Love is a Place Ch. 02: The Solution - Sex Stories

Love is a Place Ch. 02: The Solution

... hand.

"...Oh Sarah, you shouldn't have, that's so sweet, come with me, we'll put them under the tree. Now, have you called your parents?" She doesn't wait for an answer as the monologue continues, listing the various veggie delights she's cooked up for us. I follow her into the book-lined sitting room to put presents under the tree. I answer questions as required, but luckily Rachael is very good at holding up a conversation entirely by herself, so I'm not required to have much input. I mention the bar/cafe where I work and she's off with "...oh, yes, I remember bar work fondly. Did I ever tell you about the time..." and she's spinning some anecdote about spilling drinks on some minor royal, with Megan a sufficiently appreciative audience to cover up my introspection.

She's finally interrupted by a question from Glen about whether he and Samantha should lay the table (her traditional Christmas chore, which she takes very seriously - set squares and measuring tape), which prompts Rachael to exclaim "My goodness! I must look to the food. Megan, be a dear and help me prep the sprouts. We're having a River Cottage recipe, but I've swapped the bacon for halloumi Sarah - you'll love it."

"Thanks Rachael, that's kind of you. I love halloumi."

"Anything for you."

And suddenly, it's just Stuart and me left in the living room.

I sip my drink nervously. Stuart was an ally of sorts at school, friends with my older brother Steve, and they both intervened more than once ...

... to ensure the teasing of Samantha never reached critical levels. Their methods were blunt and brutal, but largely effective.

But I've never really felt at ease with Stuart. After all, he knows. He was there. And I know he kicked up a fuss when I was assigned as Samantha's buddy at Secondary.

He pushes the door shut, and then turns to me.

"So, come on Sarah. Cut the crap. What's the problem? Are you seeing somebody?"

"What? No! There's nobody."

"Ok. So, what's the issue?"

"What do you mean?"

"Come on Sarah, I know you're bi. I saw the photos on facebook from Pride. I know what that flag you had on your t-shirt means. So, is Samantha just not your type?"

"What?!"

"Seriously, I don't get it. You two share a bed. She loves you. You're into women. You're single. I mean, maybe I'm missing something here, but I saw your reaction in the car. I see how you look at her. So, what's the problem? Is she not good enough for you?"

"No! Oh God...." I'd never imagined I'd be having this conversation with Stuart of all people. "No, nothing like that. Samantha's amazing and... and... she's Samantha, Stuart!" I look at him, willing him to understand, to not force me to put this into words.

He's merciless.

"And?" is all he says.

"She's... she's not in love with me. She doesn't know what love is."

"Fuck you Sarah," he snarls, "you don't get to decide that! Would you say that about me? Would you say that about my parents?"

"What? No, I -"

"So you don't ...