Road Trip Pt. 06

I candidly told her, "Yes, I have; I've had the pleasure many times of making love to more than one woman at a time, if that's what you mean."

"What was it like? Weren't you ... overtaxed?" Her genuine curiosity showed as she leaned towards me over the table.

I laughed, "Yes, sometimes. It always proved enjoyable, loving, and full of care for everyone involved. I think that's the best way to have it work well, making sure everyone is on an even footing, no one is being taken advantage of, and that people care for each in addition to the sex."

"Wasn't it kind of ... raw?"

"No, although that probably depends on your point of view and how free-thinking you are. I've been in some creative situations with women and men, although I'm not gay and don't even lean in that direction. As consenting adults, you can mutually agree to almost anything."

Liz asked about whether I felt jealous and betrayed, admitting that seeing John with her friend had provoked that response, and that in turn had led to her 'flight' response.

I gave the short version of my jealousy philosophy. I told Liz, "We get so that we think jealousy and rage are the only responses to a situation like you encountered, but there are others."

"Like what?" I heard genuine curiosity in Liz's voice.

"What if you'd gone and kissed the two of them, and genuinely told them you were so glad they'd come up to the cabin and were sharing themselves with each other? What if you'd stripped off your clothes and joined in, sucking, licking, and fucking the two of them with all the lust you could summon? What if you'd waited for them to finish, so you didn't interrupt their pleasure, and then you all sat and talked about how they should have talked to you beforehand? You could probably come up with more options or scenarios."

"You think I should be more forgiving - to just forget about it?" Liz' tone of voice signaled to me that she had started to seriously think about less severe reactions than the ones she'd had the day before - divorce, murder, inflicting pain.

"I don't think you should forget about it. Not so long ago, I would have responded as you did. Now, I understand there are more options. I've found a sexual side of me that enjoys 'open' relationships; I appreciate that other people may do this too - with others. I'm serious about Crystal Lee, and we both think openly about our relationship even though we're in love. We each know we care for each other, and while we're apart we see others without fear or guilt. Responding with shock and anger just doesn't seem like the right thing to do with anyone you care about."

I changed tack suddenly, "What would your husband say if you told him about the night you've spent with me?"

Liz stammered, "I ... I didn't think ..."

"So, I'm a revenge fuck?" I was on the verge of laughing. She was so easy to tease.

"Oh, no. Well, yes, but ... I didn't mean ... you weren't ..."

"Liz. It's all right. I figured it out. This relationship thing is all about communications - open and honest communication. Now that you know I know the whole situation, and you know you have many more options than you first thought, you have to decide what to do next. I'm open to just about anything to help you through this crisis in your life." I held her hand.

Liz got silent for a long time as she thought about her options. We ate our food with only a few words spoken, and none about the accident, or her husband and friend. She asked me about Crystal some more, and somehow that led me to tell her about our Branson foursome, the photos, Bart Kenesis, being stalked and shot at, and my quandary about how to get rid of the man. I think Liz read between the lines that I probably had something to do with the disappearance of the photos. She wisely didn't ask.

* * * * *

As we left the restaurant, I spotted a local newspaper. Three photographs stood out across the front page: Liz, now identified as the moderator ofThe Daily Showon KPLD-TV; a photograph of the car upside and burning as firemen sprayed foam on the hulk; and a PR picture of me that I knew Sony Music had distributed. The headline read,'Country Music Star Rescues TV Star After Deadly Car Crash.' I paid for the paper and took home a souvenir of the previous day. As I scanned the story, I saw that Reuters had picked up the story; that meant it would enjoy worldwide circulation, thus ensuring that Kenesis would find me again. The text mentioned my association with Liz from Portland, and the recently announced, but unpublicized, appearance I would be making in Reno the end of the month for the Children's Telethon.

Craig had encouraged me to reengage the enemy, and confront Kenesis once and for all. I could see that moment moving closer, and I wondered if I would survive ... or if he would survive the encounter. I shook my head, and put thoughts of Kenesis out of my head for at least another day.

