Chapter 39

“No, no, no. It’s perfectly fine. Actually, I’m glad you told me. It’s nothing to be ashamed of. We’ve all done things, I’ve done things...”

“You have?” she leans in intrigued. “Like what?”

I tell her about Josh’s party for Heather and some other drunken nights I had random sex. Nothing on the scale of this, but still not activities I would just tell anyone about either.

She’s relieved to know I have my own semi-sordid past and that I don’t think any less of her, and why should I? If anything, I’m even more attracted to her for feeling comfortable enough to share with me. In my glow, the realization hits me. Sheesh! Just about everyone I know has been to some sort of huge sex party - except me! Will, Josh, Heather, and now Sandy of all people.

The free-flowing beer has her waxing nostalgic, “Not that I would do something like that all the time, but that night ... that night was so much fun, I’ll never forget it. The sheer abandon of social rules and total sexual freedom was exhilarating.”

Feeling emboldened and sensing this may be my moment, I ask, “Would you do it again ... if the opportunity presented itself?”

“Oh, no, of course not. I’m with you.”

“What if I was a participant at such a party?”

She takes on a puzzled curious look. “What are you getting at?”

“Well ... this is totally hypothetical, but what if I told you I had connections that could make a group thing happen?”

“Connections? How? Are you part of a swinger’s club or something?” she laughs.

“Not me, but my brother knows people.”

“Hmm...” she rubs her chin; she definitely seems interested – or it’s just the beer thinking. “Are you saying you want to have sex with other people?”

“No, it’s not that. I’ve never been in a real orgy situation, and it was a fantasy of mine.” Having possibly overstepped, I pull back, “Forget I brought it up, I was just throwing it out there because you seem to have fond memories from your college party.”

“Yes, that was a ton of fun, but I’ve grown up a lot since then.”

“I’m sorry, I was overthinking...”

“It’s fine,” she smiles and pats my hand, “I still love you.” Here comes the awkward silence of figuring out what conversation to follow up with after that blunder. I’m internally beating myself up for being such an idiot and bringing up something so stupid. Sandy must now think I’m a total—

“So ... your brother could really make something happen?” she asks, taking a sip of beer.

“Maybe, but—”

“It would have to be a one-time thing, maybe two if it’s phenomenal, and I need to know that you’ll be fine with everything.”

Wait? What have we here? Is she actually entertaining the idea of going through with this? “Uhh ... yeah, me? I’m perfectly fine with it. Are you sure this is what you want?”

“I may have grown up, but not that much,” she scrunches her nose and makes a devious little giggle that I’ve grown to love; that giggle usually means fun ideas are swirling around in her head.

“Who should we invite?” I ask.

“For starters, how about your brother? And does he have a girlfriend?”

“Yes, I’m sure he and Daisy would be up for it.”

“What about your friend Josh and his girl Heather? They sound like fun people.”

“Them too!” I can’t believe the exciting new direction of this conversation, and how Sandy is taking the lead!

“I also have a couple of former sorority sisters I could call.” She’s really getting into this; party planning at its finest, I love it! After drinking even more beer and brainstorming every possible way to make this work, a waitress comes to tell us the restaurant will be closing soon. Staggering our way out, I put my arm around her waist to help support each other. In a last bit of clarity, she offers, “Let’s sleep on it and if it still sounds like a good idea tomorrow, let’s call your brother.”