***
Tracey turned to me with a worried look on her face. “Brian, that’s what the problem is?”
I was confused and looked it. “Did I miss a bit? I don’t see any problem.”
“After we came out of the Indian’s we visited a few more pubs and then went to the ‘Savoy Disco’ where I encouraged her to dance and flirt with every guy who asked her.
When I drove her home, extremely drunk, she admitted that she had enjoyed herself immensely and she said she might try sleeping with a man purely for ‘research’ purposes.”
“I kissed her Goodnight - declining her offer of coffee - and then drove home thinking; “If she’s going to try out a guy she would probably turn to one she really likes and the only guy she really likes - is you.”
I turned myself around laughing into the pillow muffling the laughter while Tracey concerned asked, “What’s so funny about that?”
I composed myself and turning towards her I laughed,
“That explains why Rachel was looking at me rather oddly yesterday,”
Tracey’s worried look returned.
“On Wednesday my soul intention was to make friends with her, but, I’m afraid I may have only made matters worse by telling her how much fun you are.”
I couldn’t control my laughter as I resumed my massage of her breasts. “Don’t worry, I’ll be okay.”
“Brian,” she turned towards me looking very worried,
“I came very close to being seduced by her, you don’t stand a chance if she...”
I stopped her speaking by placing my mouth over hers kissing her passionately.
Pulling Tracey on top of me we made love again and I caught sight of Suzy’s curtain twitch and in her darkened room I could just make out the figure of someone watching us.
On the outside wall of her apartment there was a street lamp, which shone, brightly onto the street below, it meant that Suzy’s room was in complete darkness, but it gave a romantic glow to my room.
My every movement was noticeable and again, strangely, I didn’t mind being watched and again, even stranger, I did not know why.
My thoughts of Suzy faded as Tracey snuggled into my chest. Turning her head to the side she noticed ‘Teddy’.
She leaned across, read the motto on it and then lying beside me asked, “Which one of your friends gave you that?”
“Debbie, last night,” I answered, “she’s another one who likes me.”
Tracey smirked although she was a little worried, “So, they’re giving you presents now?”
I laughed, “I can’t help being a pretty likeable guy and besides you’ve just told Rachel what fun I am.”
She leaned towards me and we kissed again.
“I reckon,” she continued, “the sooner I get you married and away from all these women the better.”
I turned her onto her back and whispered.
“Well, you give me a time and a place and I’ll do my best to be there.”
‘‘Okay,” she said deep in thought, “How does the twenty-sixth September at Saint Simon’s appeal to you?”
I rolled onto my back and hummed softly.
“I’ll have to check with my secretary, but I think I should be able to make it that day.”
Tracey rolled to me and said seriously. “Brian, it’s only four months away and we’ve got a hell of a lot to organise first.”
“So,” I smiled, “We’d better not waste any time arguing.”
I looked into her worried eyes and said. “First thing tomorrow morning we’ll get onto it. There’s only one thing I want to get into just now.”
“And that is?” She asked. She need not have bothered asking as I kissed her and we made love again before falling asleep contended.
“Was all that strictly necessary?” Emily asked annoyed,
“Did I really need to hear all the gory details of what Rachel gets up to?”
“Yes, Emily,
Tracey thought she had convinced Rachel what ‘fun’ I was and believed she had put our relationship in trouble, Tracey needn’t have worried –
Rachel was not the problem.
Debbie and Melanie were the problem.
I had agreed to marry Tracey in four months time, but in the previous two months I had been unfaithful twice.
I had played with fire twice and avoided getting burned twice.
Now I had been handed the perfect excuse to tease Rachel, what could I do?”
“I thought if Melanie ever told Rachel about us Rachel would have every right to be furious, except, if Rachel had a similar secret.
I had already said Rachel was ‘welcome in my bed anytime’ the morning after the party a few weeks before.”
“Perhaps,” Emily pleaded, “third time might not be so lucky.
Things had settled down, again, why would you want to stir up the hornet’s nest again?
Why make your life so complicated?” She bellowed.
“Complicated!” I exclaimed, “You haven’t seen anything yet, Emily.
This was just before Jaclyn arrived.”
“Jaclyn?” Emily asked, “Who in the name of God is Jaclyn?”