After buying the paper, I called the taxi company for a cab to take us back to the inn, but then I had an idea. I asked Liz, "That was a Toyota you were driving, right?" She nodded. "Did you like it enough to replace it if you could, maybe with some better model?" She nodded again.

After our taxi arrived, I had the driver take us to the nearest Toyota dealer instead of back to the inn. During our ride, I asked Liz questions to narrow down the type of car she might like. Ninety minutes later, over Liz's protestations, I'd bought her a new Prius hybrid from the local dealer. Liz jumped around like a kid at Christmas, and promised to pay me back. She explained, "I make good money; I'd be embarrassed under other circumstances. With no ID, cash, checkbook, or anything, I am eternally grateful for your doing this."

We drove back to the inn in the new car in bright sunshine, and Liz pulled me upstairs and proceeded to express her gratitude for my generosity in sexual terms. She assured me she'd be doing the same thing whether or not I'd helped her get the car or whether we'd had the discussion over brunch; the car just made her need to express herself all that more compelling.

After our tryst, while Liz showered and packed, I jogged a few blocks from the inn to a park on the banks of the Columbia River. As I had done in each state I'd been through, I opened and allowed the wind to carry a bit of Karen's ashes into a pretty setting, in this case the majestic river. I'd loved Karen, and acknowledged how disconsolate her dying had made me.

In retrospect over the months since her death, I could see the trajectory of my own healing, not to forget her, but to remember the joys and experiences we shared together without remorse or crying. I closed my thoughts with happiness and gratitude, and jogged back to the inn. I'd explained to Liz the ritual I did in each state. As an empathetic person, she understood.

A check of the weather indicated good riding all the way to Portland. We loaded Liz's things and my gear into the back of her new car, I dressed in my leathers, and we left the inn for Portland.

At one of the rest stops, I called Terry and asked him about making a TV appearance on Liz's show. He enthused over the idea, and reminded me to tout my new album. I also called Crystal and had a brief chat about the accident, rescue, and Liz. Liz listened to my side of the call fascinated with the fact I shared so openly the details of our lovemaking and relationship.

* * * * *

At Liz's home, she found a hidden key so we could get into the house. After unloading, she said, "We'll go out for dinner; I need to talk again. On the drive here, I thought about all the things you've said about jealousy, and alternative responses to what I found John and Ellie doing at our cabin. You really jarred my thinking; I'm feeling like a new person and need to talk about it."

We freshened up. I put on some Dockers and a better shirt, and we went to an intimate Italian restaurant. We ordered our wine and dinner, and then leaned across the table. Liz started in a hushed voice, "When I found John and Ellie fucking, I went into shock. My reaction was betrayal, rage, hate, and revenge - yet I'd loved both of them for years until that instant. I never gave them a chance to explain, although John tried. I just bolted out of the place. They both called - many times, but I never listened to their messages I was so mad and my phone burned up in the car."

I nodded, encouraging her to talk through this ordeal in her life.

Liz reached across the table and patted my hand, "You're a man full of great wisdom. I was ready to divorce John and never speak to Ellie, but you taught me that there are many shades of gray, and many options for how to respond besides my 'worst case.' Now, I have other plans."

"Other plans?" I could tell by her voice that she'd softened on the pair. The vitriol that had been there this morning was gone, replaced with the hint of a smile.

"Yes. Much as I was shocked by what the two of them were doing, it was something I would have loved to have us do - if only we'd talked about it beforehand. Now, I'll listen to them, and I'm ready to forgive them; however, I'm not sure where we go from here."

"Do you trust them?" I figured that would be a core issue for her.

"Not right now; I think they were secretive, and in my book that turned out badly for all of us. If the two of them are willing to be open, we can try to rebuild that trust and our relationships."

"And, what about you? Are you willing to be open?"

"Yes. As you figured out when I told you about John and Ellie, you turned out to be a revenge fuck, but you're also an angel and a sage. I will share with them our relationship, unless you'd rather I do something else, ... but I also hope to share you with them - with Ellie." She had a gleam in her eye that signaled some kind of sexual sharing.

I laughed; "I hope they're ready for the new you."

