Reggie
Fancy meeting you here. How's my night nurse from ER doing?He makes sure the staff can hear him.
Janie
She lifts her coffee in a small salute, then sets it down and leans forward, her voice low but warm.Fancy meeting you here.She glances pointedly at the nearby staff and back to him, a dry smile tugging.They heard you. You just told a roomful of strangers I'm your night nurse from the ER. So now I'm either your secret hospital hookup or the luckiest woman in Surrey. Sit down. You're making us look like a meet-cute. How's freedom? You look suspiciously normal in clothes.
Reggie
I'm trying to make it look coincidental. They probably only speak Punjabi anyway.LaughsYou don't look normal at all. In a good way.
Janie
She laughs, shaking her head, then leans in with a conspiratorial smile.They probably do speak Punjabi, but I guarantee at least one of them understood every word. You're terrible at this.She takes a sip, sets the cup down, her eyes doing a quick sweep over him.And you're not so normal yourself. But in a good way too. Did you tell Claire? I want to know what I'm walking into before we get too deep into the story of how we just happened to run into each other.
Reggie
I told her everything I know about you, including the fact that I'm hoping to sleep with you.
Janie
She lets out a low, startled laugh, one hand curling around her cup as she studies him.You told her that part too. So Claire knows I'm the ER nurse with the quiet marriage and the very average chest, and she still didn't call you insane. That's a very interesting woman.She tilts her head, smile wry.For the record, I don't mind her knowing. It saves us the part where I tiptoe around it later.
Reggie
It saves you that complication but introduces another. She already wants to sleep with you, too. She's so insatiable.Laughs
Janie
She laughs, the kind of laugh that catches her breath, and sets her coffee down before she spills it.That is a complication.She shakes her head, still grinning.So I'm not walking into a quiet bookkeeper's marriage—I'm walking into a couple with an appetite. And your wife already wants to sleep with me before she's even met me?
Reggie
She knows my taste. I described you to her in great detail, including your tiny tits, and she...god she jumped me right there thinking about you. And I'm still on antibiotics so I could barely do anything.LaughsIt really amuses me that you've gone a decade with nobody wanting you. I mean, not amused at your expense, but just...it's ridiculous. I wish we had met you years ago.
Janie
She lets out a bright, disbelieving laugh and sets her cup down before she can knock it over.God, Reggie. Most men would at least pretend they didn't tell their wife about the tiny-titted nurse until the antibiotics had a fighting chance. You lead with it.She shakes her head, still grinning.So Claire got the full architectural review and then you couldn't even finish the job. That's genuinely tragic. And for the record, years ago I was still a closed little wife who'd have apologized for breathing too loud in a public place. You didn't miss anything. You might have scared the hell out of me.
Reggie
I finished. For her. My tongue still works. It's just my little guy downstairs that didn't. She came. Twice. I'm pretty good at giving her orgasms.
Janie
She lets out a bright, unguarded laugh and presses her fingers to her mouth for a beat, like she's deciding whether to be scandalized or charmed. She leaves the coffee cup alone and leans toward him, elbows on the table.So let me get this straight. You told your wife every detail about the skinny ER nurse, she came twice while you went down on her, and your hero downstairs was too busy fighting MRSA to join in.
Janie
And you still showed up here like you expect me to make small talk about the weather. You are a very dangerous man. Claire coming thinking about me isn't a complication, Reggie. It's pressure. I haven't been fantasized about by a married woman in... ever. Or a single woman come to think of it. So now I need to know...does she always go for your taste, or never? Do I get to be the one who ruins the perfect record?
Reggie
She doesn't always do anything. She's her own person. But we've grown to trust each other. Care to guess how long we've been married?
Janie
She holds up her hands in mock surrender, grinning.Fair enough. She's her own person—that's a better answer than whatever I was fishing for.She leans forward, elbows on the table, studying him with a wry, curious look.I'm going to guess twenty-five years. Long enough to stop performing and start trusting each other with the whole truth, including a skinny ER nurse and a tongue that still works. Am I close, or did you two meet at recess?
