Triple the Love

I Will Try

Corey

It was the silence that was slowly killing me. It had been a week and a half since Hank had asked Jack and me to come over to his place. Since then, nothing but silence. I hadn't heard a word from him, and it was starting to wear on me. Jack was busy at the vineyard, so I hadn't been able to spend much time with him either. It felt like everything was in limbo, and I was stuck waiting for something – anything – to happen. I just couldn’t stand it anymore and the restlessness had built up inside of me until it was all I could think about. The fact was, I needed to talk to Hank. I needed to know what he was thinking, where he stood, and if he had made a decision yet. Otherwise, I was going to be stuck in this weird in-between forever. So, before I even knew what I was doing, I found myself standing in front of Hank’s house, my heart pounding in my chest. I hadn't called. I hadn't texted. I had just driven here straight from work. It was Friday and I knew that Hank was home. Jacob had mentioned earlier that Crawlott Construction had closed early for the long weekend. However, for a moment, I hesitated. Was this even a good idea? Should I just wait? I shook my head and knocked on the door before I could overthink it. A few moments later, the door swung open, and a surprised-looking Hank stood in front of me.

“Corey…I wasn’t expecting you,” he said, and I couldn’t help but notice how relaxed he looked. In fact, he almost looked happy to see me, and wasn’t that delightful?

“Yeah, I’m sorry for just showing up like this…but it’s been a while,” I said, as I felt awkward standing outside. Hank nodded as he stepped to the side to let me in.

“Yes, it has been,” he agreed as I walked inside. I heard him shut the door, and then he led me into the living room. I couldn’t help but notice that this time the atmosphere was calm. It reminded me of how it had been before I had f****d things up.

“So…ah…how have you been?” I asked as I sat down. I wanted to try and break the ice even though there wasn’t much tension between us. Hank shrugged as he leaned back in his seat.

“Busy with work, but good…I have been thinking a lot,” he said, and I paused as my heart started to race.

“About us?” I couldn’t help but ask. Hank slowly nodded. Since he had admitted that he had been thinking about it, I knew I couldn’t just say nothing. There was no point in beating around the bush. “Yeah, I have been thinking a lot about it too,” I told him. “About how it could work, about how we could make it work,” Hank didn’t say anything, but I could tell that he was listening closely. “I mean, I was thinking that the key is making sure we are all on the same page. I mean, it’s not just about me and Jack or me and you. It’s about all three of us and how we can figure out how to balance everything…you know, I see us dating each other individually…me and you. Me and Jack. You and Jack. But also, the three of us spending time together as a group…just finding out what works for us,” Hank didn’t say anything for a long time, but then he finally let out a slow breath.

“I get it,” he said quietly. “But here's the thing. I’m just not attracted to Jack. At least, not in that way. I mean…I care about the guy, he is my friend…but physically? It’s just not there,” I nodded because I wasn’t surprised by that. And I started to wonder if that was why Hank was against the idea.

“And that’s ok,” I said as Hank watched me closely. “Attraction isn’t just about the physical stuff. You and Jack do have a connection. Even if it’s more intellectual or emotional. You two are friends and that can grow into something more…if you are open to it,” Hank’s eyes searched mine and for the first time I saw something shift in his gaze. It looked as if he was finally considering the possibility that this might work. Of course, he still looked conflicted, but I felt as if he also looked hopeful.

“I don’t want to hurt Jack,” Hank then admitted. “That’s the part that I am worried about. If I go into this half-heartedly, it could hurt him,” his honesty took my breath away and I leaned forward.

“I don’t believe that,” I said, and his eyes went wide. “I don’t think you will hurt him, because you care about him. Jack isn’t expecting you to feel the same way as you feel about me…he just wants to be part of this with us. He just wants us to try,”

“Do you really think this could work? Me dating Jack, I mean…even if it’s not physical?”

“I do,” I said with confidence. “We don’t all have to feel the same way about each other. We just have to be honest and open. If you and Jack build a relationship based on what you already have, then that is enough,” Hank was quiet again, his gaze now fixed on the floor as he considered it. I could feel it and my heart started to pound in my chest as I waited for him to come to a conclusion. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Hank looked up and nodded.

“Ok, I will give it a shot. I will try this poly thing,” he said, and I knew I had to temper down my reaction.

“You will?” I asked. I needed him to confirm it so that I knew I wasn’t dreaming.

“I will…I mean, I’m still not sure how things will work, but I will give it a try. I will even try dating Jack too,” I couldn’t believe it. After all this time, after all the uncertainty and the back and forth, Hank was finally willing to give this a chance. Still, I had to school my reaction.

“Thank you,” I said. “I know it isn’t going to be easy, but I think we can make this work,”

“Sure, let’s just see how it goes,” Hank said with a smile, and I relaxed even more. I couldn’t wait to tell Jack.