"Just hanging out"

"Cool," Shari says, sitting back. "Takes some pressure off, I guess".

You ask, "what do you mean?"

"When Alice set this up, she was just like, keep him company, do your thing, what happens between you is your business. She didn't clarify on how we would be hanging out, and I don't know if she expected me to fuck you or whatever. I like friends with benefits, but when you came in saying date I didn't know what to think. So I've just been like, whatever."

You admit, "she's been sending mixed messages to me, too. At first it was talking about just dating casually, no sex, then hook-ups, now this. I'm not sure what to think, I'm not even sure Alice does."

Shari responds, "wouldn't surprise me. She's...this is new territory for her. She knows how to date around, but I don't think she knows how to do it while staying with you. She probably thinks if you play along, it will be easier for both of you, or she probably won't feel as guilty about it."

You say, "I just wish she would be clearer sometimes".

"You and me too, dude". The conversation dies into a bit of uncomfortable silence, as the two of you drink your beers. You try to keep your attention off Shari's body, and Shari keeps her eyes mostly on her beer. After a minute or two, Shari asks, "so are you going to do it?"

"What?" you ask.

"Play along," she says.

You say, "it's been great at home, and I love how more assertive and confident she's been. I'm okay with what she's doing as long as she's being safe and not doing anything risky, and like I said it's a big thrill I didn't expect. So as far as that goes, I guess you could say I'm playing along?"

"I meant, are you going to date around and hook up," Shari clarifies.

"Oh...I don't know. I'm happy with Alice doing what makes her happy, but I don't know if I'm cut out for it. I've only ever thought about having one woman in my life, I don't know if I could go through with it even if I had the chance. To tell you the truth, I only came out because I thought it would make her happy...I'm having a great time, but I really didn't expect that to happen. Having a great time, that is."

Shari thinks for a moment. "Want to find out?" she asks, looking you in the eyes.

"Find out what?" you ask, confused a bit due to the ****.

"If you could go through with it," she says.

"I..." you start to say.

Shari says, "I'm a little drunk and feeling horny, I could use some benefits right now. You game?"