How to be a Good Son Ch. 02

Literotic asexstories – How to be a Good Son Ch. 02 by riverking2,riverking2 This story is a continuation of my first story ‘How to be a Good Son’. I would recommend you read that first. Here, after some cleanup from the last chapter, Jason learns to be a good brother.

VERY quick synopsis. Jason and Tracy, mother and son, are on a quick business trip in Hawaii. They met another couple, daughter Susan and father Keith, and connected. Last night the women switched rooms for the first time.

Woke up with Susan in my arms. She was looking at me, smiling.

“Well, it’s about time. I didn’t want to wake you, but I really need to go.”

Susan got up and walked to the bathroom. Naked, of course, after last night’s antics. It struck me that it was like watching a statue from a museum come to life. I could see her dress from last night’s dinner party draped over a chair. After a few minutes I heard the shower turned on.

“Jason, I need your help. I can’t quite reach the middle of my back.”

Now THAT is a good reason to get out of bed, I hurried to her side. After testing the water temp, Susan got in the shower and I followed. We started off washing each other. After all, there was ‘some’ residue of last night on both of us. I then got into the stream and shampooed, rinsed, then let Susan get in the water to do her longer hair. I took a couple minutes to rinse. Standing behind Susan, I wrapped my arms around her waist, then moved hands up to her breasts. Everything was slippery and warm. Susan leaned back into my chest. It didn’t take long for me to be fully hard, fully excited. Susan could feel the attention on her behind. She reached around and positioned me lower, between her legs.

Susan, also being tall, was the perfect height for this. I started moving, back and forth along her pussy, with Susan getting into the motion. Eventually she reached between her legs and positioned me against her opening and pushed back. I slid in easily, Susan was already wet. I held her tighter. We were slow and easy, not frantic like the first time the night before. A steady connection, enjoying the moment. Over time the rhythm sped up, and eventually I could feel Susan shutter, and let out a satisfied moan. I kept the motion going and had my own orgasm a couple minutes later.

We got out and toweled off. My phone went off, a call from Tracy.

“Morning Jason. Hey, last night you said you wanted to meet for breakfast at 10:00. Well, it’s 9:00, and I’m having a little issue getting ready. Seems you have all my clothes and makeup in your room. I didn’t want to barge into you, but I think Susan and I need to swap, at least for this morning”.

“OK, give us 10 minutes and come on up.”

“Susan, I think you have to go. Tracy’s coming up in 10.”

“So, you screw my brains out all night then kick me out in the morning. I see how this goes.”

“Well, you could stay and explain what evils you did to her favorite son all last night. That would be interesting, especially if we’re still naked.”

“OK, getting dressed, I see her point. I’ll leave, and see you back at breakfast. I really don’t want to wear my dress from last night, people might get the wrong idea. Can I borrow a t-shirt and some shorts?”

“You mean people will get the correct idea. Anyway sure, t-shirt and shorts coming up.”

The shorts fit Susan OK, if a little loose. Just have to cinch up the belt. The t-shirt is one Jason just bought at the gift shop. Unfortunately, or fortunately as the case may be, Susan was not wearing a bra with her dress last night, and she currently fit VERY well in Jason’s t-shirt. Something about seeing Susan in a too-tight t-shirt, braless, was more erotic than seeing her naked. Yet another mental image from this trip Jason wanted to keep. In fact he got his phone and took a couple quick pics of Susan, showing all her assets.

Susan gathered up her clothes from last night and headed for the door, barefoot. A quick kiss and she was gone. A couple minutes later Tracy knocked and Jason let her in.

*****

Susan and Keith had decided before the trip to extend the stay a couple days. They saw Jason and Tracy off at the airport shuttle stop at the hotel. The trip back had a quick stop in Honolulu, then an 8 hour flight back home. Plus a 5 hour time difference. The flight from Honolulu left at midnight, getting them home early Sunday afternoon. The intention was to sleep as much as possible on the flight. Jason had a window seat, with Tracy next to him, with a woman in the aisle. They put down the arm rest between them, with Jason backed up against the window and Tracy laying against him. This gave Jason more leg room. It was a little chilly on the plane so they draped a blanket over themselves.

At this point they were not talking much, other people were trying to sleep. The position was a little convoluted, but they managed to get relatively comfortable. Tracy closed her eyes, using Jason’s shoulder as a pillow. After Tracy settled down, Jason was surprised to find his hand positioned over one of Tracy’s breast. He gave a little squeeze. Tracy opened her eyes for a couple seconds, looking directly at Jason, then closed them again, a smile forming.

Jason thoughts were swirling, as they usually did.

It feels really nice being this close to Tracy, comfortable. I have a new relationship with Susan, excited to see where that will go. Am I cheating on Susan, holding mom like this? Or is the relationship with mom something different than with Susan, can exist along side? Just what is my relationship to mom? How does she feel about me, as something more than a son? Well, play it out, see where things go. But no lying, to anyone. Well, maybe to Karen. THAT truth would just make everything even more, complicated.

The plane landed and after retrieving luggage, and a good bye kiss, they went their separate ways. Normally at the end of a vacation you feel happy about the trip, but a little sad that it’s over. This time, for both Tracy and Jason, there was that, plus the anticipation for the relationships just forming.

*****

Susan did make it back to work by that Thursday. They had lunch in the office cafeteria and decided to do dinner that night, where it would be easier to talk.

“Wonderful trip. I didn’t want a bunch of people to overhear us at work, this works much better. By the way, I checked out the community college. In June they have a scuba certification class. I’m thinking about going, I would love to go diving more places, go deeper and stuff. Plus the exotic places you get to go. Beach life might just be for me.”

“Agreed, I might just tag along. I really liked the scuba too. Jason, I know there’s no ban on employees dating at work, but I really don’t want ‘us’ to be common knowledge, at least for now. Not that I don’t want to keep going. Everything happened so fast in Hawaii, I almost feel like I need to take a step back and get to know you. No matter what happens I want to keep you as a friend. That, in my dating experience, just about never happens. Eventually someone does something to the other, tempers flare, and the relationship ends. Very sad, actually. So, can we just date for a while? I’m not saying we will not ‘get together’, I’m just not ready for you to move in with me. I mean I’ve only known you, been with you, for what, 3 days?”

“Yep, I get that. Vacations can be like that, or so I’m told. People let loose a little more, things happen. If everyone knows we’re a couple, it just gets more complicated. Especially if we don’t make it. So, Susan, are you available, say Saturday night?”

“Let me check my social calendar. Yep, looks like I can squeeze you in. I’ll let you figure out the details.”

“So what do you think about my mom and Keith?”

“They seemed to have fun, a good connection. Biggest issue I see is dad lives a half hour from me, in the wrong direction for your mom. If they want to keep it going, it’ll be long distance.”

“After dating a younger woman for years, will your dad think mom is too old?”

“Actually we talked about that. I think dad is done with younger women. Course, your mom kind of looks like a younger woman anyway. I don’t see that as an issue. That’s not something we can fix or do anything about anyway. Up to them to figure out.”