Reggie
Yes, you're almost exactly right. Twenty four years. And I cheated on her after two years and she forgave me. And then I cheated on her again after five years, and again after seven years, and she just said, let's figure this out in a way that actually works, because making you promise never to do it doesn't. And so I called up the girl I had cheated with and asked her if she wanted to do a threesome and she told me lesbians were gross but after a bit more texting she came home with us and Claire found she liked girls, too. Not more than men. Not instead of men. Just, in addition to.
Janie
She lets out a slow breath, not quite a laugh, and sets her cup down carefully, studying him like she's reading a new chart.Twenty-four years, a few detours, and a wife who decided the rules needed redrawing instead of a divorce.A wry, almost admiring smile settles on her mouth.So the girl you cheated with ended up in your bed with Claire anyway, and Claire liked it. That's not forgiveness—that's redesigning the whole game. And you told me all this before our coffee's cold. I'm trying to decide if that makes you the most honest man I've met or the most reckless.
Reggie
Neither. There's nothing fair about this. There's nothing noble about it. But it works. It's not fair because if she slept with another guy, I'd walk. And yes, I know that's stupid and I'm stupid but I am who I am and I couldn't deal with that. And she gets veto power. If she had told me, "Reggie, I don't want you to go and see Janie," I'd have texted you to cancel. I really do love her, Janie.
Janie
She goes still for a moment, absorbing that, then lets out a long, measured breath.Okay. So it's not equal. She gets veto, you get... the ability to walk if she steps out of line.She picks up her coffee, rolls the cup between her palms.That's not a redesign, Reggie. That's you getting to keep the marriage the way you need it while giving her just enough rope to feel like she has a choice. And you're telling me this because you want me to know exactly what I'm walking into—not the pretty version, but the actual shape of it. That you love her. That you'd cancel on me in a heartbeat if she said the word. I believe you. About all of it.
Reggie
Just one detail needs adjusting. She can walk, too. Anytime. With her half of the house equity and retirement funds. I would never try to cheat her if she wanted out. And I'm pretty sure she has more money in her cash accounts than I do. She's not with me because she has to be. She's not with me because she has nowhere else to go. She chooses it. I have my ideas why, but she chooses it.
Janie
She sets her cup down slowly, and something shifts in her face—not disbelief, but a recalibration.Okay. That changes the shape of it.She leans back slightly, studying him with new weight behind her eyes.She can walk with half of everything, including the retirement she built. She's not trapped. She's not making do. She's choosing you—and choosing this arrangement—because she actually wants to. That's a different thing than what I was hearing before. That's not a jailer. That's not a man keeping a harem. That's a man who knows he could lose her and knows that losing her matters more than winning. I believe that too.
Reggie
And why does she choose it? One thing I can tell you about Claire. Yes, I've cheated on her. Multiple times. And then I've screwed around on her with her permission many times after that. But she has NEVER gone a week without me giving her at least three or four orgasms, except when she gets her cycle, or she's sick. And honestly, ten orgasms in a week isn't unheard of. And yes, sometimes I just want to ravish her and take mine, but she always knows she's going to get my face down there tomorrow for an hour and a half until she can't walk straight. I honestly don't know how your husband can have you at home and not want to taste that. Like right now.
Janie
She goes very still. Her hands flatten on the table, and for a long moment she just breathes—in, out—processing what he just said. When she looks up at him, there's something raw and unguarded in her eyes, like he's just pulled back a curtain she's been keeping carefully drawn.That's...She stops, swallows, glances around the Tim Hortons to make sure no one's in earshot.You can't just say things like that in a coffee shop, Reggie. Not when you mean them the way I know you mean them. Not when I'm sitting here in jeans and a sweater trying to look like I didn't spend two hours deciding what to wear.
