Chapter 26: Julián

“You’re saying that when I sleep in Lucia’s bed, I won’t be inconveniencing her because she stays in bed with you two. That can’t be right; I can go on the sofa. Don’t you want some exclusive husband-and-wife time?”

Gabe exchanged glances with Mia and Lucia and sighed heavily. Mia decided to bail him out and took hold of Jul’s hand.

“Let me explain. First, I’m sorry that you have to learn this right after that faithless bitch Sara betrayed you. Second, you must know that some couples aren’t perfectly exclusive; it is by choice, not by cheating. Third, Gabe and I were 100% monogamous and exclusive throughout our marriage, until my mama moved in with us after Hector died. Fourth, we are still exclusive, except for one change: Mama is our partner, too. I share Gabe with her. That’s as clear as I can be, and that’s why you can sleep in Lucia’s bed tonight for as long as you need to without causing her any trouble. She slept in our bed last night; she will sleep in our bed tonight.”

Gabe said, “Jul, I know this is a lot to take in. But it has been working for all three of us. I hope you can understand and be OK with it.”

“Wow. I guess my main concern is Lucia. Do you feel you have to go along with this? Could you say no? Could you go live elsewhere? Being with them like this, it’s your free choice?”

“It IS my choice, Jul. I love them; they love me; we’re a happy family. Shit, I sound like Barney, the kids’ show dinosaur. Seriously, there is nothing here for you to be concerned about. I can’t have Hector, but now I have them, and my heart is full. And, I have to say, so is my pussy, thanks to Mr. Studly here.”

“Oh. Wow. Well. Uh. Hmm. I don’t know.”

Julián seemed to look within himself for a long moment, then smiled. “Gabe, you dawg! Party On! I’d like to stay here with you, please. And, Lucia, I seem to be single all of a sudden. Can I take you to dinner and a movie tonight? Oh, sorry, excuse me. Are any of you uncomfortable with me asking Lucia for a date?”

Gabe said, “Jul, Lucia is a grown woman (despite her youthful appearance), and she knows what she wants. My opinion doesn’t matter. Neither does Mia’s. Only hers.”

“Lucia? I’m poor and bruised and scratched up. You’re not catching me at my best, that’s for sure. But I always envied Hector and Gabe for their marriages. I’d like to know you better.”

He felt tension in his chest, but suddenly she smiled at him.

“I’d like that. Can I pick the movie?”

“Of course!”

She held out her arms, and he rushed into them so quickly that she gasped.

“Oh! Sorry.”

Lucia chuckled.

“It’s OK, Jul; it’s nice that you’re excited.” She made an obvious sniffing noise because his clothing was a long way from its last laundering. “Oh, uh, look, I’m sorry to say this, but are these your only clothes?”

“Yes,” he answered quietly.

“They need to be washed urgently. And that’s my job in this house. I need you to strip. Mia, can you go get him some of Gabe’s boxers? I don’t think he’s quite ready for our household nudity policy.”

“Household nudity policy? Uh...”

“You don’t want to see me nude?” asked Lucia, pouting.

“Oh, no, no, that’s not it!” Jul sputtered. “I’m just a little shy myself.”

“Too bad for you. I expect full disclosure from any man I go on dates with. Besides, nudity is just practical here. We go around naked in front of each other all the time, because of the spa.”

“The spa?”

“Oh, we have a lot to go over, so you can live here comfortably. But now, get your damn clothes off, or I’ll remove them myself!”

Mia was ready to help, but Gabe wisely motioned her back. He put his hand out on the back of a chair to steady himself, then bent each leg to pull off his shoes and socks, pants, shirt, and underwear. Lucia circled around him, appraising.

“Sara dumped you? What a stupid bitch! You’re quite pretty. Mia, did you find some panties for him?”

“Pretty? Panties?”

“Get used to it, Jul. These two believe they are comic ... uh, I’ll tell you later.”

“Coward,” snarked Lucia, indicating Gabe.

“Oh dear, there seems to be some lint in your hair; let me see.” Lucia dropped to her knees in front of him and started fiddling with his pubic hair. Mia nudged Gabe and rolled her eyes.