“I’m so sorry to hear that Daniel,” empathized Ally. The concern in her voice made it apparent that the sentiment was heartfelt, not just the obligatory response. “Perhaps you would like to join us up here in the high country. Maybe the mountain air would do you some good.”
“Thanks for the offer, Ally,” replied Daniel politely. “But I have a hunch I’d be a square peg in a round hole at your little shindig. It sounds better suited for young men, like my son.”
“Well, if you change your mind, you’re always welcome,” said Ally cordially. “We have plenty of room, and I’d love to see you.”
“Thanks for the offer, but I’ve got a fire to put out down here anyway, explained Daniel “Michael called me last night and he thinks someone is making a play for his company. He’s asked me to come in and consult. Consulting became a big part of what I do since I went into private practice.”
“A play? What kind of play?” asked Ally, trying to sound as nonchalant as possible.
“It looks like someone is shorting his stock,” said Daniel, “and that may be a precursor to a hostile takeover. He wants me to help develop a poison pill strategy.”
“Well, you’re the man for the job,” complimented Ally as she secretly smirked on her end of the line.
“Ally! One more thing before I go. If you have time,” said Daniel, his tone suddenly serious. “I want you to know that I had a long talk with Lois last night. If something should happen between her and my son, they have my blessing. Do you understand what I’m saying?”
“Daniel! That’s really none of my business,” replied Ally uneasily.
“I know she told you she’s not Dan’s biological mother,” continued Daniel “She told me that she confided that to you a long time ago.”
“Yes, she did Daniel,” replied Ally, uncomfortable with the direction of the conversation. “But what does that―”
“Ally―you’re her friend,” said Dan, forging ahead, “And you’ve always been close to our son too. I’m just asking for you to keep an eye out ―and try not to let either of them get hurt. That’s all!”
“I’ll certainly try, Daniel. I promise,” replied Ally earnestly. “I love both of them dearly―and you too!”
“I know you do, and the feeling is mutual,” said Daniel “I can’t take care of Lois’ needs any more. She’s a young, vibrant, beautiful woman and I’ve been lucky to have her as long as I have. But if I can’t take care of her needs, I’d just as soon it be my son. I think it would be good for both of them. They already love each other. Do you understand what I’m saying, Ally?”
“Yes, Daniel. I think I do,” responded Ally, her voice gravely serious as she tried to hold back her tears. “How long have the doctor’s given you?”
There was dead silence for several seconds. Ally had jumped two steps ahead, leaving Daniel little wiggle room.
“A few weeks. Maybe a few months,” replied Dan finally. Ally could hear him choking up with emotion. “I know Lois suspects, but I haven’t told her yet. So please keep this confidential. I want to break it to her and our son myself, but not yet.”
“Of course, Daniel,” reassured Ally as she fought back tears. “I’ll look out for both of them. And Daniel, let me know if there is anything else I can do―for any of you. OK?”
“Thanks, Ally,” replied Daniel. “I knew I could count on you.”
There was silence on the line for a couple of seconds. It sounded as though Daniel had his hand covering the mouthpiece because there was complete silence.
“Look, Lois is just getting out of the shower,” said Daniel quickly. “Give her a call back in ten minutes. I’ve got to go. All my love!”
The line went dead and Ally felt almost paralyzed as she put her phone on the counter before drying her eyes with a napkin. She had known Daniel for years now and had shared he and Lois’ bed more times than she could count.
He had been a good lover and even more important, he was one of the most kind and decent men she had ever know. It took Ally several minutes to compose herself.
Ally let twenty minutes elapse before calling Lois back, just to make sure she could keep herself together. Lois answered on the first ring.
“OH, HI,” said Lois, “I was going to call you once I was on the road later. What’s up?”
“I just thought I would touch base with you while I had a moment,” replied Ally. “I talked to Dan last night and he would like to stay up here at the house with you while you’re here.”
“OH! ―OK?” said Lois. “He doesn’t want to stay down in the bunkhouse with his friends?”
“Well, it’s going to get a little crowded down there,” said Ally. “Sandy and Bree are going to bunk with the boys apparently.”
“OHHH! I SEE!” replied Lois, sounding alarmed. “Then maybe it would be―”
“I’ve set you and Dan up in adjoining bedrooms with a shared bath,” interrupted Ally. “Does that work for you?”
