Sex, Lies and Videotape Ch. 05

"Do you still get to see your son?" I asked.

"Not much, she moved back to Cincinnati, it's where her family are from. She got married since too, I got the child support payments."

"Sorry to hear that. But that would've been like four years ago now, what was the twice bitten part?" Taylor responded.

"Well, that would be Skye. I didn't date anyone for like two years after Layla, I mean I was barely earning enough to get by, what with rent, food, utilities, and then with child support on top. Going out to bars and clubs wasn't high on my agenda. But then I met this beautiful blonde through the company I was working for at the time. We got along great and started dating. You know, everything was turning around, I even got promoted where I worked to be the manager."

"So, what happened?" Taylor asked.

"We got engaged, then she got pregnant with a baby girl, so we quickly got married. Here's a photo of my baby girl." As Vernon showed us a photo he keeps as his home screen on his phone.

"She's gorgeous, congratulations." Taylor added.

"Well, I don't get to see her much now either. A few months after Skye gave birth she went back to work in a new job, we had our daughter in daycare most of the time as we were both working. Her new boss was a recently divorced guy in his late thirties with plenty of money, he and Skye ended up getting together, she decided he could give her and our daughter the kind of lifestyle I could never afford to. So that was it, divorced again with two kids that I don't get to see much of either."

"Sorry Vernon, I get why you might not want to be in another relationship after all that." My wife replied.

"Yeah, I'm glad I don't drink now, I couldn't afford to even if I wanted to, what with paying for two lots of child support on top of everything else. So, I try to stay away from relationships for now, I just keep my head down and work, and come here with my friends to relax a bit on the weekends."

"Okay, it sounds like you need a bit of cheering up then, what say we go and dance?" Taylor asked.

"Sure, you don't mind Roger?"

"Not at all, go have some fun." I replied.

I watched as Taylor and Vernon went up on the dance floor, they were enjoying themselves. Taylor was right about Vernon, he seemed like a nice guy, and I didn't envy the situation he found himself in. I could understand if you were a bit gun shy when it comes to relationships after all that.

After a few songs they returned to our table, while I then went to the bar to get some more drinks. When I got back to the table, it was just Taylor as I handed her a drink.

"Where did Vernon get to?"

"He went back to talk with his friend, didn't want him to think he was abandoning him."

"Okay."

"It's so sad about him having two kids and not being able to see them much, that's got to hurt a lot." Taylor stated.

"Yeah, for sure. And then to be paying for them both as well. Most guys probably would've ditched on that responsibility if they could."

"Yeah, that's not Vernon though, he's not the kind of guy that would do that."

"So, you said you broke up with him because he was too focused on his football, did you ever regret that after?"

"Yeah, a bit. The guy I dated after Vernon was a total jackass. By the time I realized that I might have been a bit too selfish and made a mistake, Vernon was already with Layla. So, that ship had sailed."

"Yeah, we all fuck things up a little when we're young. Just think though, if you had stayed with him, you might not have ever gone out with Ben later."

"Oh god, don't remind me of that. Although it probably would've been me pregnant with his child and getting married instead of Layla. Then I probably would've never have met you. I much prefer it the way it is now."

"Finish your drink, I want to dance with you too." I told Taylor.

We went up and danced for a while, before we both made our way to the restrooms, then I headed back to the bar. While I was getting the drinks, I spotted Taylor back out the dance floor with Vernon again. They were having fun, but still Vernon was being the gentleman.

After I found a table, I stood there and watched my wife dance a bit more before she finally dragged herself off the dance floor and over to me for her drink. Vernon accompanied her, and we all stayed chatting for a while before I again took Taylor up to dance. I looked over at one point and saw a woman chatting to Vernon at our table, maybe his luck was changing. When we returned to the table Vernon was still there, but the woman had moved on.

"I saw a woman over here trying to pick you up before, you didn't crash and burn, did you?" I asked Vernon.

"Nah, she's not my type. I've seen her here before, she usually latches onto some guy, batting her eyes at him while she gets him to buy her drinks all night long. I'm not about to spend money I don't have, buying drinks I don't drink, just for the chance to sleep with a woman I don't want to sleep with." Vernon replied laughing.

