A Second Chance at Submission: Chapter 8

It was a couple of days after Chad’s return before we could all be together and talk about what our dynamic might look like going forward. They chose a small restaurant within walking distance that had some intimate areas set into the hillside behind the main building, each isolated and protected by shrubs and trellis.

“You could really hide out back here,” I observed as we climbed steps to our destination.

“It’s a popular spot for deal makers and private conversations,” Rachel said. “There’s even been a porno shot here. Something like Hillside Humpers.”

I chuckled and looked at Chad, who just shrugged his shoulders.

Our reserved spot was a nook off to one side, with a small bistro table. The space was sized for two chairs, but the owners had squeezed in a third for us.

“Intimate and cozy,” I thought. “Just like the conversation we were about to have.”

Rachel sat and stretched out her hands, one to each of us. Chad and I did the same, forming a triad.

“Chad,” she began, “Riley and I talked while you were gone. He’s had time to think about the experiences he’s had so far, whether he would like any of this to continue, and give thought as to what his boundaries are.” Then she smiled at me, squeezed my hand, and said, “It’s all yours.”

Everything she’d said had been delivered in a loving, engaging tone that made me feel welcomed. I would say at ease, except that I...