“Of course,” replied Lois, gratefully. “That’s very kind.”
“Between Sandy and Bree―and their sons―things could get a little out of hand down in the bunkhouse,” continued Ally. “I think it would be best if you and I, and our sons, kept a safe distance.”
“I think you’re probably right! Especially knowing Sandy and Bree,” agreed Lois before adding facetiously, “Well, OTHERWISE, how are things going?”
“Well, your son wants to photograph you in the nude,” snickered Ally wickedly, knowing she’d get a rise out of her friend.
“OH! Really?” gasped Lois. Ally could swear she heard Lois’ heart beating over the phone.
“Oh yeah!” laughed Ally. “Crazy thing is―once you see the nude portraits he did of me that are hanging on my walls―I think you’ll let him. He is an amazing photographer. You should be proud.”
“Hanging on your walls?” said Lois in a questioning tone.
“Yeah, he had some of the photos he’s taken of me mounted,” said Ally. “Sort of a thank you for posing for him. They’re absolutely lovely.”
There was silence for about thirty seconds. Ally could sense that Lois was pondering what to say next.
“I can’t wait to see them,” replied Lois, finally. “Tell Dan I’d love to pose for him too.”
“He’ll be relieved,” said Ally. “He’s been anguishing over how to ask you himself.”
“That’s good then,” said Lois, almost to herself as her voice grew quieter, “he and I have a lot to talk about.”
“Look, I hear one of them in the hallway,” said Ally. “So I need to get off the phone for now. Call me when you’re on the road. We can chat some more and catch up. OK?”
“Talk to you in a while then,” said Lois as she hung up.
Ally put her cellphone down on the counter and looked up to see Dan walking into the kitchen. She was glad to see that he was fully clothed, wearing a blue camp shirt and khaki cargo shorts. He must have brought his bags up the night before, Ally thought to herself.
“Do I smell coffee,” yawned Dan, smiling at Ally.
“Yes,” replied Ally as she got up and walked behind the counter to pour him a cup. “Go ahead and sit down in the chair next to me. Do you use cream or sugar?”
“Just a little cream, thank you,” said Dan as he sat down.
“Would you like some breakfast?” asked Ally.
“Oh, no. That’s OK,” replied Dan, “you don’t need to go to all that trouble. But thank you.”
“It’s no trouble at all,” said Ally earnestly as she handed Dan his coffee across the counter. “I miss playing mom and making breakfast for my boys.”
“But you already do so much,” answered Dan, “I hate to impose.”
“I enjoy posing for you Dan, and doing other things for you boys too,” said Ally, smiling beguilingly. “But it’s not the same as playing mom! ― Bacon and eggs, and toast sound good?”
“Yeah, sure. That sounds great,” relented Dan, smiling. “Thanks mom!”
Ally beamed as she looked back across the counter at Dan and began to prepare him breakfast.
“I just got off the phone with your mom,” said Ally as she opened the fridge. “She’ll be on her way in a little while. She’s going to call me along the way. I’ll let you know when I hear from her.”
“You and my mom are close, aren’t you?” said Dan as he continued to follow Ally with his eyes.
“Yes, I’d like to think so,” said Ally, “and your dad too.”
“So you and she―and my dad have―” began Dan as his voice trailed off.
“Yes, Dan,” replied Ally softly, “your mom and dad and I have made love together many times. Each of them wonderful!”
“You said ‘made love’ instead of ‘fucking’ or ‘having sex’,” replied Dan. “Are you making a distinction?”
“Absolutely!” asserted Ally. “I used to fuck Sandy and Bree and their husbands, and other people too. But it was different with your parents. I’d like to think it was different for them too!”
“So when my mom is here, are you and she going to make love?” asked Dan, trying to sound as casual as he could.
“Yes, I hope so. If she wants to,” replied Ally earnestly as she made firm eye contact with Dan. “I’ve missed her, the intimacy we used to share before Covid. Would that bother you?”
“No, not at all,” replied Dan. “I want both of you to be happy.”
Ally and Dan locked eyes as they both thought long and hard about what to say next. Ally broke the impasse.
“You know, you and I haven’t made love yet,” said Ally as she reached across the counter and squeezed Dan’s hand. “Would you like it if I made love to both of you at the same time? Just the three of us together. She and I, and you and me.”
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