Cast the Cards

“You want her, show her.”

“Is this some sort of game?”

“No, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking. If I want a snowball’s chance at keeping her when this is over she has to make a break from you, at least romantically. I can’t live with her wondering if she wishes it was you instead.” It’s a hell I refuse to be trapped in.

“And you think we’ll accomplish that by doing what?” Clark asked.

“Sharing.”

Clark’s jaw dropped.

“Yeah I know. I’m the last guy to suggest that, but you’re the other half of me, and I want this to work. Not short term, lifelong. If your ghost is hovering over us...” Carey shook his head as he trailed off. “It’ll never happen.”

“I don’t—” Clark shook his head.

“Savannah Marie West has always belonged between us. Is it really so shocking?” Carey whispered.

“No, not really. Can you live with it?” Clark studied him. “It turns you on, doesn’t it?”

“Fuck, yes it does. Once I started thinking about it I couldn’t stop. Imagine it, both of us moving inside her, filling our girl up.”

“Our girl… I like that.” For the first time since he returned, Clark beamed.

“So, it’s a yes.”

“It’s a hell yes.”

“Thank God!” Carey tossed his hands in the air.

“Worried?”

“Yeah I was expecting you to kick my ass.” Carey ran a hand through his hair and laughed.

“No, I wanted you two together. I just… I never thought it’d cut me to the quick.”

“The minute I saw your face that first night, I knew how you felt. It ate me up.” He shook his head.

“I’m sorry, bro. I thought I hid it better.” Shame dulled Carey’s excitement. “Then again, when could we ever hide anything from one another?”

“Good point… how are we going to do this?”Clark rubbed his hands together.

“Play it by ear. I’m not sure how she’ll react and you know when Vannah’s pissed it’s best to steer clear a while. I have a question though. Can you change your clothes?” Carey queried.

“Yeah I suppose, why?”

“Might want to do that so she’s not reminded…”

“Ahh gotcha. Now I’m feeling like an asshole.”

“Come on. Let me show you the ropes. Give you a crash course on game.” Carey walked over and slung an arm around his neck.

“Ouch. Don’t mince words.”

“You’ve been out of the loop for a while. It’s understandable. Besides, I was always better with the ladies.” He wiggled his eyebrows.

“And there’s the ego I remember so well,” Clark mumbled.

“Shut up… and follow my lead.”