Selena’s an avid runner, so she leans forward.
“Really? What’s your secret?” she asks. “Did you start a new diet? Is it keto? Are you taking supplements? Or wait – you got those new sneakers from Nike with the carbon plate embedded in the sole, right? OMG, I was thinking about getting a pair too but they’re so expensive!”
I take a sip of the coffee Selena ordered and bide my time before shooting her a wink.
“Do you promise not to tell?” I murmur.
Selena nods excitedly and mimes zipping up her lips. “Yes, absolutely. Your secret is safe with me.”
I pause to add to the drama.
“Well, the truth is, I’ve been having a lot of sex,” I giggle. “That’s what’s helping me get faster on the track.”
Selena’s jaw drops open.
“OMG are you serious?” she asks, her eyes wide. But then she shakes her head, those brown curls bouncing furiously. “Actually, that makes so much sense because Liam is a vigorous guy. So you’re getting a second aerobic workout at night, are you? Man oh man, you are one lucky girl.”
I laugh, my face still bright red. Should I divulge my secret? I look back to Selena and make a split-second decision. The bubbly brunette is a good friend and I know I can trust her.
“Actually, it’s not just Liam,” I confess.
Selena blinks a few times. “What do you mean?”
I shoot her a coy smile. “Well, let’s just say that it’s not only Liam keeping my heart rate up in the bedroom. There’s another man too.”
Selena’s brow scrunches.
“Wait a minute, I’m confused. Another man? What are you saying?”
“Well see, the thing is,” I begin, hedging a bit. “I’ve actually been seeing two guys at once, so I’m getting twice the workout in the sack.”
Selena is stunned, her eyes wide with confusion as her voice drops to a whisper. “You mean you’re cheating on Liam? But … but … I thought you loved him, Lissy! Are you serious?”
“No, it’s not that at all,” I say quickly. “I would never cheat on my boyfriend.”
My friend furrows her brow and shakes her head. “Okay, but I’m extra confused now. If you’re having sex with another man in addition to Liam, then how is that not cheating?”
I bite my lip.
“Well, it’s because I’m seeing Liam and another man simultaneously, that’s how.”
Selena squints, still utter perplexed.
“Um, does Liam know about this?”
I nod and laugh.
“Yes of course because he’s right there with us the entire time! It’s a simultaneous thing so I’m not going on separate dates with this other man. Instead, the three of us are in a relationship together and it’s a menage.”
Selena still looks confused though.
“People actually do that? This isn’t some weird Big Love type scenario? Except that you’re the man, and they’re the women?”
I shake my head.
“No, this isn’t … well, actually maybe it is. Yes, I share myself with two men, and the first guy is Liam, and the second is his friend Bart.”
Selena is even more confounded then.
“Sharing? Are you serious?”
I nod.
“Yes, and it’s amazing. We do everything together and it’s actually a really balanced relationship.”
Selena shakes her head with wonder.
“Um, I know this is an awkward question, but are the guys into each other too? I mean, I’ve met Liam and he’s a manly man so I’m having trouble picturing it. Just saying.”
I laugh.
“Good question because both Liam and Bart are completely straight. But it’s not really an if/or kind of thing. They’re really into me, and they’re not into each other at all although of course, they see each other naked and stuff when we’re in bed together. But the two guys don’t kiss or rub up against each other or touch or anything. Again, when we’re in bed, they’re totally focused on me.”
Selena nods appreciatively, wonder dawning in her eyes.
“Holy shit, girlfriend, that sounds amazing. So you’re telling me that you’re dating two men, and they’re both okay with it. Plus, you get to be the beneficiary of both of their attentions in bed, right?”
I nod, smiling.
“Yes, and not only are they okay with it, but we’re in a full-fledged relationship too. This isn’t just a hook-up because actually, we’ve been dating a couple months now. We go out on the town, listen to each other’s problems, and even do the dishes together. It doesn’t get more relationship-y than that.”
I watch as Selena digests my words. She’s stunned but finally a grin cracks across her face and she lifts her hand to high-five me.
“Good for you, Lissy. You’ve nailed the real thing, and it’s showing. Nice work.”
I titter.
“Thanks.”
But still, Selena’s astonished.
“This is amazing but honestly, I never would’ve expected this from you, Lissy. You seem so innocent and sweet, and yet here you are with two boyfriends and a super-active sex life. Have you gone public yet? Have you told anyone other than me?”