“What about the other elephant in the room. Are you OK dating a younger man?”

“4 years difference? I think I can handle that.”

“Just to let you know, I’ve always had a thing for older woman. Just saying.”

“We get to see each other every day at work, and date when we like. I’d also like to stay tight with mom. I’ve been going home for a weekend about every 3 ore 4 weeks. I’d like to keep to that schedule, depending on if your dad is visiting, of course.”

“When I saw you two diving, it looked like two honeymooners. It was so obvious you were in-love. Then you let me know she was actually your mom, that surprised me. You intimated you are a little closer than a normal mother and son, that depending on the definition you are in-love. I also saw how you reacted to dad and your mom dancing. Happiness, not jealousy. You really do want the best for each other. I’ve been thinking about this, I don’t want to get between you two. Whatever you have going on, I don’t need to know about. Everybody has baggage in their past. What I DON’T want for us is to lie to each other, ever. What I’m saying is there are things you don’t need to know about me, my past, and probably things in your past I don’t need to know. Whatever relationship you had with your mother, have with your mother, is not a threat to me. And I don’t need to know any details, if you choose not to tell me. We both ended up in Hawaii, sleeping with a parent, for god sake.”

“Wow. Now that’s the way to start a relationship. Get it all out there from the start. And I really agree about the no lying part. Course, I may not ALWAYS volunteer the full details. But if you ever ask me a direct question, expect the truth back. One more good thing about being with you. If you ever ask me how you look, in anything, I have no reason to not tell you the truth. Fabulous.”

Three weeks later.

“‘Mom, time for a visit. Are you free this weekend?”

“Actually I am. So Susan is not keeping you busy enough? Need some home cooking? And is she doing your laundry now?”

“Finally, no lectures about finding a woman. Susan is actually going to spend some family time with her dad this weekend. All good.”

Next night, Jason got to Tracy’s.

“Mom, where do you want me to put my bag?”

“Well now, that’s a loaded question. I guess my room, don’t see any reason to change, for now.”

“I was hoping you would say that. Seems like every time we are together lately it’s a new normal, new rules.”

Over dinner.

“OK mom, time for the low-down on you and Susan’s dad. I’ve been trying not to pester you too much, but I’m here now. Details? Have you been together much? Susan said he was out of town last weekend. Is your house out-of-town?”

“Yes, Keith was here last weekend, and we had a good time. We’re still getting to know each other. He calls a lot, but last weekend was the first time we could reconnect in person. I’m really starting to like him. The distance is good and bad. Good that we can slow down things, bad that he’s not here.”

“So when you say slow down, does that mean he put his bag in the guest room?”

“No. After the last two days in Hawaii, any guest room stuff is out the window. We’re just enjoying each other, seeing how things play out. Not making any plans. How are you and Susan doing?”

“Great. We get to see each other every day at lunch. And she also wanted to back off a little. So we are kind of dating at the moment, but definitely exclusively. Not that we don’t SEE a lot of each other. We only live about 10 minutes apart, so that’s convenient. Mom, does Keith talk about Susan at all? Did you ever get a vibe that there might be something between them, more than fatherly? I know we have no room to talk in that regard.”

“Well, they do seem close. Hard to tell. Do you know something?”

“We had a ‘we need to talk’ conversation, but in a good way. Susan just wanted to clear the air before our relationship. She is really big on having no lies between us, which I agree with. She said we both probably have secrets in our past, better left there, that the other might not need to know about. Then she talked about you and I. Our relationship. Whatever we have going is not a threat to her, and she is OK with, and does not need to know any details about. Most women would feel threatened, could feel threatened, about a close mother and son relationship. But if she had the same deal with her dad, would she be more understanding about us? And we had another conversation at the luau that was, interesting. Talking about the difference between love and being in-love. We both agreed that, depending on definition, we could not rule out being in-love with our parent. I know you have thought about this, I know I have. Just what is our relationship, currently?”

“Well, you found Susan, but here you are back home, right on schedule. And I found Keith, but I’m always happy you’re here. So Susan suspects something between us, but is OK with it. Makes me wonder if Keith is like minded. Our current relationship? I would say, in development. Things are happening, changing, so fast. In the past I had a set of barriers between us, keep us on the level, as it were. Mothers and sons are not supposed to be more than intimate, we both need to find someone else, what happens if Karen finds out. One by one the barriers are coming down. There is nobody left to feel guilty to, ashamed to. One detail about last August I never told you about. You said you were sad we were not more connected that night. After I woke up that morning, remembered what had happened, I went out to the kitchen. I found the calling card you left me. I was going to throw the cigarette pack away, then on a whim I took one out and lit up. It was mostly a way to connect with you, even after you left. Kind of like people used to light up in bed after the fact. I thought a lot about that night these past few months. Playing the game, pretending we didn’t know. Part of me was hoping you would push the issue, make love to me again. But, as always, you were the good son, and I was trying to be the good mother. And what happened in Hawaii was payback, so that was OK. Well, OK in my mind anyway. So that leaves us here, now. Like I said, we’ll see what develops.”

As is customary, Friday night was movie night. After dinner Jason and Tracy assumed ‘the position’ on the couch, beer and wine close by, and started a movie. Jason laying back, Tracy curled up on his chest. Both just felt, right. Jason’s arm wrapped around Tracy.

15 minutes into the movie Tracy’s hand started to wander. Idly stroking across Jason’s chest. Eventually her hand happened across a nipple. Little strokes, back and forth. Not lost on Jason. Encouraged, Jason started some wandering of his own, landing on one of Tracy’s breast. Tracy looked up at Jason, moved up the couch and kissed him. Slow and long. Then more kisses.

“Jason, I was thinking. If we ever decide to be ‘more than intimate’ again, can you call me Tracy? While it’s going on? Like in Hawaii. Mom just doesn’t seem, appropriate.”

“Sure mom.”

After a few more kisses, a little more wandering hands, a little more thinking.

“Tracy, I’m thinking I’m about ready for bed.”

“Sounds like a fine idea.” Whatever barriers were left between Tracy and Jason were now gone. “Can you give me a couple minutes to get ready? I’ll call you in.”

Tracy had thought about this possibility, this moment. She knew her and Jason had enjoyed their previous encounters, but that he needed to stay connected with her. What better way to connect and interact than to play games. Role playing games, if possible. And she wanted to connect with the previous sessions, bring them forward, but altered. Jason really seemed to enjoy being under her wrap on the beach. And Tracy had really enjoyed her time with her toy and Jason.

Tracy took off her jeans, and blouse and bra, leaving her panties. Then put on a tight short-sleeve sweater top and a long flowing, pleated skirt. Then she called Jason in.

Tracy commanded “Take you clothes off. Now.”

Jason stripped. They were now standing, looking at each other.

“Down on your knees.”

Jason knelt in front of Tracy.

“Do you like my panties?”

“Yes Tracy.”

“How do you know? Can you see them?”

“No Tracy”.

“Do you want to see them?”

“Yes Tracy.”

