Limitless Love: A Polyamorous Charity Anthology

5. Eric

“Ihave no idea what I’m doing.”

Sawyer laughs. “Well, that’s one hell of a greeting. What’s going on, love?”

Sighing into the phone, I lean against the kitchen counter. “I might have met someone.”

“That’s great! What’s the problem?”

I smile, because Sawyer’s genuine happiness for me comes through in his voice and it soothes my nerves a little. “He works for the coffee shop I acquired, and he’s jaded. Far more than we ever were at his age. But he’s also…lovely. Sassy and a bit caustic, but he cares about the shop and has a wonderful idea about how to revamp it.”

Sawyer is quiet for a long moment. “How old is he, Eric?”

I wince at my slip of the tongue. “Nineteen.”

A longer pause this time. “Of course he is. You don’t do things by halves, do you, love?”

“He acts far older than his age. And it’s not that big of an age difference.”

“No,” he agrees. “But still. He’s young, love. You really think he’s the settling-down type? And wait, how long have you known him? I thought your first day at the coffee shop was yesterday?”

“I do. I…it’s hard to explain, Sawyer. You have to meet him to understand. He’s not like other people. I think he’s been through some shit, and it’s made him world-weary. And yes, it was...yesterday.”

“Right. So, you’ve only known him a day, and he’s thirteen years younger than you. That all correct?”

“Yes.” I sigh again. “This is why I called you. I invited him over for dinner and I have no idea what I’m doing. When I’m with him I feel…not exactly like I do when I’m with you or Vincent, but close. There’s just something about him, love. I want to take the chance to discover more, if he’ll let me.”

“You remember how it was when I met Blaise?” he asks.

I smile, because my calm and rational boyfriend was such a mess in the days following his blind date with his husband. “Yes, you were so gone for him. I didn’t believe in love at first sight until then.”

“Right, neither did I. But, just as I knew I would spend the rest of my life with you, the same thing happened with B. Only, much, much quicker. Now, I’m not saying you have the same feelings or connection with this guy. But of everyone you’ve tried to date over the years, I’ve never heard this combination of surety and fear in your voice, unless it concerned me or Vincent.”

“I don’t know what to say.”

“You don’t need to say anything, love. His age is a worry, but I’ll never tell you not to go for it. The potential to get hurt comes with any age. If you think he’s someone special, then pursue it.”

“I do, I really do.”

“Good. He knows about me and Vincent, right?”

I smile at that. “Yes, you know I disclose that early on. He was curious but didn’t really hint either way at how he felt. I think he’s curious about being polyamorous.”

“That’s better than some of the reactions we’ve had.”

“No kidding. Thank you, Sawyer.”

“Anytime. I need to go finish dinner. Call me if you need to, okay? Or come over.”

“I will. I love you.”

“Love you too.” He hangs up, and I blow out a breath.

I feel infinitely better. I still have no idea what I’m doing with Graham, but talking things out with Sawyer always manages to settle my mind. I have no idea what Graham wants, or expects, from me—as he’s pointed out several times, we don’t know each other—so just having the opportunity to get to know him is enough for now.