"You'll never get laid with that attitude, mister." Taylor responded.

"Well, I've gone over six months now, I'm sure I can go a bit longer." He replied while shaking his head.

"No way, six months? What are you trying to become a priest?" Taylor replied.

"Might as well. Listen, I'll be back soon. I'm just going to go and check in with my friend, please don't go anywhere yet though, I want to get in another dance with you before you guys' head home."

"I'll be here waiting. Don't be too long though." Taylor replied.

"I won't." As Vernon headed to the back section near the bar.

Taylor looked over at me with a sexy smile on her face, I wasn't sure if it was the drinks, the good time we were having or if she was thinking something.

"Hey, you know when I asked you when we were leaving the restaurant about when we would start you know what, what did you say again?"

"I think you remember what I said."

Taylor pouted at me, wanting me to repeat it.

"Okay, I said we could start tonight, next week or next month, we would figure it out."

"So, were you serious?"

"What are you saying? Do you want to sleep with Vernon? He wasn't one of the guys you slept with later, are you sure he'd be okay with all of this?"

"I'll have to speak with him first. But yes, if I'm going to choose someone, it's him. He's a good guy and I trust him too."

"Hold on, is tonight our first step? We agreed we would meet the guy out for drinks so I could get to know them first. Is that what tonight is?"

"Only if you want it to be. We can always arrange to go out and have dinner or something again if you prefer, it's up to you. You need to be the one that's comfortable with him, I already am."

"Oh, I know you are, four months of being 'comfortable' with him." I said as I laughed.

"Stop it, you'll make me blush." Taylor replied with a childish giggle.

"Alright, tonight can be our first step then. I already know him well enough to know he won't be an axe-murderer or something, and you're right, he is a good guy. It just didn't cross my mind that you would choose an old boyfriend from college is all."

"Why not? We agreed that I should know him already and trust him too, not to mention that he's great in bed as well. I don't think I ever mentioned that part, did I?"

"No, you never gave him a bed rating, although you did mention he's the biggest you've ever had. Is that why he's good in bed?"

"Not at all, but is that going to be a problem? The whole size thing? I don't want you feeling insecure because of that. I can always pick someone else if I have to."

"No, I'm sure I'll be fine. You just need to make sure that he's the right guy that you want for this."

"Yeah, he is. So then, now what?"

"Should we ask him when he comes back about joining in on our arrangement but that he needs to understand that this isn't him getting back together with you in any way?" I asked.

"Yeah, for sure, I'll make it clear to him. Maybe when he comes back, if you can leave me with him for a bit so I can talk to him. Find out how he feels about it without having you standing right there. Maybe if you go up to the bar or something and then I can text you when to come back to the table if you like."

"Okay, that's sounds fine. Are you really sure you're ready for this though? I don't want to push this on you, it's happening pretty quickly."

"Are you getting cold feet? It's okay if you are, just tell me before this goes any further."

"No, I just want to be sure that you're okay with this, that you're not feeling pressured to do this, that you want this too."

"I do. Now get going to the bar, Vernon's on his way back."

As I made my way to the bar, I nodded and smiled at Vernon as we crossed paths. I wonder if he has any clue what he's about to be asked? I wanted to see his reaction too, it would've been interesting to be listening in on their conversation.

I stood at the bar, waiting to get served. I looked back to see how they were going, but they just looked like they were having a normal conversation. After I got my drink, I stood with my back against the bar, watching them talking.

They spoke for several more minutes before Vernon took Taylor up for one last slow dance. When Taylor got back to the table, I could see her texting me on her phone, and the message I got read 'He agreed. You can come back now.'

When I got back to the table, Taylor took my hand, holding it while giving me a small nod.

"Are you sure Roger? It's still not too late to stop this."

"I'm feeling okay with it so far. How about you? Were you excited when you asked him to join us?"