“I’m going to show you my panties. In fact, I want you to take off my panties. Would that be fun?”

“Yes Tracy.”

“Do nice boys touch girls panties?”

“No Tracy, nice boys don’t touch panties.”

“Well then, how are you going to take the off?”

“I don’t know Tracy.”

Tracy moved in closer to Jason. She lifted her skirt and Jason moved in, up against Tracy. She let the skirt go, trapping Jason under. Memories of Hawaii came back to him. The intoxicating smell of Tracy.

“Jason, take off my panties. Remember no hands.”

Jason maneuvered up to Tracy’s waist. On one hip, he used his tongue to get under the panties waistband, then could use his teeth to pull the panties down, 2 inches on one side. Then the other side, 4 inches down. Jason worked, back and forth, till at about her knees the panties loosened and fell to the floor. Jason then moved back to her pussy, using tongue where he could reach.

“Jason, stop that. I didn’t say you could do that. Who gives the orders here?”

Tracy stepped back from the kneeling Jason.

“You do Tracy.”

“Good boy. Now get up and lay in bed, on your back, head on the pillow.”

Jason did as requested. Tracy got on the bed, on her hands and knees and maneuvered her pussy over Jason’s face, spreading out the skirt all around, again trapping Jason. The lights were still on in the room, and enough light shown thru the material that Jason could see what was coming.

She then lowered herself onto Jason’s mouth. Gently. Jason couldn’t really move much, so Tracy did. Moving her pussy back and forth, up and down, in and out. Whatever felt good. Jason assisted as well, extending his tongue as far as he could. Then she stopped. Jason was liking this more and more. More aspects of their last meeting, but different. Why did she stop?

“Jason, that is a very little penis.”

“That’s my tongue Tracy.”

“I see. Then where is your penis?”

“It’s behind you Tracy.”

Tracy turns. “Very nice Jason. You really are a big boy. Are you a good boy or a bad boy with your penis?”

“I’m a bad boy Tracy.”

“That’s what Tracy wanted to hear.”

Tracy, still on her hands and knees, moved back down the bed. She positioned herself over Jason’s, at the moment, very erect member. She again spread the skirt around herself as far as it would go, covering Jason’s lower chest and upper legs. Starring intently at Jason, she slowly lowered herself. Eventually resting on Jason’s crotch, and her ankles. She moved her hands to Jason’s chest, starting a slow, long rhythm. Every time she moved up, and out, the skirt would tent around Jason. When she moved down, inside, the skirt would lay flat.

Jason had always had a thing for seeing women in skirts and dresses. Something about the feminine aspects. The being exposed, not knowing what was underneath but, from the right angle, could be seen. A game between man and woman. He thinking about what she might be hiding, was she wearing panties, what they would look like, hoping to catch a fleeting glimpse. She doing everything she can to hide herself. Crossing legs, holding the hem in a wind, being oh so careful sitting or standing, getting into a car. Sometimes letting him get a glimpse, on purpose. Seeing Tracy on him. Him in her. All hidden by the skirt, but knowing, at this moment, exactly what she is hiding. The tight sweater, with no bra, added to the experience. Jason could see the true shape of her breasts, and they would jiggle every time she went up and down. Hidden and exposed at the same time. Yes, this was working for Jason. He would not, could not last long.

Tracy sped up, then she sensed Jason getting close and stopped. Lifted and pulled out.

“Has Jason been a good boy?”

“Yes, maam.”

“Does Jason deserve his reward?”

“Yes maam.”

“I’m Tracy, not your maam.”

“Yes Tracy. Please Tracy, more?”

“OK. You have been good and respectful.”

Tracy lowered onto Jason again. Renewed her rhythm, faster. She reached down, under her skirt, and felt Jason enter her. Leave her. She was in control. She could feel her climax coming, on the edge. Building. Hold off, slow down, try to match Jason.

“Tracy, it’s coming. I’m close.”

With the first feeling of Jason letting go, up into her, Tracy could let herself go. 5 or 6 pulses from Jason, and her climax was still happening. Jason stayed hard enough, long enough, to finish Tracy. She collapsed onto his chest. Both satisfied. Tracy stretched out her legs and lay full length, Jason still inside her.

“Wow. That was, amazing. I love you Tracy.”

“Love you to baby.”

Felt so good to just lay there. Content. Happy. Satisfied. However, Tracy was not done. She was hoping Jason could keep going. Keep playing games. She remembered what Jason had said about their first encounter, had felt unconnected. Let’s see if we can fix that.

10 minutes later.

“Jason, you like playing, games?”

“Loved playing that game, for sure.”

Softly “Can we play another? Please?”

Tracy moved over to her nightstand, where she kept her toys. She pulled out her dildo and a little tube of lube, and handed them to Jason. She was trying to look innocent, demure. Jason could sense the change. Tracy wants to go from being in charge to Jason taking the lead.

“Stand up.”

Tracy got up and stood near the bed.

“Lift your skirt.”

Tracy lifted the skirt over her waist.

“Tracy, you don’t have any panties on. Good girls always wear panties. Are you a bad girl?”

“Yes Jason, I’m a bad girl.”

“What is that running down you leg. Is something leaking out of you?”

“Yes Jason. I was a bad girl with a boy”.

“Take your dress off. And your top.”

Tracy got naked.

“Tracy, you’ve been dirty. Dirty girls need to take a shower. Get in the shower and wash yourself, your girl bits. Don’t get your hair wet. I’ll watch to make sure you get clean enough.”

Tracy started the shower and got in, leaving the door open. She positioned at the back, the water only hitting from the waist down. Jason stood just outside, watching. She got a soapy sponge and started to clean herself.

“Make sure to get everything that got dirty. And your backside.”

Watching Tracy take a shower, cleaning his remains off her, was a bit erotic. Tracy really did try to clean herself well, she thought she knew what was coming.

“OK, clean enough. Are you still a dirty girl?”

“No, I’m a clean girl now.”

“Good. Dry off and get in bed. Lay on your back.”

Jason picked up the dildo and turned it on. He didn’t start at her crotch, he wanted to stretch this out. He used the dildo as a massager. Started on the side of her cheek. Down to the side of her neck. Slowly stroking back and forth. Lower then, to her heaving breasts. Moving around, just the tip. Her breast sides. Then moving to the center, her nipple. He could sense Tracy’s excitement growing. The other breast, same treatment. Then lower. Her flat stomach. Her belly button. Tracy could feel the vibrations, all the way inside of her. Tingling. Building. The dildo, now flat on Tracy. Jason kept at that spot. Moving in circles. Tracy smiling. Obvious pleasure. Then Jason moved lower, down to her thighs. One side and the other. Then inner thighs. Back and forth. Moving closer. Closer. Moving up. Then Jason stopped, turned off the dildo and placed it aside. Tracy gave a look of longing, begging. Please.

“OK, get on your hands and knees, inspection time.”

Tracy turned over, ass as high as she could, legs apart. Her face now buried in a pillow. Herself fully exposed to Jason, from behind. Jason lowered onto her sex, his tongue exploring Tracy, tasting. Moving around, and finally inside, as far as he could reach.

