Tiny Tim

I threw a quick glance at Ava, who seemed as clueless as I was, before giving Mia my full attention.

“What about?”

“You know the success rate for long distance relationships, right?” she asked, not hesitant or sad, but rather business-like.

“Yes, I do.” I said, a feeling of uncertainty settling in my stomach.

“Well, I talked to Mom ... And I think we have two options.” She paused, taking a deep breath. “The first option would be to preemptively break up. Or say that we’re taking a break.”

“A break.” I deadpanned. “A three-year break doesn’t sound very likely to end in a happy ending. But I also don’t want to break up with you just because of the possibility that something may happen.”

“Neither do I!” she reassured me with a firm nod. “But you have to admit ... chances are, something will happen. The double major at Northwestern is going to be hard. And demanding. I won’t be able to come back for the first few months at all. And even after that, I probably won’t even be back for a few of the holidays.”

“Oh.” I had no idea it would be that bad.

“Don’t get me wrong, Muffin. I do love you! I’m not planning to be with someone else, and I still plan on us being together when I come back from University. But ... Three years is a long time. And I don’t know if I ... The question is if you can allow me to, maybe ... if I get weak, could you allow me that. I won’t go looking for a partner, or a replacement for you. But, maybe ... instead of breaking up ... we could open up our relationship for the time I’m away.”

I could see how uncomfortable she was. She tried to be realistic about our situation and cover her bases, but didn’t want to sound like she was looking forward to something like this, or even just looking for excuses to sleep with others. Not that I would have thought that about her, since I’ve known her for long enough to know better. I could tell from my time with Tess that I would be perfectly happy without sex for a few months, as long as the one I loved was waiting for me. Mia was much the same in that regard.

“Well, I guess it would only be fair, right?” I said, trying to keep my voice even. “I mean, you’re fine with Ava and me. So, if I said ‘no’, it would be kinda hypocritical of me.”

“Not necessarily. Things between you and Ava are ... different from what I mean.” Mia remarked, throwing her own side glance at Ava. I wondered if there was something she didn’t want to say with Ava present, or if she wanted to say something that Ava would have objected to. “I’m not looking for something like that. I’m just trying to figure out if you could accept me satisfying my purely physical needs with someone else, if I can’t make it home to you.”

I thought about it for a moment.

“Well, I’m gonna be honest with you.” I said, and saw her tense up. “If you can agree to two conditions, I’d rather go along with it than end our relationship.”

“Okay?” She sounded guarded. “What conditions?”

“First, no consistent hookups. The line between lust and love is thin.” I said sagely. “The more often you sleep with someone, the more likely emotional attachment becomes.”

“I agree!” she said, now a smile on her face. “As I said, I’m not looking for a stand-in boyfriend anyway. What’s the second condition?”

I took a deep breath.

“If you do find yourself developing emotions for someone else ... I want you to immediately take a break, think about what you want going forward, and then tell either me or your fling that it’s over. Don’t string me along, and don’t give someone else false hope.”

I had expected her to fight this one, or at least deny the possibility of it ever happening, but she didn’t. Instead, her smile widened.

“I agree again! Though, I’d like the second rule to apply for both of us.” she said happily.

“Why only the second rule?” I was confused.

“Because I already told you that I’m fine with you and Ava.” she clarified, taking hold of Ava’s hand. “I started this between you two. I can’t tell you to stop now. And, honestly...” Her voice took on a sultry note. “ ... I still expect her to keep you satisfied for the next three years, so you don’t have the opportunity to get attached to someone else. Well, Ava and Mom.”

That confused me even more, as the two girls giggled.

“Don’t let her know that I told you.” Mia explained. “But Mom’s already making plans for the day after you turn eighteen. Not that she went into great detail when we talked, but I hear she’s glad that it’s the Sunday before Thanksgiving break starts, so she doesn’t have to worry about you being too exhausted for school the next day.”

As the two girls saw my eyes grow to the size of saucers, they laughed even louder.

When Ava and I finally arrived back at the apartment after dropping off Mia, I paid the driver a sizable tip. Though, before he was even around the corner, Ava wrapped her arms around my neck and pulled me into a deep sensual kiss.

“Thank you, Tim.” she breathed into my ear while I came up for air. “This evening was great.”