I handed her my phone and when she hesitated, I urged, "Call John. See where he's at, and tell him to come home and that you want to talk to him. Oh, and have him bring Ellie too." Liz thought for a moment about my suggestion as we drank our wine. We were on the late side, and many of the other patrons who had been near us in the restaurant had left. Liz dialed the number and waited.

I could hear her side of the conversation. "John, this is Liz." "Yes, I'm all right; a bump and a scratch, that's all. I was lucky that Jim Mellon came along when he did ... we've been spending a lot of time together. He's going to be on my show on Wednesday. About the day before yesterday, is Ellie still up there?" "Have you unlocked you car yet?" "Oh" "Sorry, but I reacted with anger." "No, I actually do want you to come home - with Ellie. We three need to talk about the future - I think you'll find my thinking on that subject ... interesting." "Jim is still here - across the table from me; I took him to Salvucci's for dinner, and he encouraged me to call you."

By watching and listening to Liz, I could tell she was building up to telling John something major - probably about us. Sure enough, she dropped the bomb on him: "John, in my anger I did just what you did, and I am embarrassed by the way I reacted. Before I explained the situation to him, Jim and I were intimate. In the meantime, know that he's taught me a lot about relationships, different ways I could look at what happened between you and Ellie, and how I could respond rather than with hate and lawyers. I'm working through this, but we need to talk."

I wondered what John's reaction had been. I suspected it was tempered since he was the protagonist in the precipitating drama. I went on listening to Liz's side of the conversation. "No, I initially saw what you two did in black and white terms. I couldn't believe that you and Ellie were sneaking around and betraying me. Jim reminded me about shades of gray. I'd seen only one option with you - divorce, and one with Ellie - to never see her again. Up until that instant, I loved the two of you more than life itself; Jim brought me back to the point of love so that I now can see options and other possibilities. - that's where I am now, and that's where I want you and Ellie to be - and what I want us to talk about."

I wondered what directions John's questioning would take. After a short pause, Liz said, "I know he'd like to meet you too." After a pause, "Look if the locksmith won't get there until the morning, you won't get back here until tomorrow at dinner. Why don't you and Ellie spend the night together again - without any bitter recriminations from me?" "No, I really mean it." "We'll talk tomorrow night, however." "I probably will too." "Yes, he's super nice; you'll like him and so will Ellie." "We try to keep that part of things low key; he's not at all pretentious."

The waiter brought our meals. Liz winked at me and gestured for me to start without her. She wrapped up her call with John; "John, our dinners just came. You, Ellie, and I have lots of things to discuss about the past, present, and future; hold your list until we're together. Enjoy each other tonight. Drive safely. Don't do what I did. By the way, Jim bought me a new car - a Prius." "No, I'll pay him back; you'll like it." "Yes. I do love you too - and Ellie. See you at dinner tomorrow." She hit the 'End Call' button and handed the phone back to me.

I said, "Listening to one side of your call, I'd say things went well?"

"It did; he says he feel like shit and expected justifiable anger from me. When I mentioned you, I could tell I had just messed his head - plus I told him to sleep with Ellie again and told him I'd probably make love with you again. He's no doubt wondering what happened to the Old Liz." She pulled her chair back from the table, walked to my side, and kissed me. "Thank you. Now, hurry and eat. I want us to go home and make love again."

I called Crystal after we got back to Liz' home, and before we got into the evening's sexual tryst. She told me how the YouTube videos of me rescuing Liz had been on all the gossip TV shows; the longer one had amassed thirty-six million views in he past twenty-four hours. She told me that Ellen and Terry were at her house now, and she had what she called 'pornographic plans' for the rest of the evening with them. She made some lewd suggestions about how I should please Liz, and then we rang off. I loved the way my girlfriend thought.

* * * * *

In the morning, I went with Liz to her TV station for the afternoon show. I met her staff and followed her through a frantic and stress-filled day, right up until the start of the live show. After the show started, Liz did her opening monolog: talking about the accident, how so many people showed heroism and aid on her behalf, and the great treatment she'd received from everyone around Pasco, Washington. She then stood and came down off the stage towards me, talking about heroism above and beyond the call of duty as she did.