“Tracy, I thought you cleaned your pussy. It’s wet, and dripping. What do you have to say for yourself?”

“I’m sorry Jason. I guess I’m still a bad girl.”

Jason went back to his explorations. He was not sure exactly how this game was going to work, making it up as he went. He stopped kissing her pussy and moved up, from his position. Up, till his tongue could feel her back hole. Her rosebud. It tasted clean, slightly of the soap she used. His tongue swirling, tasting. He even thought to push in, just a bit. Still tasted good. Tracy was moaning, enjoying. Jason had a sudden flash. He was actually tasting his mother’s ass hole. And somehow it wasn’t weird or awkward. Just, in the moment. He picked up the lube and put generous amounts on her rosebud, on her pussy. Everywhere. Then he picked up the dildo, turned it on and lubed it. He moved it to her pussy, just the tip touching. He teased Tracy, moving the tip around. Inside a bit, then back out. Teasing. Then Jason positioned it over her and pushed. Tracy arched back, trying to impel herself on it. It went all the way in easily. Jason let Tracy control how far. Then out, all the way. Toying with Tracy. Then back in. Then he left it.

“Tracy, do you like your toy there?”

“Yes please.”

“OK, you can hold it now. You play with you.”

Tracy grabbed the dildo and started to fuck herself with it. legs spread, ass still high in the air. Jason got the lube and put a generous amount on his member, and more on Tracy’s hole. She was so slippery back there now. He moved his fingers up and down, then inside. Tight, and warm. He could feel the vibration with his fingers. Jason then positioned behind Tracy, his dick head resting on her hole.

“Please Jason.”

Enough encouragement. Jason pushed in, Tracy pushed back. It went in easier this time. A couple inches.

“Please, all the way.”

Jason pushed in, Tracy pushed back. Jason could feel the dildo, feel the vibration. Further. Easily. Gently. All the way in. God, it was tight, but smooth. Slippery. Jason could feel Tracy clamp down. On the dildo. On his dick. She kept pumping the dildo, in at out. Her speed. Jason tried to match, from behind. He could feel Karen shutter, again. And again. Finally he could feel his getting near. The vibration, the feeling.

“Jason, baby. I’m here. Let it go. Please.”

Jason reached around and grabbed Tracy’s breasts. Hugging her from behind. Pinching the nipples. Then, he let loose. Shot after shot entering his mother’s ass. Eventually, he collapsed on Tracy. She lowered herself to the bed, and they just laid there. Jason still inside her, the vibrator still going. For five more minutes.

“I’m done honey. Please, release me.”

She pulled out the dildo as Jason pulled out from behind. They sat up and just looked at each other. What can you say? What should you say?

“Let’s get a shower, we need to clean up, again.”

They took a shower, just washing each other. They dressed for bed. Jason in boxers, Tracy in t-shirt and panties. Then went out to the kitchen, sat around the table. What a comfortable, erotic feeling. Sitting with his mother, after whatever it was that just happened.

“One more detail, if that’s ok?”

“Sure Tracy. Whatever.”

Tracy went over to the cupboard and pulled out a saucer. Then over to a drawer and pulled out a lighter and an unopened pack of cigarettes. She opened the pack and gave them each one. She lit Jason’s and her own.

“After the first time, we both had an after-the-fun smoke, but not together. It kind of helped me feel connected. I’d like to continue the tradition. But just one, you understand. We don’t need to make it a bad habit.”

“A bad habit, like a son doing his mother. What we just did, that could get to be a habit.”

“Agreed. I’ve been thinking about that night. A lot. Wondered if we could recreate it, with you feeling better about it this time. I admit the playing was a little well, simple and clunky, but we can work on it.”

“Tracy, now mom I suppose, you were successful, it was wonderful. It’s going to be really hard to top our first two times because they were unexpected and new, tonight was a good start.”

They sat and smoked, just watching each other, finished and went to bed.

*****

2 months later. 9:30 Wednesday night.

Jason was wrapped in Susan’s arms, laying on her bed, naked. They were currently in recovery mode, resting between love making sessions. With Jason having a roommate, it was easier to meet up at Susan’s one bedroom place. Jason’s phone went off.

“Hi Karen, what’s up?”

“Jason, I really need your help. Are you very busy this weekend?”

“Susan and I don’t have any real plans. What do you need help with?”

“I’m going to mom’s with the kids this weekend. I expected Harry to come with me, but he has some kind of work function Friday, so can’t make it. No big deal. My friend Patty just happened to call me tonight, she works in the same department at Harry’s office. I asked her if she was stuck at the work event too. She didn’t know anything about it. Harry doesn’t have a work event, he was lying. I don’t know how to deal with this, alone. I decided I’ll drop the kids at mom’s and come back to town to see what is going on. Can you come up here Friday? If it’s just a misunderstanding, you can probably go home that night. If it’s bad, I might need someone to be here longer. I want the kids to stay with mom, in case I get emotional.”

“Karen, that’s some though news. Sure I’ll be there. What time, at your house?”

“Let’s meet at the Target parking lot. I’ll switch cars with mom, so I’ll have her’s. I want to see what’s going on before he knows I’m in town. I should be back there by 9:00.”

“OK, Target Friday at 9:00. I’ll be there. We’ll figure this thing out. Don’t worry.”

“Thanks and bye.”

“What’s going on honey? Something wrong with Karen?”

“She thinks Harry might be cheating on her. She wants me with her Friday to help figure things out. Might end up being there all weekend.”

“Crap. I hate cheaters. Yes, you need to be there, with her. And if it ends up being bad, do whatever it takes to get her going again. It can be devastating, and I never had kids and marriage to deal with. The couple of times we were around Harry he seemed OK, I guess you never really know about people. I know how close you and Karen are. I’m serious, whatever it takes. I really like what I know of her. And she’s your best friend, she can’t be all bad. I’ll be here when you get back.”

“OK, whatever it takes.”

*****

I met up with Karen about 9:00, at the Target parking lot near her house. She parked, locked up mom’s car and got in the passenger side of mine.

“Karen, are you sure you want to do this? Some people would say you would be better off not knowing.”

“I think you know me better than that. Well, let’s go find out”.

We first drove past Karen’s apartment building, to see if Harry’s car was there.

“OK, I don’t see his car. I know he was lying about his work event, but he could be out shopping, or at a bar. Lots of legitimate places a guy, free from his family for a night might be. Do you want to drive around, see if we can find him?”

“That’s the plan, and I have a best guess to start with. Go back to Main street and head east. Turn left at the 7-11.”

Two blocks up the side street, there was Harry’s car. No bars or restaurants nearby, no bowling alleys, no work events. What was nearby was a small apartment building. Karen just sat there, tears forming. She had suspected, didn’t want to believe. She reached over and grabbed my right hand, just held it in both of hers.

“I can’t stay here. Let’s go somewhere, I want to get drunk. I need to get drunk.”

“Karen, who lives here?”