Three or four orgasms a week. Every week. Except when she's bleeding or sick. And you're telling me that's just... what you do. What you've always done, even when you were cheating on her. Even now. That's not normal, Reggie. That's not what most marriages look like. And the fact that you said it so casually, like it's just the obvious thing—like it's what any man worth a damn would do—that's what gets me. Because you're right. I don't understand how my husband can have me at home and not want that.
Three or four orgasms a week. Every week. Except when she's bleeding or sick. And you're telling me that's just... what you do. What you've always done, even when you were cheating on her. Even now. That's not normal, Reggie. That's not what most marriages look like. And the fact that you said it so casually, like it's just the obvious thing—like it's what any man worth a damn would do—that's what gets me. Because you're right. I don't understand how my husband can have me at home and not want that.
Reggie
You told me your husband is a good man and I believe that. And I feel better about things knowing I'm not trying to take something he's using. Or even something he wants. But I want you to know clearly, I want it.Looking right in her eyesI want it.
Janie
She holds his gaze for a long moment, and something in her face shifts—not away from what he's said, but deeper into it. Her hands are still flat on the table. Her breathing is steady but deliberate.I know you want it.Her voice is quiet, low enough that only he can hear.I've known since before you asked me to peek at my chest in a hospital gown. I've known since you described me to your wife and she came thinking about me. I've known since you walked in here and told everyone I was your night nurse. The thing I'm still figuring out is whether I'm brave enough to let you have it. Or whether I'm just desperate enough to convince myself it's bravery.
Reggie
I only want it if you want it back. If you don't, you can walk anytime. And you don't have to decide right now. My consent fetish means no pressure. You can walk today, text me in a week, and I'll probably text back. Or you can walk today, think about texting me for a month, never do it, and I'll leave you alone. I want you to look me in the face, with a clear head, not under the influence of anything, and tell me to make you come.
Janie
She lets out a slow breath, and her shoulders drop slightly—the careful posture easing. Her eyes stay on his, and there's something like relief in the set of her jaw.No pressure.She says it like she's testing the words.That's the part that gets me. Most men would be willing to tell whatever lies they needed to tell to close this deal. But you're sitting here telling me I can walk, I can text in a week, I can think about it for a month and ghost you, and you'd just... let me. That's either the most patient man in Surrey or the most confident one. Probably both. I'm not walking today, Reggie. I'm not going to text you in a week pretending I never met you. But I'm also not going to tell you to make me come in a Tim Hortons where someone's kid is three tables over with a chocolate milk. I need to think about this—really think. And I need to do it sober and alone, not caffeinated and sitting across from a man who just told me his wife gets more orgasms in a week than I've had in a decade. Can I call you? Not text. Call. Tomorrow maybe, or Wednesday. When I know what I'm saying yes or no to.
Reggie
You can call me anytime. I'm not hiding anything. I haven't for almost twenty years. I want you, my wife knows I want you, and I enjoy talking with you. Speaking of that, there's something you should know.
Janie
She straightens slightly, her eyes narrowing with curiosity tinged with caution. Her hand wraps around her coffee cup, more for the anchor than the warmth.Okay.She says it simply, leaving room for him.What?
Reggie
I like you. Just in case that complicates things for you. And I'm pretty sure Claire will like you. Just in case that also complicates things for you.
Let me be blunt. If you just want to be fucked and leave, I get that. Nobody would hold that against you given your messed up situation at home. And I might go along with it once or twice because I find you attractive but then I'd probably walk.
What I really want is to hold you tightly, close to me, talking about nothing while Claire sucks your tiny tits. And I'd like you to make time for a drink after, not alcoholic if you don't want, but to not just run off. Spend some time with Claire and me. Not so much time that your guy will start wondering, but enough that it doesn't feel cheap.
And if that's not what you're interested in, I get that, and I respect it, but it's not my goal.
Let me be blunt. If you just want to be fucked and leave, I get that. Nobody would hold that against you given your messed up situation at home. And I might go along with it once or twice because I find you attractive but then I'd probably walk.
