“Theo, you know he doesn’t want to see you. Personally, I think you guys should talk it out, I told him as much last night… but maybe without the violent asshole back there.” He quickly pointed his hand at me.

“Then let me in. I will be civil. I won’t yell, and I definitely won’t hit. I won’t even touch him if he doesn’t want me to. I just need to talk to him.” The friend sighed, the stepped aside letting Theo walk past. He stayed out on the porch, though if it was to give them privacy, or to keep on eye on me, I wasn’t sure.

“You have quite the way of making an entrance into someone’s life don’t you?” The friend offered up a conversation.

“Yeah… well… Theo won’t ever forgive me for this either, so it’s safe to say I royally fucked up on two fronts today. Three if you add the fact that it’s John’s birthday. By the way, what’s your name?” I asked because I had still yet to hear it.

“Parker.” Ah, that makes since.

“I’ve heard a lot about you, Parker.” I said, taking a seat on the steps.

“Most likely all the bad stuff since it came from Theo. Am I right?” He gave a soft chuckle, and sat on the other side of the same step as me.

“Yeah I can’t say I’ve heard anything good about you, if I’m being honest.” I let my own soft chuckle. “Theo really hates you.” I said.

“That’s probably out of jealousy. John and I have a close relationship, but there has never been anything romantic between us. It’s more like brotherly love than anything else. But Theo refuses to see it that way. But I really am as straight as they get, and I’m also engaged to a woman.” He explained.

“The mans jealousy knows no limits. And his jealousy definitely fuels his anger.” I admitted.

“I’ve noticed. Though I do have to give him credit for the way he kept calm just now. That was pretty impressive.” We both chuckled again.

“It was so strange to see him not get mad at me for what I did to John. Like I almost kind of wish he did get mad, at least then I would see how he felt. Him staying so calm was off putting.” I put my elbows on my legs and dropped my chin into my hands.

“You did it out of jealousy, I can see how much you feel for Theo. John can too, even before today. The only one who’s daft to it is the man himself. Must be hard loving someone so clueless to your feelings.” I don’t think Parker said that to hurt me, but it most definitely struck a nerve.

“Do you believe in love at first sight?” I asked, veering the conversation in a slightly new direction.

“In theory, sure. I’ve never felt it or seen it happen myself, but I know there are people out there who fall in love with someone the second the see them. I tend to be a romantic, but I’m also a realist.” He answered.

“I think maybe I felt that today. I was filled with so much anger that the second John opened the door I just let it go, but then I really looked at him. He’s so beautiful. His eyes are totally captivating. I never imagined Theo having such good taste in men.” I admitted musingly. Parker hummed an understanding hum as he turned his gaze to look out to the tree line across the street.

“But you still have those feelings for Theo?” He asked.

“Yes.” I said, with out a second of hesitation.

“How do you think that will go over for them?”

“I know how Theo feels. And I know he’s open to polyamory, as am I. The only one we’re unsure about is John. But I also know Theo won’t do anything John is uncomfortable with… so that leaves me out of the loop.” I finished that last part off sounding and feeling a little too sad.

“John is a man prone to surprising everyone. Who knows. Maybe he’ll listen to whatever it is Theo is saying in there, accept your apology, and you can work towards happily ever after.” Parker stood up and placed a hand on my shoulder. “If you really believe that what you feel is love at first sight, you need to learn to trust that everything will happen the way it’s meant to in it’s own time.” He said in a comforting manner. He stepped back towards the door and opened it… just in time to see John smack Theo. Theo just stood there, stunned, staring sadly at John.

“That doesn’t look like things went well for him…” Geri said solemnly.

“Theo!” I gasped, but didn’t move from my spot at the bottom of the steps.

“You’ve both ruined my birthday enough. Leave.” John said quietly, looking down at the floor.

Staring a little bit harder, I could see both of them were clearly crying. Seeing both my mates like that put Geri in distress, and I unintentionally let out a whine. Theo’s eyes snapped to me and I bowed my head to hide my flushed cheeks.

“It’s hardly noon and I’m already done with today.” John said. I heard clinking around and then a minute later John came out to meet me at the bottom of the stairs. He had a rather full glass of what smelt like bourbon in his hand. I stood motionless as he  stared at me. Then he leaned in, almost too close, and whispered in my ear.

“When you’re ready to stop hiding shit from me with him, then come back and try again.” Then he leaned back and made eye contact with me. “And let me make myself clear. I’m not a stupid man, Jason. So do not try to lie to me. Understand?” He stared hard at me.

“Yes.” I choked out. His hand patted my cheek, causing me to flinch.

“Oh no need to flinch. While it may be a justified hit, I’m not a physically violent man. Well, except what you just saw in there.” He said with a dark smirk playing at his lips. If I wasn’t in total shock by the somewhat civil tone he had now, I might have admired how utterly sexy that smirk was on him. And then, as if he had read my thoughts, he said the one thing I’d never expected. “You know, you’re actually pretty attractive. If you’d approached me differently, I might have been willing to have a decent conversation with you.” I lost the will to control Geri, and felt my eyes flash black showing my sadness. It was only a quick flash, but I knew John saw it. “I fucking knew it.” He whispered, still staring me in the eyes. That was the last thing he said before he walked back inside.

“Oops…” Geri said.

“Oops is an understatement Geri.” I thought back to him.

***Most of my chapters will only be split in multiple parts so that they fit in the guidelines for Tapas. Doing this may cause some episodes so be signifcantly longer or shorter than others. It's unintentional on my part, but I hope you enjoy the story regardless!***