“Connie McCoy. Well, Connie Hazen now. You remember Connie, you dated her the summer before your senior year in college. Connie. She is, well, used to be a friend.”

“Could Harry be visiting her husband?”

“No. Harry met Sam at their wedding, but just briefly. I doubt that they are friends. Sam’s a truck driver, spends a lot of time on the road. That’s one of the things Connie was complaining about last time I talked to her.”

“OK, you know this town. Where do you want to go?”

“Harry and I don’t go out much, never to bars. Just drive downtown and find a place with neon beer signs. One is probably as good as another.”

I could tell Karen was struggling to hold it together. I didn’t know if being in a public place right now was a good option or not, but it’s what she asked for. I went back to Main street, towards down town. A few blocks later I pulled into the parking lot of a bar that didn’t look too bad and we went in. It was Friday night, but only 9:30, so the place was only half full. We found a booth near the back. Should I sit across from her, or together, on the same side? I got in first and let Karen decide, she slid in next to me. Would this be a good time for a hug? Karen answered that too, pressing me to her, tears running into my chest. I just held her. Whatever just happened to Karen’s marriage, her life, I wanted to fix. Make it all better. That, of course, was wishful thinking. After a few minutes her sobbing slowed down, and she released me. Eventually a waitress came by and I ordered two beers for us.

“What was Connie like, when you were dating her?”

“She was, a little unstable, I guess. She could be a lot of fun, then blow up on some little thing. And, she was impulsive. It got to be too much for me, eventually, and we broke up before I went back to school.”

” What do I do now? Is my marriage over? Do I want it to be over, or should I give Harry another chance? What if Harry has a valid reason to be at Connie’s place?”

Well, there was not much to be decide then and there. Karen would have to talk to Harry, see where things went. Hear his side of the story. I just sat and listened, adding supporting comments where I could. Eventually she was asking the same questions over and over. No way to answer them in a bar. After 4 beers for Karen, 2 for me, we decided to go back to her place to await Harry coming home. We didn’t see any use to going back to Connie’s to confront him there.

The apartment seemed weirdly empty to Karen. Normally if she was here, the kids were here too. They would be an emotional support, if they were here. At the moment all she had was me.

“Jason, I used to watch you lay on the couch with mom. I know you still do. Can you give me that tonight? I really need someone to hold me.”

“Sure baby. Whatever you want.”

We both had jeans on. I had a t-shirt, Karen had a blouse. Not super comfortable, but that was not the point. I laid down first, with Karen curled on top of my chest. Karen and Tracy are the same size, same shape, so it felt comfortable and normal for me. I turned on the TV, not really caring what was on, and just wrapped my arms around her.

*****

I could feel Tracy, me spooning her behind. My arms wrapped around her, one hand cupping a breast. Tracy backed into me. I could feel her ass up against my erection. Lately mom likes this position, we seem to melt together. The motion slight, but Tracy has a rhythm starting. We both know where this is going.

“What the hell is going on here!”

In an instant I’m awake. The TV is still on. Karen is on the couch next to me. Her blouse is half way un buttoned, my hand cupping a breast inside. And, thankfully hidden from view at the moment, I’m sporting a very hard erection. Light is coming thru the windows. And there is Harry, standing over us.

Karen just laid in front of me for a few seconds, trying to take stock.

“Jason, can you, please, move your hand?”

I pulled my hand back and we started to untangle. Karen stood up and re-buttoned her top. I stood behind her, hiding myself as much as I could. At least we still had our clothes on.

“So, Jason and my wife, doing it in my house. And where, by the way, are the kids?”

“The kids are at mom’s, and this isn’t about me and Jason. Where were you last night? Did your work function last till dawn?”

“Why are you even here, and why is he here?”

“I found out your work function was a lie. I went to mom’s and dropped off the kids, then had Jason meet me back here. I wanted to find out what was going on, and needed his support. I was hoping it was something, well, not devastating. We were here last night, waiting for you to get home and must have fallen asleep.”

“Yea, I see how you sleep. Looked pretty, intimate, to me. What was that on the couch? Groping my wife? Looked way more than a brother helping out a sister. I did always think you two were, well, close.”

“Harry, again, where were you last night? And lying about it is only going to make things worse.”

Harry seemed to slump into himself. Lying was not going to fix this. Putting blame back on Karen was not going to work. His anger melted into a realization that this could be the end for him and Karen, and that was never his intention. It had started off just helping out a lonely friend. Things, escalated.

“I, can’t tell you where I was. I’m not going to destroy two marriages over this. But I saw, you two.”

Part of me was very angry that someone would cheat on my sister, another part kind of admired that he would take the blame himself, protect the other person. Could he still be an OK guy, who just made a mistake? Well, that was for Karen and Harry to work out.

“Harry, if I don’t get to know who you were with last night, you don’t get to know anything about me and Jason. Live with it. Now I want you to get some clothes and find somewhere else to be. And it had better not be wherever you were last night. I have to think about this.”

Harry packed a bag and left, without saying another word. Karen seemed to be cried out, at least for now. She was more angry, and scared.

“Shit shit shit. What am I going to do? Is my marriage over? A single mom with two kids. Now what?”

“First thing you need to do is not panic. You have two kids to think about. Whatever happens to your marriage, Harry is their father, for life. If you think you can forgive him, and you both still want to be together, that’s best for the kids.”

“I know, but right now I’m just so angry. Can I ever trust Harry again? I need to call mom, let her know what happened.”

“Hi mom. Jason is here, I’m putting this on speaker.”

“Is it good, or bad news?”

“The worst. We found Harry’s car across town last night, then went home to wait for him. He didn’t come in till just a few minutes ago. He admitted to being with someone. I had him pack some things and get out.”

“Honey, I’m so sorry! Well, thank god Jason is there to support you. Did Harry say why he was cheating on you?”

“No, just admitted there was someone, then he left. We didn’t get into the whys.”

“Did he even say if it was over? Is he done with that woman?”

“Didn’t talk about that either. I need to calm down first. Jason already gave me the ‘what is best for the kids’ speech.”

“Yep. Don’t burn your bridges just yet. You need some time to cool down and figure things out. I’m going to give you another day to give you a little more time to recover, I’ll drop the kids off tomorrow afternoon.”

A half hour later Karen got a message from Harry. It just said “I’m sorry”. No lies, no feeble excuses. Well, probably a step in the right direction anyway. Jason also called Susan, let her know the situation. As expected she felt bad for Karen and the kids, wanted him to support Karen any way he could.

Later that day Jason was trying to find a distraction for Karen. This problem was not going to be resolved today, but at least he could try to get Karen a little peace. It was a nice May Saturday, Jason took Karen to a state park about 30 minutes away. A little hike, on a nice day, is never a bad thing. The park trail was an easy walk thru a wooded area, breaking out at a lake. The way was wide enough to go side by side, Karen held Jason’s hand as they walked.

“Jason, what do you think? Can I ever trust Harry again? Should I give him another chance?”