When Liz reached me, she gestured for me to rise, and Liz introduced me to the audience, who for the first time suddenly realized who I was. The place broke into pandemonium of cheers, shouting, and applause that went on for several minutes. Liz and I hugged.

As the acclaim died down, Liz thrust a hand mic into my face. She said, "Jim, publicly and personally, I want to thank you for rescuing me. You are my own hero."

I was supposed to say something. My mind went blank, and so I started to say the first thing that came into my head. "I think everyone of us has the same kind of courage and fearlessness in them that I tapped into when I saw your car flip over." I gestured to the studio audience, "There isn't a person here that couldn't have done what I did, and, after the fact, I am pleased that I rescued someone so pretty and as talented as you are."

Everyone in the audience laughed and applauded some more. Liz and I bussed a kiss, and I sat down. Liz went back to her chair, as she walked she talked; "Jim is our featured guest tomorrow, and we even have a surprise for him then. So, be sure and join us for tomorrow's show."

As Liz talked, I imagined Bart Kenesis walking through the concourse of the Portland International Airport, having just gotten off his flights from Nashville. He'd pause and be drawn to the TV monitors in the airport because of all the commotion the audience made over some guest, and then he'd see that I was the guest. He'd smile and snort to himself, that now he again had me in his sights. He could just slide in behind me again, and be on my trail.

* * * * *

We left the station after the show and got back to Liz's home at six o'clock. Two cars were in the driveway, Ellie and John's. We both took deep breaths and walked inside. John was a tall man with angular facial features that resembled photographs of pioneers I'd seen in history books. I'd learned from Liz that he was a partner in a law firm. Ellie was a pleasant looking woman about forty, who seemed so nervous I thought she'd jump out of her skin. As introductions were made, Ellie blushed about the impossible situation we were in. Liz hugged John and Ellie, patting them on the back in a soothing gesture. Their anxiety was palpable.

John turned to me before another word was spoken, "Jim, I don't know how thank you enough for saving Liz's life." He choked up a little. "I watched those YouTube videos over and over - so did Ellie - and we cried about what almost happened. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you."

Liz took the initiative to orchestrate our meeting. "John, go get everyone a glass of wine. Jim likes a Chardonnay with ice." While John got the wine, Ellie fidgeted. Liz pulled four comfortable upholstered chairs into a circle in the living room. When her husband returned, we each took our glass and sat.

Liz turned to John and Ellie, who sat opposite her, and asked in a friendly tone, "Do I want to know how long what I saw up north had been going or how it happened"

John spoke clearly although his words sounded slightly rehearsed and definitely defensive, "There's some background, as you know, but I assure you what you saw was the first time we'd had sex or even seriously kissed. You know I'd thought about sex with Ellie for years. Heck, we'd both pretend she was in bed with us when we wanted to spice things up. We were pretty explicit, and that's been going on for a few years." After a pause, John asserted, "Ellie and I never meant to hurt you. If we thought at all, it wasn't past that moment of passion."

Ellie raised a hand slightly out of her lap asking permission to speak. "I had this fantasy of making love with John ... and you, but he was your husband and you are my best friend. I didn't want to do anything to hurt either of you, and nothing to damage your marriage. I love you two. I'm so sorry; it just happened - unplanned." She blushed again and tear ran down her cheek.

Liz absorbed those pieces of information and asked, "Ellie, why were you at our camp two hundred miles from home?"

Ellie and John grimaced. John said, "Your birthday was yesterday, and we wanted to fete our favorite person. Knowing how close you two are, I invited Ellie up to help us celebrate. There wasnoother agenda."

In tears, Ellie added, "I even brought up a birthday cake I baked. It's in the freezer at your camp now - untouched." I could tell she thought of the cake as some sort of peace offering.

Liz looked chagrined. "I didn't even think anything about it - my birthday, I mean."

John continued, "I'd been fantasizing about Ellie; she'd been fantasizing about me - us. When she arrived, we kissed ... and we kissed again ... and again ... and one thing led to another, and then there you were walking through the bedroom with my car keys - you'd walked right by us as we were ... making love."