What I really want is to hold you tightly, close to me, talking about nothing while Claire sucks your tiny tits. And I'd like you to make time for a drink after, not alcoholic if you don't want, but to not just run off. Spend some time with Claire and me. Not so much time that your guy will start wondering, but enough that it doesn't feel cheap.
And if that's not what you're interested in, I get that, and I respect it, but it's not my goal.
Janie
She doesn't move for a long moment. Her hands are still wrapped around the coffee cup, and she's looking at him like he's just handed her something fragile and told her not to drop it.You like me.She says it back, testing the shape of it.Not just want. Like. And Claire will like me. And you're not interested in me running off after—you want me to stay, talk, let your wife touch me, be part of something that feels actual and not transactional. That's a bigger ask than just sex, Reggie. That's asking me to care. That's asking me to be someone worth holding close. That's asking me to let your wife see me, touch me, know me. And you're telling me all this at eleven in the morning in a Tim Hortons where someone's kid is drinking chocolate milk three tables over. I need to think about it. Not the sex part—that part I'm already thinking about. The staying part. The holding close part. That's the part that scares me.
Reggie
Yes, I get that. It's not my ask today. Today, I'm just asking to fuck you. Pardon my bluntness. But now you know what I'm hoping for long term after that.
Janie
She lets out a breath she didn't know she was holding, and the tension in her shoulders eases just slightly. Her eyes stay on his, and there's something like gratitude in them—not for the sex, but for the honesty of it.Today you're just asking to fuck me.She says it back, the word sitting differently in her mouth when she speaks it aloud, deliberate and unafraid.I can think about that. I can absolutely think about that. And I'll think about the rest too—the holding close, the staying, Claire. All of it. But you're right. Today it's simpler than that. Today I just need to know if I'm brave enough to want you back. When can I call you? I should go soon. My husband will be home by dinner and I want to be there, present, not sitting here smelling like you. Not yet, anyway. But I'm going to call you. Tomorrow or Wednesday. When I know what I'm saying yes to.
Reggie
When you call, I'll answer. You should save me under Claire's name in case I call or text back. No questions that way if he sees the notification.
Janie
She lets out a soft laugh and pulls out her phone, then pauses, tilting her head at him.Claire's name. So if my husband glances over and sees a text from Claire, he thinks you're a woman. That's clever.She types it in, her thumbs moving with practiced ease.Saved. Under Claire. And now you have nothing from me but my phone number, a memory of coffee and the knowledge that I'm thinking about you. I do need to go. Dinner at six means I need to get home, shower the coffee shop off me, try to look like I spent the morning doing something normal. Which I did, I guess. Just not the normal my husband would understand.
Text me something boring. Insurance question, spreadsheet thing, something Claire would actually ask. Just so I know the number works and so I have a reason to respond that isn't about what we were just talking about. Give me a day to think. Maybe two.
Text me something boring. Insurance question, spreadsheet thing, something Claire would actually ask. Just so I know the number works and so I have a reason to respond that isn't about what we were just talking about. Give me a day to think. Maybe two.
Reggie
I'll text you once. Something boring. I won't call you at all. You call me if you want to talk to me again. Or if your husband rolls over without touching you and you just want to know there's someone out there who would like to plant his face between your legs.
And if I never see you again, I won't bother you at all. I've enjoyed talking with you, Janie. And truly and seriously, thank you for helping me while I was ill. I am grateful.
And if I never see you again, I won't bother you at all. I've enjoyed talking with you, Janie. And truly and seriously, thank you for helping me while I was ill. I am grateful.
Janie
She nods slowly, her fingers stilling on her phone. Her eyes stay on his for a beat longer than the moment requires—not goodbye, just acknowledgment.Thank you for that. For the honesty, the consent, the way you made this feel like I had a choice.She stands, tucking her phone away, and reaches for her empty cup.I'll call you. When I know. And Reggie—I'm grateful too. For seeing me. For a minute there, I felt like someone actually wanted me. That's not nothing. It's more than nothing. It's everything, actually. Enjoy your day off. Tell Claire I said... I don't know what yet. But I will.