“Karen, as much as I don’t like Harry right now, as much as I want to protect you, I don’t think you have a choice. There is too much at stake for you, for your marriage and for your kids. Do you still love him, thru all this?”

“I think so. Is it possible to hate someone, and love them at the same time? I, well we, need to have a talk to see where this goes. Can you be there with me, for me, when I do?”

“Might be a little awkward, but sure. I can be there. How much time do you need to think beforehand?”

“Can’t wait forever. I don’t even know where Harry is staying, and he will want to see the kids, and the kids will want to see him. Gets complicated really fast. OK, Wednesday evening sounds about right. Part of me wants Harry to stew for a while, anyway. Think about what he did, what he might have lost, or has lost. I’ll send Harry a message. You can be there for dinner, 6:00?”

“Sure, if you need me I’ll be there. I don’t think Susan needs to come, kind of a family matter.”

As they came up on the lake there were benches along the shore. Karen and Jason sat down on one, watching some ducks playing in the water.

“Jason, this morning, right before Harry came home, you were having a dream?”

“Yep. And I apologize for how things looked when he burst in, for groping you. Not very brotherly. Didn’t really help your cause, at that moment.”

“I have, well, kind of a confession to make. I woke up 10 minutes before you. I could feel you on my back, feel your hand start to roam. I heard ‘Tracy’ once, so I figured you were dreaming. My first thought was amusement that you could confuse me for mom. Course we are the same size, you could never confuse me with Susan. Then I realized this was happening, to me. I had to stop this. Almost immediately I thought screw it. If Harry get’s to cheat, why can’t I get some revenge? And I was also thinking how great it felt. How protected I was in your arms. And we were dressed, it wasn’t like we were about to screw in your sleep. So I took the enjoyable way out and just let it happen. Now I feel like I used you, in a way.”

“No harm done Karen. I will say Harry interrupted a very enjoyable dream. And yep, I probably was thinking about mom at the time.”

“Still thinking about mom that way. I know you and mom did it last August, you said it was a onetime thing. But then you, and mom, in Hawaii. Was there any, island magic?”

“Karen, Susan and I made kind of a pact when we started dating. We don’t have to tell each other every detail about what we have done in our lives, what we are currently doing, but we will not lie to a direct question. I want to extend that pact to my whole family. Lying just makes life, more complicated, and not in a good way. Be careful what you ask me, you might not like the answer, but it will be the truth.”

“I like that pact, works for me. I’ll never lie to you either. I thought Harry and I had that kind of pact, more implied. But I guess not. If we do try to keep our marriage going, that will be part of the agreement. So Jason, back to Hawaii. Did you and mom do… more? I’m not going to get mad either way.”

“Just will not let it go, will you? If I don’t answer you’ll just think we did it anyway. OK. Stop me if it gets to be TMI. In the months after our first, ‘encounter’, mom and I played a game of pretending it didn’t happen. I didn’t know she got raped, she didn’t know it was me. It worked as a barrier, keeping us a, mostly, normal mother son couple. We were still sleeping together, in the same bed, but just sleeping. Holding each other, not even kissing. Which I admit is decidedly not normal, and, we both knew it wouldn’t take much for things to progress. But it kind of worked, living on the edge. We were getting human contact with someone we loved. Mom took the opportunity in Hawaii for, I guess payback is the best term. A fantasy for a fantasy. The third night there, after our scuba trip, she led me to a secluded spot off the beach she had scoped out and made love to me, in every sense she could. Remember my fantasy about Summer of 42? Well there was an older woman, the beach and the sound of surf. It was tender and beautiful. Afterwards we walked out and had a talk on the beach. The pretending about the first encounter was kind of blown up then, and we didn’t know where we went from there. But we didn’t make love again on vacation. The next day, at a luau, mom and I connected with Keith and Susan. So our attentions were, diverted for the rest of the trip.”

“OK, so mom paid you back, I can deal with that. That’s twice. I’ve seen you with women before, how did you manage to get thru to Susan? She seems, well, out of your comfort zone.”

“Probably a good way to put it. On the trip we decided to be Jason and Tracy, not mom and son. Just seemed easier, no explanations required. Susan was on our dive boat on the scuba trip. She was watching mom and I, kind of forming an opinion about our relationship. Older woman and younger man, obviously in love. Later she told me she really like how I treated mom, she was even a little jealous. Next night at the luau there was dancing after all the Hawaiian stuff. At one point I was just sitting, staring at a bonfire, my mind off somewhere else. Susan sat down next to me and introduced herself. We talked about Hawaii and the scuba trip. It was easy to talk to her, I wasn’t trying to pick her up, no pressure. And, she had come to me. She started asking me about my relationship with Tracy, how tight we were, were we in love, which I thought was a little odd. Eventually she told me her dad had been dancing with Tracy for the last 20 minutes, and was worried I would be upset. I let her know Tracy was my mom, and I was thrilled she was with somebody. We ended up dancing most of the night. The next night, at a formal party, Susan was my official date. Later, after the party, mom and Susan switched rooms for the duration of the vacation. So it happened quick, with a lot of help from Susan and, as you say, island magic.”

“I’m really happy for you and mom. So now, with Keith and Susan in the picture, you and mom can go back to normal. No more mother-son-with-benefits needed.”

Jason, thinking.

“Right? Hello?”

“Karen, let it go.”

“Oh my god. You and mom are still going at it. What about Susan? Are you cheating on her now?”

“Can we please talk about something else?”

“This isn’t something I can just let go. How can you justify dating Susan, and doing mom at the same time? This doesn’t sound like the Jason I know. World’s best nice guy. You are still my best friend in the world. Please, you can tell me.”

“So I’m a nice guy, and a cheating asshole. Good combination. First of all, I was ‘with’ mom first. So in a way me being with Susan is kind of me cheating on mom, but of course we don’t see it that way. When Susan saw mom and I together she was convinced we were in-love, like honeymooners. And she was impressed. Later back home, when Susan and I started our new relationship she had ‘a talk’ with me. She let me know how she had been hurt in the past with lying assholes, and she needed complete honesty to make this thing work. I agreed with her. Then, an interesting point. She saw my relationship with mom and did not want to get in the middle of it, whatever it was. We did not need to change it for her, it could be alongside whatever Susan and I become. She thought it was special, and was not jealous or threatened by it. She didn’t need to know details. Which is a very enlightened view for a girlfriend to have, I suppose.”

“So, implied, a sexual free-pass with mom. Very convenient. Susan was in Hawaii with her father. Those hotel rooms, one bed?”

“Yep, ours was. One bed. Susan and her dad were sleeping together, until mom and I broke them up.”

“I’m starting to see the picture a little better now. So mom might have her own free-pass with Keith. Did you ask Susan what her relationship was with her dad?”

“Nope. She would have told me and, at this point, I don’t need or want to know. I’m certainly not jealous of or threatened by her dad. And no, you don’t need to know any more details about mom and I. I’ve already said too much. You’ll just have to use your imagination.”

“My god. You hit the jackpot, relationship wise. Don’t screw it up. And, as you already suspect, I’m once again feeling out of the loop with you and mom.”

