Triple the Love

Make a Choice

Corey

Jacob didn’t look very happy, and then he glanced over his shoulder, and I had a feeling that whatever was about to come out of his mouth – well, he just didn’t want anyone else to overhear him.

“I mean…technically, you’ve been stringing them along since you first met them…you’ve given them both the impression that when you are ready, you would be up to dating them. I guess…now you are ready, and you are dating both of them…but Corey, you do know that this isn’t going to end well,”

“I know…”

“Corey…this is wrong,” Jacob then stated, and I stared at him in surprise. “I get that it is difficult for you since you like them both…but…you have to tell them the truth…because I’m going to go out on a limb here and say neither of them knows the real truth,” I shook my head, and Jacob shook his head as he made a move to leave. “Make a choice, Corey…before this blows up in your face,” he said before he walked off. I stared after him as I realized that he was right. Of course, he was right. But how was I supposed to choose between them when I wanted them both? Why couldn’t I have my cake and eat it too? I also realized that Jacob didn’t only disapprove but he was disappointed. In me. I didn’t like the way that felt, but I held my head up high as I decided to join the guys over by the grill and what I walked in on was Atticus, Damon, and Alastair discussing the movie theater project. I groaned as they mentioned blueprints and permits. I wasn’t all that interested in that, since I hadn’t paid all that much attention to Hank when he had been talking about it. Instead, I headed inside.

“Wait, what?” Naomi asked just as I stepped into the kitchen. All eyes were on Molly, and I froze as I waited to see what I had just walked in on.

“We just want to get through this first,” Molly said as she ran her hand over her belly. “Jaden and I decided that the wedding could wait until after the baby was born,” the ladies seemed to understand as they hummed in agreement. I, on the other hand, didn’t care. I couldn’t help but feel somewhat disconnected from it all, and I knew it was my own fault. Everyone here was settled in their lives. Married with children. Engaged. Pregnant. Happy. In love. And then there was me. Single – to them. And even though I had felt out of place before, this was the first time I felt like I just didn’t belong. My love life was a mess, and Jacob’s words echoed in my mind. He was right. I did have to make a decision and the only way I could do that was to charge full speed ahead. Since Jack was working, I decided to call Hank. I didn’t bother saying goodbye to anyone as I slipped out the front door. Hank picked up on the third ring.

“Hey, little bunny…” he greeted me when he answered. I blushed and smiled at his endearment.

“Hey, hot stuff…what are you up to?” I asked as casually as I could. Hank wasn’t a fool. He knew I was at the traditional Sunday BBQ.

“Not much…I left Jake’s place about an hour ago,”

“Oh, so you are at home,”

“That’s correct,”

“Can I come over?” I asked as I fished my car keys out of my pocket.

“Sure,” he said. Neither of us hung up – which wasn’t unusual – as I made my way to my car. Hank started talking about his day with Jake as I got into the car. I started the engine as I listened to him talk about his best friend. I smiled as he complained about Alessa, and I laughed when he groaned over how annoying Jake had been. Hence the reason he was at home and not at their place. By the time I arrived at Hank’s place, I was ready to snuggle up with him on the couch and watch a movie. Hank’s door was wide open, and I let myself in as I closed the door behind me.

“Hey,” I said to him as I hung up the call and sat down next to him. Hank leaned over and kissed my cheek before he pulled me a bit closer.

“Hey yourself,” I blushed as his eyes roamed over me hungrily. “BBQ gone wrong?” he questioned, and I sighed as I leaned my head against his shoulder.

“I just realized that everyone is married. Engaged. Have kids or pregnant…and I felt a bit…” my voice trailed off as I realized what I was saying.

“Lonely?” Hank offered and I nodded. “I mean, I get it, and I’m pretty sure that if you suddenly invited me to join in on all the fun, they would be all up in our business,”

“You have no idea…Naomi was on the verge of giving me a lecture, but I was saved by everyone else arriving…I then snuck out before she could corner me,”

“Would it be so bad?” Hank then asked, but I didn’t answer him immediately. The truth was that, no, it wouldn’t be so bad. In fact, I would be happy and proud to show off my partner. The only problem was that I didn’t have one. I had two. Which was why I had to keep them a secret. And that only made me feel guilty.

“No,” I said honestly. “But I just…” I stopped myself before I could make something up. The truth was that I didn’t want to lie. I didn’t want to have secrets. But here I was, doing exactly that. So, instead of lying or making something up, I went quiet and pretended to fall asleep. The only problem was that I did end up falling asleep.