involved, Adam asked some foundational questions.

  “I assume you want to do this project, Misti?”

  “Definitely.”

  “Noki?”

  “Yes. Definitely.”

  Adam said, “There will be challenges. It can think of at least three. Initials E, A and C”

  “I know. Will you let me handle them?”

  “No. Definitely not. We will handle them. But you can take lead. I’m too angry, and Noki’s a rookie when it comes to them and their nonsense. It will be our first test of community. They don’t know Noki, but I can assure you, they’re snooping as we speak. If they get out of line, which you know they will, Misti, what will you do then?”

  “Whatever we vote to do. I don’t think you should be any different with them on account of me. That’s between you guys. If they go after Noki, I’ll fucking cut off their heads. Besides, I’m going to teach Noki all about the assholes in our family and I think she can back them down herself. No problem.”

  Adam responded, “Then count me in too. When do we leave?”

  “Right away, I’m afraid. I don’t want to leave my cocoon here, which is warm and wonderful, but we need to find a woman who’s hiding out in legit fear for her life and get her to safety in New York City. There’s another woman involved too, who is with Crissy, and we need to move her to safety too.

  “The five-story?”

  “That’s what I’m thinking.”

  “Who else is coming along? I’m bringing in Kalindra when we get back.”

  “Besides your folks and Crissy? Two others, maybe more.”

  “I get my folks, especially the old man, given the project. But Crissy is dead weight. I think they should stay in Barrows Bay, or anywhere they want, other than the five-story. They can visit but I’d prefer them to be as far away from us as possible.”

  “I know. Let’s get back there fast and get all the unpleasantries over with.”

  Adam said, “I’ll make the travel arrangements. But I need a couple of hours alone. I’ll go down to my Lab.”

  When Adam left, Misti asked, “Is he OK?”

  “Yep. Every so often, he needs some ‘mind time’. He just wanders off somewhere, sometimes the couch, and sorta falls asleep. Then he wakes up and it’s all good.”

  “God he’s weird.”

  “No shit.”

  ***

  Their initial flight left by floatplane at six in the morning after a vigorous night of naked wrestling. Adam was done first at around three; Noki called quits an hour later. Misti tried to shame each for lack of stamina, but neither was intimidated. A new world, Misti thought. She was no longer the boss; there were now three strong willed partners who knew how to say no and draw the line. Misti was somehow unburdened by the realization. It was the difference between team play and individual sports.

  She liked ‘team’; she did not mind that she was no longer solely in charge. There was less stress and more creative sharing. Even her physical experience with Adam had been exciting and new. She accepted that she might not be so narrowly ‘all
girls, all the time’. She could make an exception for him; together they would mold something new and unique that suited them both. Noki was far ahead in that department; she was clearly at ease with both Adam and Misti.

  If this got any better, and both Noki and Adam promised it would, she feared death by orgasm overdose. Adam told her she had to “man up” for the future. Noki was gentle; just not all the time. If Misti thought Adam was a handful, Noki would soon reveal that she was no pushover and, at times, even more willful that either of her partners.

  Once they got to their private jet and settled in, Adam moved to the back of the plane for a “mind excursion” and told the ladies he would be back in his body by the time they landed in New York. He had family business to attend to and he needed peace and quiet.

  Neither had any idea what he meant, so they left him to his own thoughts.

  Once again, Noki said this was a strange part of their relationship; Adam normally did mind excursions while she was off with one of her lovers at some nearby Greek resort. Part of the new normal, they thought. He was talking in his sleep, so they cuddled up on either side and listened in until they fell asleep too.

  Lying together, head to head somehow allowed the girls glimpses, flashes into his mind. What they saw was amazing and impossible to explain. If it wasn’t a hallucination, they couldn’t wait for the big surprise now just a few days away.

  They were excited. Could it really be real?

  ***

  Adam awoke in another time and place; a familiar place. Gone were all the people and structures built in another lifetime. Herds of wild animals wandered the plains below; fresh water abundant from the Spring rains. Mating season was nearing its end, and the young males not able to pair were fighting to prove a dominance that no longer mattered.

  Adam had been here before, many times. A small residence where he once lived with his family still looked as it always had, though most of the furniture and all of his electronic gadgets were gone. Immortals needed no such trinkets and could imagine and create vast Palaces if they wanted. To Adam, simpler was better and his wives always built what made him happy. They had lived together for thousands of years, one lifetime after another, but always together as one. Adam could recall some of his past lives, but with each new lifetime, old ones faded. God had been merciful to him; Adam was happy to forget the many centuries of pain and loss.