“Which is one of the many reasons I didn’t want to have this conversation. What is it with you dragging my most inner secrets out in the open? Let’s just say life has gotten much more complicated this past year for me, in a mostly good way.”

And Karen thought, could it get just a little more complicated for him, in a good way?

They got back to Karen’s place and decided it was time to get ready to go out for dinner. After a few dinner drinks at a little Italian place, and a couple more back a Karen’s, they were once again curled up on the couch together, watching a movie. This time Karen had put the chain on the door, didn’t need Harry breaking in on them again, unlikely as that currently was.

“Jason, did you feel a little, crowded on the couch last night?”

“Oh god, I can hear it now. ‘Jason, you and mom get to sleep together in a bed, why can’t we?'”

“Well, why can’t we?”

“Look, do you really want to go down that road?”

“My marriage may be shattered, my life in shambles. I may seem OK right now, but I’m a mess inside. I really, really need to just hold someone I love right now, and the couch is not doing it for me.”

“You sound just like mom. OK. But put on some proper sleepwear. I don’t want to assault my sister in my dreams again.”

Karen went into the bedroom to change. Jason got to his overnight bag and pulled out a pair of athletic shorts to wear for the night. Just boxers would not be, appropriate. Karen ended up with a long cotton nightshirt, reaching down to her knees. Jason suspected, however, Karen was braless.

They got in bed together, Jason spooning Karen from behind. Standard sleep position for him and mom, but platonic. No more talking, they were talked out. Just reassuring contact. They both fell asleep fairly quickly.

*****

Jason could feel mom, pulling on his shorts. Exposing his erect member. He could feel her on him. Lips parting to take him in. Swirling tongue. Slowly, Jason started coming to his senses, waking up. Shit. That is NOT mom giving him a blow job at the moment. What is Karen thinking? Stupid question. Should he stop her? Probably. Does he want to stop her? Probably not. And, could he consider this payback for yesterday when Karen was, kind of using his dream for her pleasure? Easier to just pretend to be asleep, accept it. Had to admit Karen was actually pretty good at the whole blow job thing. Only took a couple more minutes and she has a mouth full of his cum. It did feel really good. A few more seconds of cleanup work, and Karen moved back beside Jason.

“Well, what did you think?”

OK, the whole pretend to be asleep thing was not going to work. Going to have a real conversation. Think before you say anything. Karen is vulnerable right now. Shattered, looking for comfort.

“Thanks baby, that was, unexpected. Are you, perhaps, hoping for more?”

“Well, let’s say I would not turn it down right now.”

“I have to say I was, kind of, expecting something like this. OK, let’s see if I have this right. You were fucked over by your husband. You are angry and scared, you need comfort, and payback. I’m lying right next to you, ready available. Because of my, unusual, relationship with mom and Susan, I’m available, morally. I’ve already did it with mom, so I have no problem with incest. Harry already thinks we are doing it anyway. And I’m a nice guy, and I love you, so of course I’ll do whatever I can for you. You want to screw me. About right?”

“Well, I was kind of hoping you would see it that way.”

“OK, what about me?”

“Hoping you will be there.”

“Karen, I’m not a sex therapist. I don’t fuck people just because they think they want it or need it. We kid about me being a nice guy. As a nice guy, I have to be in love and connected with the person I’m making love with. I’m not saying I’ve never had, call it casual sex. I am saying I can’t have casual sex with mom, or with you. I love you too much. It’s too important. There are also the long term consequences. We can’t just disappear from each other if things go bad. You just gave me a great blow job, but you didn’t ask and I was not there emotionally. It was you doing me. Not us. Does that make sense?”

“Oh shit. I’m sorry. I thought, well. Did I just violate, my brother? You always said we were best friends. I hope we still are.”

“Calm down, I’m not mad. I just need you to understand who I am. And remember, I’m not good at playing relationship games. Try again.”

“Try what?”

“Ask me. What do you want? And be direct.”

“Oh god. OK, Jason. You are my favorite person in the world and I love you. Can you give me emotional support and connect with me, make love with me tonight?”

“OK. Just to be sure, it’s a terrible idea. It’ll make things more complicated with Harry. And mom, come to think of it. And maybe Susan, but it’s a little gray area there. But yes, I love you. I just wanted us to get on the same page, do this together.”

Jason removed Karen’s night shirt, and panties. Nude, in the dim light of the bedroom, she looked so much like mom. Different hair, same body. Jason removed his shorts and boxers. He started exploring Karen’s body. Her breast. A firmer version of mom’s. OK, he’s with Karen now, not mom. Stop comparing, concentrate on her. Jason and Karen’s lips met. In the excitement Jason was quickly erect again.

Karen’s hands moved down to Jason’s member so recently on her lips. Definitely a little larger than Harry, not that she obsessed about size, but it was a nice bonus. She could feel the pre-cum starting to flow, and used it to help her stroking. She was getting wet, more wet. The earlier oral had already gotten her started. They had both been anticipated this moment and were already worked up. No games or foreplay. Jason was on his back. Karen moved into Jason and directed his member to her pussy. Jason was larger, but there was already plenty of natural lubrication. Karen controlled the speed. The intensity. She held herself up, hands to either side of Jason. No longer kissing, but intently looking into each other’s eyes. She started slow and easy, had to get used to Jason’s size. Speeding up. Because this would be the second climax for Jason that night, he could last longer. Give Karen every chance to have her release first.

Several minutes later Karen tensed up and let out a moan. Back arching. Then she collapsed onto Jason’s chest. It felt wonderful. Then Karen realized Jason was still hard, still inside of her. He hadn’t gotten release. She looked up a Jason.

“Don’t worry baby. Take a minute and go again. I’ll get there, eventually, with your help. You just caught up with me. I’m still right here with you.”

Karen started again. A little faster now, a little more forceful. Eyes still connected, even in the dark.

“Karen I’m getting close. Inside you?”

“Yes baby. fill me up. I’m almost there too.”

This time Jason and Karen went off together, connected. Then Karen collapsed on Jason, again. Both spent. After a few minutes Jason had a thought.

“Karen, I never did ask. You are on birth control?”

“Well, actually, not at the moment.”

Well, that’s something that could make life REALLY interesting. Of course Karen was married, for the moment. If Karen did get pregnant, they could always hope or pretend it was Harry’s. There was a little part of Jason’s mind that liked the thought of having a kid, with Karen. And Karen planed this, what was she thinking about being pregnant?

“OK. Would have been nice to know, but we’ll deal with whatever later. ”

*****

Next morning.

Jason woke up, Karen in his arms. No guilt, no regrets. Just someone he loved next to him. They were facing each other, on their sides. Jason just watched Karen, the peaceful expression on her face. Much better than the fear and anger of the last two days. Eventually Karen’s eyes fluttered, then opened. She smiled back at Jason.

“Morning baby. Feel better today?”

“I do. No matter what happens, I know I have you backing me up. Last night was wonderful.”