"Yeah, I was. I have to admit this whole situation is turning me on so much. I wasn't sure It would, I thought I'd be a mess with emotions and worrying about it all, but I'm not. I really want this now too. Tell me we're going to be okay Roger, tell me we aren't making a colossal fuck up right now."

"Taylor, we're fine. This is just some fun we're having before we start our family. Think of it as getting the last part of our reckless youth out of our system before we become proper adults and parents."

"Alright, but remember no matter what, that I love you more than anything. At any time you want to stop all this, just say the word. I mean that. I don't want to hear you saying later that you were unhappy but didn't want to intervene or some bullshit. Promise me that, please?"

"I promise. Now, how about you start focusing on having some fun, that's what this is all about. No more worrying. From this point on, it's all about us enjoying ourselves, okay?"

"Alright."

When Vernon came back to our table, I was keen to not make this awkward if at all possible.

"So, I understand Taylor spoke with you about our arrangement. Are you all good with what's planned?"

"Yeah, I am. How about you Roger? Are you sure you're okay with this? I don't want to be getting stabbed with a kitchen knife later." Vernon replied, as we all chuckled at his comment.

"No, no kitchen knives I swear. Just promise me you'll treat her right and that we'll show each other some respect when we're together."

"You got it, that's easy. I just hope I remember what I'm doing after a six-month sabbatical."

"I'm sure you'll be fine. Well, it's time I took my wife home, it was good to see you again Vernon, and to see you again shortly."

"Bye Vernon, I'll be in touch later so we can talk about a time and place. Don't forget about what I asked you to do as well, if you can get that done quickly for me."

"No problem. I'll see you guys again soon, you both go have some fun now."

"Oh, we will." Taylor responded as she gave Vernon a quick kiss on the cheek before we both made our way out of the club.

"What was it you asked him to get done?"

"To get tested, you can't take any chances."

"Yeah, so this all happened pretty quickly, are you ready for the next step?"

"I am, are you Roger?"

"We'll find out soon, I guess. So, did you want to just have Vernon as our extra and not worry about finding other guys? Or do you still want to arrange something with others?"

"Just Vernon, if that's okay with you Roger? It'll make it that much easier and he's local too so we can do it in the privacy of our own home and not have to travel interstate or book hotels. Besides, it's only for a few months so I'm hoping it'll work out better this way."

We went home and had some very passionate sex, fueled by the excitement of what had transpired this evening. We were both now looking forward to the next step of having some threesome fun.

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We woke up Saturday morning, Taylor was going shopping shortly with her friend and old roommate, Rhian. So, she was keen to have breakfast and to get ready. I too wanted to get some things done today, starting with an early morning run. I always go for a run after I've had a few drinks the night before, maybe it's my own way of making sure I don't drink too much or the run the next morning is absolutely grueling.

So, I kissed Taylor goodbye as I headed out the door, I was actually looking forward to my run. It helps to clear my head, to get my thoughts in order. While on my run, I thought about the events of last night, also to our discussion in the restaurant that kicked it all off. That's when I realized that I never asked Taylor what made her change her mind. She went from being totally against the idea, to raising it at the restaurant. It's something that I'll be sure to ask her about later.

I also wondered whether Taylor would talk to Rhian about what we decided last night, they were living together when Taylor was dating Vernon while they were at college. I wasn't sure how I'd feel about that, for our arrangement to be exposed like that.

When I returned to the house, Taylor had already left for her shopping trip with Rhian. She never buys much on these, of course they're really just an excuse for the two friends to catch up and talk. Kind of like what golfing or fishing is for us guys.

After I showered and had breakfast, I got dressed and headed out. I was spending the day with Mark, my work colleague. I had promised to help with a private project he was doing outside of city hall, and I was to be remunerated well once the project got completed by the developers. I got home after six in the evening, Taylor was laying on the couch reading a book.

"How was work?" She asked me.

"It's not meant to be work, well sort of. Anyway, it was good, we got a lot done. How was your shopping trip?"

"It went well, although I spent a lot more than I'd planned to. Becky showed up as well, so it was the three amigos with credit cards at the ready. The stores didn't know what hit them." Taylor responded, chuckling to herself.

