One, Three, Five
By: Beenthere
©2011
(MMF, et. al. eventually)

Chapter One

Ben had survived a long marriage when suddenly he was a bachleor
again.  He really missed the companionship that went along with
married life.  He rattled around the house, too big for a single
man until he realized there was a way around his problem without
trying to form an permanent attachment that he was not ready for.


A simple ad in the daily paper to share his home with another
couple wouldn't cause him either a financial or sentimental
burden.  He interviewed several applicants not knowing what type
of people he was willing to open his home to.  'I guess I will
know when I find the right ones', He thought.  He glanced at his
watch and wondered if his five o'clock applicants would show. 
When he had made the appointment both were on the phone and her
pleasent voice and Mark's confidence assured him that they were a
stable couple without personal problems to interfer with his
daily life.

When the doorbell rang he still jumped as it broke into his heavy
thoughts.   Mark and Doreen were a fiftyish couple, exuded
confidence when they entered and Ben sat them in the living room.
 He liked them immediately.  He offered them something to drink
and Doreen rose with a grace and said, "Let me help."  It was a
warm day and all had settled on cold beer as a choice which
suited him fine.  He retreived the cold bottles from the fridge
two at first and turned to place them on the counter.  Doreen was
near and reached beside him to help with the third.  Her breast
brushed his hand and he felt a tingle at the contact.  She smiled
at the contact but showed no other reaction.

They walked side by side as they returned to the room with Mark.
One drink followed by several others, a tour of the house and
yard and soon the hour melted into three as they laughed, told
and shared their get acquainted stories.  A bond of friendship
was quick to form and Ben knew these were the ones which he would
be comfortable sharing his home.  They expressed their
satisfaction with the quarters that would be their private space
and quickly the joint decision was made to seal the deal.

They were too far from their belongings and quickly Ben offered
they spend the night if they wished. Gratefully they accepted.
They would gather their personal belongings tomorrow it was
decided.  Doreen offered to prepare a meal if Ben agreed.  It was
too long since he had enjoyed dining with others he was eager to
accept.  He and Doreen started what preparations they decided
upon and Mark dutifully set an orderly table along with tall
tapered candles and a fresh flower centerpiece he composed from
the yard flower bed.

The dining experience bonded the trio into solid friends with an
ease around each other amazing to them all.  "Coffee in the
living room," Ben offered.  He latched onto a bottle of cognac he
had been saving for years and carried in along as they all moved
together.  He poured the golden liquid into the crystal goblets.
They swirled and warmed the liquor and sipped the fire into their
mouths.

Together they sat on the smooth leather couch.  He felt the heat
of Doreen's legs pressing against his thighs.  He looked at Mark
trying to see if there might be a problem with her demonstrating
such affectionate gestures  toward another person.

"You looked so lonely when we arrived, is there anything we can
do?"  Doreen patted Ben's shoulder and seemed to draw his body
toward her.    Mark also seemed to show a concern.

He had enough to drink to loosen his tongue, he blurted forth his
lonesomeness and reluctance to befriend others.  Her hand
increased pressure on his shoulder until his head was resting
against her chest and she wrapped the other arm around his neck.
He had drank enough to stagger slightly as he rose to his feet. 
Doreen supported him until Mark came to her aid also.  Together,
they led him to his quarters.  As they eased him to his bed, he
tried to show his gratitude toward his new friends.  Mark unlaced
the shoes as Doreen loosened his tie and shirt front.  They
covered him with a light blanket and turned the light out before
they left his room.


  
135 ch1