“Karen, I’m not sure what you were thinking, but now is not a good time to get pregnant. With me or Harry. IF we do this again, we need to get you on protection. Not that having my baby with you hadn’t crossed my mind, but there is way too much to lose right now, for both of us.”

“I understand. I don’t need to be protected with Harry, so I didn’t really think about it. I’ll get some rubbers, and get back on the pill. So there might be a next time? Good to know.”

“Of course there COULD be a next time, I’m not a one night stand. I don’t want to talk about where we go from here just yet. Too early, too much uncertainty with you and Harry. If you do try to get back together, I don’t want to get in the way. We’ll, see where things go.”

Jason and Karen made breakfast and just lounged around, naked. Neither seemed to want to shower, dress and break the moment. Jason could finally see Karen, in the light. Mom and Karen were similar, but now he could see more differences. Karen’s body was a little softer, but her breasts more erect. And Karen’s hair was the same color but much longer. Karen was shaved, mom had a managed tuft. Both equally attractive to Jason. It would have been weirder if they were more similar, blending together in Jason’s mind.

Around noon they decided it was time to get on with the day. Mom was scheduled to arrive around 2:00 with the kids. They took a shower together. Starting to get dressed in the bedroom.

“You know, I don’t have any protection in house, but we could still have some fun, if you are up for it”.

“Mom’s not due for 2 hours, I think we have time”.

Jason and Karen got on the bed and kissed for a few minutes. Jason then started down Karen’s body. Past the neck. To her breast. Tongue teasing one nipple, then the other. Then the lips, sucking. Playing. Jason thought he tasted a little milk, left over from Karen’s breast feedings. That was erotic, to both. Then Jason reversed his position in bed, his feet pointing at the headboard. Lower still, till his face was level with Karen’s pussy. Karen was now face to penis with Jason. They attacked each other, each trying to get the other off first. Karen taking in as much of Jason as she could. Using her lips as a vagina. Moving in and out, a repeat of last night. Jason, tongue moving Karen’s outer lips. Her inner lips. Making it to her opening, going in as deep as his tongue would allow. Adding one, then two fingers to the attack. In the end they tied, best outcome of all. Back in the shower for a second time for a final rinse, then time to get dressed. Karen went around the apartment, cleaning up, looking for any evidence of last night’s activities. Pretty clean, but she did change the sheets. Their condition would be hard to explain.

*****

Tracy arrived around 2, kids in tow. Karen and the kids spent another 20 minutes, reconnecting. Karen then put on a pot of coffee. Seemed like the thing to have for a conversation she knew was coming.

“OK, so what have you told Harry so far?”

“I called him this morning, told him to be here Wednesday at 7. We would go from there.”

“Do you know what you are going to say?”

“At this point I’m leaning towards giving him one more chance. Still working on the conditions.”

“What has he told you?”

“Nothing, just that he still loves me. At least he didn’t try a bunch of lame excuses, or try to blame me.”

“Well, shit happens. I never had to go thru this with your father, but I did have a boyfriend cheat on me in college. I never gave him a chance, we were thru the day I found out. Course you have a lot more to lose. Jason, you’ve been here since Friday? Ever the nice guy. Administer aid to the sick and traumatized. Thank for looking after my favorite daughter.”

“Can’t say I did that much, just was here when Karen needed someone.”

“Karen, Jason let you lay with him, didn’t he? Always makes me feel better, comfortable and protected.”

“Yes mom, he did. It was, wonderful. Just like I always knew it would be.”

“Wow. OK. Good luck on Wednesday. Sounds like you have a plan. And Karen, I know you might want Harry back whatever the case. Just remember, if he wants to come back, and I’m sure he does, you have him over a barrel. See what you can get out of him before you say yes.”

“Those are the conditions I’m working thru.”

“Good girl. Well, I still have a drive, and work tomorrow. If nothing else here, I’m going to head back.”

*****

Jason got to Karen’s Wednesday at 6, on time for dinner. They ate, and cleaned up quickly, getting ready for Harry’s arrival at 7.

“So, have you figured out what you are going to say?”

“Yep, and part of it involves you, so an even better reason for you to be here. Hopefully he agrees with my proposal and we can get on with life. This being angry stuff is too hard to live with.”

Harry arrived on time. It was awkward at first, but the kids were happy to see him, kind of broke the ice. Half hour later the kids were wore out playing with their father, and were ready for bed. If Harry was surprised to see Jason there, he didn’t say anything.

Sitting around the kitchen table.

“OK Harry, what do you have anything to say for yourself?”

“Karen, what I did was wrong, and it will never happen again. This thing was my fault, you never did anything wrong. I truly love you and the kids. I’m hoping you can forgive me, put us back whole. I want you to take me back.”

“I don’t need to know why you did it. Just know you hurt me. You hurt us. The most terrifying part was wondering if our life was over. My dream husband, dream family. And it’s still terrifying that it might happen again. I’ve thought, a lot, these past few days. I am willing to try to fix this, but I have a few conditions. Never let me catch you in a lie. I didn’t have any problem finding the truth this time. Your relationship with whoever you saw Friday night is over. No friendship, no meeting by accident, no contact. I’m going back on birth control. I don’t want to have another baby with you if this is not going to work out, and I’m not sure I even want more children. That’s a discussion we can have, someday. I don’t get to know who you were with. Fair enough, protecting someone else. You were wondering how close Jason and I are, after seeing us together Saturday morning. Jason and I are very close. He was here for the worst 2 days of my life, you were off, somewhere else. I love you, but right now, at this instant, Jason means more to me. You don’t get to know how close we are. Never ask about us, never investigate us. Just keep wondering. That’s your penance. Whatever relationship we have will continue. You know Jason, what his character is. I’ll let you decide what that means. If you decide to come back, I will forgive you, but not forget. Most importantly I want my old life back. I’m not going to put you in the spare bedroom for a while, see how it goes. We will pretend everything is hunky dory for now, like this never happened. Eventually, hopefully, it will be real again.”

“Karen, that’s the most I could hope for. Yes, I agree. I’ll show you the man I can be, will be. I promise.”

“OK. I’ll take you back, starting tomorrow. I need one more day to figure things out, think things thru.”‘

Harry looked over at Jason, just sitting there. Blank expression.

‘”OK, dinner at 6?”

“As usual, yes. You can go now.”

Harry got up and left.

“Wow. I never want to negotiate with you.”

“Well, it’s a lot easier when you are the wounded party.”

“So now, WE have a free-pass?”

“Well implied, yes. It eases my guilt, fairly well actually. No secrets, no lying. Jason, you are staying tonight?”

“OK, the new-normal starts tonight. I wasn’t planning on being anywhere else, I’ll leave early in the morning. Tonight will be a, kind of celebration, I guess. You get your life back, sometimes everybody wins. I’ll see Susan at lunch tomorrow. I think she’ll be, impressed.”

“You just love to make my life complicated. The three most important women, most important people in my life. Everyone of them my best friend. I’m screwing all of them. What does that make me?”

“From my perspective, a good boyfriend, a good son and, most important, a great brother.”