"I hope you didn't go overboard, you already have more clothes and shoes than anyone could possibly wear in a year."

"Now, now. It's always good to have a new outfit to wear, with matching shoes of course."

I looked over at her with raised eyebrows, and a look that said 'really?'.

"Oh, stop it, I'm just teasing. It was a good day and I kept my credit card firmly in my purse. It was nice to catch up with them though, with the number of hours we do at work, it's been hard to spend as much time with them as I'd like to."

"Did you talk about old times at college, and old boyfriends maybe?"

Taylor looked up from her book at me.

"If you're asking if I told them about Vernon and last night, the answer's no, I didn't. Some things even my best friends shouldn't know about."

I walked over and sat on the couch beside her, with Taylor shifting her legs so that I could sit.

"I thought about something this morning on my run, something I didn't ask you about last night."

Taylor put her book down and sat up properly.

"What is it? Are you having second thoughts?"

"No, I'm fine with it, really. What I thought about that I didn't ask you, was what made you change your mind? You went from being dead against the idea, to raising it with me at the restaurant. Why?"

Taylor looked away from me, squishing her mouth a bit, like she does sometimes when she's thinking. Her thinking and the silence went on too long, so I interrupted her thoughts.

"Taylor, come on. We promised to be open and honest with each other about this. No secrets. Just say what you're thinking, you don't need to frame it just right for me."

"It's not that, I was just trying to think to myself about the real reasons I changed my mind. Not ones that I could easily tell myself and you to feel better about it."

"Well?"

Taylor closed her eyes for a moment, and then let out a sigh.

"Okay, there's two reasons why I raised it. But to start with, there's a few things that you need to understand first. When I first met you, I couldn't help but fall in love with you. I knew from almost that first night at city hall that I was going to marry you, that I wanted to be with you for the rest of my life. It sounds crazy to say that, but I truly felt that way."

"Well, that's great, but you've told me that before."

"I know, just let me speak. My biggest fear was that you would find out about me, about what I did when I was with Ben. That if you knew the things I did, you'd never want to be with me, you'd never want to marry me. That you'd think I was a slut. And you know what? You'd be right if you felt that way."

"Hold on, you can't judge people by what they did before you even met them."

"Bullshit Roger, we do that all the time. If you knew someone that was working with you who was previously fraudulent related to your work, are you telling me that wouldn't affect how you think of them? How you'd deal with them? Come on, we all do it. You can run away from your past, but it's still a part of who you are."

"Where are you going with this?"

"When I fell in love with you, I wanted to give you everything I had, I wanted to not hold back anything from you. I wanted to be open and honest with you, to love you as much as I could, and for you to love me that same way. But I couldn't do that could I? I had to hold back the truth about the stuff I'd done. Worried that if you ever found out, that you wouldn't be able to run away from me fast enough. It would almost give me panic attacks whenever I would think about it, not just about what I'd done, but that I was keeping it from you and that you'd think I was lying to you about who I truly was. That you wouldn't love me anymore."

"Really? Since when did I come across as being that shallow?"

"I know, but I couldn't help but feel that way. When you told me that night outside of the bar that you knew about my past, that you'd spoken with Ben and you'd seen the videos, my whole life came crashing down. Every fear I had about it was just exposed. I was convinced you'd hate me. I had to leave, I just couldn't face you, all I could think about was that it was over for us."

"I thought you were angry with me because I didn't believe you that night with what happened with Phil, and for not telling you that I had been speaking with Ben."

"I was, believe me. But I was also waiting for you to say that it didn't matter, that we were done because of what you'd seen me do. But then I thought about it when I was over my sister's place. You said that you'd spoken to Ben already, that you'd already seen the videos, but you didn't leave me straight away. I knew that if you could still believe in me, still be able to trust me, that maybe there was a chance we could get through it. That's why I wanted you to tell me that. I was desperate for you to tell me that you believed me. But then on Sunday when I came home, it was clear to me that you didn't trust me, I was so sure at that point that it meant we were done."

I nodded as I tried to recollect what happened that weekend, and how I felt.