The Widows Harem

Chapter 14 - St. Patrick’s Day

Jocelyn

Vincent wasn't worried about Tucker's threat, or about Peter's warning. So, I didn't think twice about it and let it go.

As the week wore on, we focused on the other shop. We met with contractors and made trips to the other building. Most of the nights we ate out with Jack, so Vince didn't have to cook, especially since we were out so late handling business.

During all of our drive time, I was able to do some critical thinking about the proposal Vince had given. And the more I thought about it, the more I liked the idea. It would scratch the itch I had always had: being intimate with multiple partners. And, I would get that satisfaction of helping them out. Of being their safe space. The more I contemplated it, the more intrigued and open I was to jumping in with both feet. Especially since I already knew Vince and Riley and had met Tristan. The only one I didn't know about was Ashland, Tristan's younger brother. Vince said he was touring the western states with a biker group, living the single life.

I had also finished the remodeling of the rental house and had an idea to offer it to the men who would be a part of this proposal. It was a five-bed, three and a half bath. There was plenty of space and room for all, or some, of them. It would hopefully allow for over-all easier access and compatibility for the dynamic we were setting up. From what I understood, all but Vince were renting rooms already. They were all already used to sharing the spaces and, again from what Vince had mentioned, all of them weren't too happy with their current arrangements.

Friday came quickly, and it was time to talk with Vince if this whole proposal was a go or not. "Hi handsome!" I greeted when he sauntered in with a coffee in hand. "You spoil me." I said, taking the cup and giving him a quick peck on the cheek. Vince knew the first object on our agenda today was personal, so he closed the door behind him.

Once we were settled, he asked, "So, have you made a decision?"

"Yes. I have. I would like to explore this opportunity with the four of you, if all of you are interested."

I saw the relief in his gaze at my words. "I'm excited and glad to hear that. And, yes, all four of us are interested too. We would like to meet up and talk more seriously before moving forward, if that is okay?"

"Of course! I was thinking of doing a Sunday morning breakfast since it's St. Patrick's Day. I'll make corned-beef hash and do a little St. Patrick's scavenger hunt for Jack. I know he will only be with us for part of the day since he goes back to his mom's," I added.

"I appreciate that. Jack would like that a lot. And, I don't think the others will have an issue meeting up. Other than Ash, of course. He indicated he was interested but wouldn't be back for a while still. He isn't willing to cut his vacation short and said he would make his final decision when he gets back into town."

Which was fair. "That sounds like a plan to me!"

I left a little early from work so I could run by the store to pick up what I needed for the weekend. I got the game ready for Jack on Saturday and had everything set out by the time he, and the others, got there on Sunday morning. Breakfast was also ready to go as well. We ate first. The atmosphere was light and friendly. We all seemed to get along. The conversation flowed well.

The guys helped me get things put away before we started the scavenger hunt. While it was mainly for Jack, the guys had a great time participating too. Seeing how they all worked together and interacted with each other, and Jack, put some of the nerves I felt at ease.

Right at noon, Jack's mother came to pick him up. The instant change in the boy's demeanor when she got there was concerning, but I didn't point it out in front of everyone. I would speak with Vincent directly about it later, when there weren't others around. He probably already knew about the shift in Jack's behavior, but I felt protective of the boy as well. I felt something was going on at the mother's home, something Jack wasn't talking about.

After Jack left, we all filed back inside and took seats in the living room.

"So, are we all on the same page that we want to give this a try?" Tristan asked, taking the lead.

We all answered in agreement.

"What questions or concerns are there?" He continued, mainly looking to me.

"I'm under the impression it is more a platonic thing, a friends-with-benefits dynamic," I started. "But, I am concerned that, in sharing such intimacies with each other, feelings will develop. If they do develop, between one or more partners, how will that affect the rest of the group? I'm worried jealousy may come into play and I don't want that to happen. I am open to a polygamous relationship if that is where it goes," I added.

"That is a good concern to have," Tristan acknowledged. "I agree that feelings will most likely develop. The guys and I discussed this point earlier, and we do not think there will be any issues. Even if one or more of us develop feelings. As long as the effort and attention between you and each of us does not change, I do not think there will be a problem. We are not opposed to a polygamous, romantic relationship if this goes as well as we are hoping it will." He admitted.

Okay, I understood his statement and was glad they had anticipated this question and had already discussed it ahead of time.

"It is important to keep open communication," he continued on. "The guys and I already understand this. Good communication is what kept us alive." He wasn't worried about their communication. He was worried about mine. They worked closely and intimately with one another in the service. I was the odd man out in this. "Until we are more comfortable with each other, I think we should set aside time to meet up at least once a week to touch bases. It would give us the opportunity and space to bring forth any problems, issues or concerns. And, once we are more comfortable, we can extend that to bi-weekly or monthly if we want."

I nodded my agreement, thinking this was a good idea.

"What else?" Tristan pressed, knowing there was more.

"What will each of our relationships look like? Or, maybe more accurately, what are each of you hoping to get out of this?"

"That is another great question," Tristan complimented, looking to Vince.

"I think we can all agree we need someone healing, which I know you are. We need you to be willing to listen and to be there when our world becomes too heavy. We also need someone to hold us responsible for our sh*t and you don't take sh*t from anyone," he smirked, remembering what happened earlier in the week with Tucker. "You aren't afraid to say how it is. You'll hold us accountable for our own behaviors and actions, as well as your own. You are also really good at standing up for yourself, which means we won't be able to intimidate you, especially if one of us is in one of our cranky moods."

Some of this we had already covered earlier. It was good to hear it reiterated with everyone in the room, all of them nodding along to what Vincent was saying. While it was helpful, I hoped they would each give a little more direction for what they each wanted specifically. Not generally.

"For some of us it will take some time and coaxing before we will trust you enough to open up." I saw his gaze flit to Tristan before returning to mine. "We want connection. We want something that is deep and meaningful. We want to be able to be vulnerable without being judged for what we had to do to survive." He paused for a moment before continuing. "For me, specifically, I need help unpacking and facing the wounds and insecurities I've developed due to my failed and rocky relationship with my ex. And to help... hold me accountable when I allow her to get under my skin. It happens more often than I care to admit, and it's not fair to Jack when I allow that to happen."

That was more of what I was looking for. "Thank you for telling me. Riley?" I prompted.

"I have a lot to unpack from my youth," he admitted. "I still carry a lot of hate, especially when it comes to my father."

I nodded. That would be a good place to start with him. I knew there was more, especially since he'd already indicated there were other failed relationships in his past. "Tristan?" He was the only one I didn't know much about. Would he be so open with what he needed like the others had been?

"I will mostly need your patience. I do not trust easily."

"And?" I pressed knowing there was more.

"Just, don't give up on me even if I am a stubborn ass about it," he grumbled.

"Ok, thank you," I praised him.

"What about you, Jo? What do you want from this?" Vincent asked.