Getting down to business

The three of us strolled casually down the park path. A large forested section followed along the right side of the pavement, while a massive open field stretched from the left side until it met the beached edge of a small lake. It was a serene place, ideal for both low and high stress days. Today had been the latter so far, no question, but with any luck we were about to turn that around.

Rina: So how’s the semester been for you guys?

Emery: It’s been a productive two days so far.

Nia: Can’t complain either. I’m super sleepy today, but that’s my own fault.

Nia yawned, as if to emphasize the point, then elbowed my chest jokingly.

Nia: Well some of it was my fault hehe.

The way she said it carried heavily lewd implications. Rina adopted a cat-like expression.

Rina: Hoho, you causing some trouble for Nia, Emery?

Emery: W- You guys!

Nia: ~Oh he’s been insatiable lately! I can’t catch a break!

Nia’s exceedingly perverse delivery caused Rina’s smile to grow an awkward bend to it. Her ribbing might’ve bitten off a little more than she was prepared to chew. As quickly as it came, however, her more confident expression returned.

Rina: Woah, down girl. Save it for the bedroom ahaha… Good for you guys though! Glad to hear things are still going well.

I was surprised by the fact that she seemed so quick to change the subject. From the look on her face, Nia seemed thrown off as well. Normally Rina was fine with talking about sexual topics. Maybe Nia laid it on a little thick there? Then again, given my shy reaction just now, it would also be reasonable for Rina to assume I didn’t want to talk about it.

I felt immature, especially with what we wanted to ask her to do…I pushed away the thoughts for now and went on with the topic. No sense forcing things.

Rina: What are you on now, around six years?

Emery: That’s right! We’re going on seven near the end of the semester.

Rina: Damn, that’s really something. I don’t even know anyone from my high school anymore.

Rina: Ain’t exactly surprising though. You guys are such an obvious fit. Anyone with eyes could tell.

Nia squeezed my hand and I squeezed back, beaming with pride in our romance.

Rina sighed and sagged her shoulders.

Rina: Wish I had some of your luck. I can’t seem to keep a partner for very long.

Curiosity gripped me and I felt compelled to ask why she thought that was, but before I could Nia interjected.

Nia: Ah forget ‘em, they don’t know what they’re missing! You’re a real catch, Rina!

Rina: Daw thanks Nia, I appreciate it. Only means so much coming from someone who’s already in a relationship though haha. I need someone single to feel that way!

Nia's eyes lit up and it seemed she was about to give the perfect response, yet nothing came. She decided to hold her tongue, appearing to deflate as the timing passed by.

It was clear Nia was trying to find a good segue back into the sexual topics, but she seemed skeptical to seal the deal herself. If I had to guess why, I’d say she was probably lining everything up so I could be the one to pop the question. Made sense considering Nia’s hang-ups on faithfulness; not to mention I had spent more time with Rina overall than she had.

I needed to help things along if an opportunity presented itself. Things would get awkward if we circled the drain too much. As a lull in our chat formed, I took my chance.

Emery: By the way, we didn’t get to ask how your semester has gone so far. You’ve seemed pretty busy.

Rina’s body drooped and a wheezing sigh emerged with fury.

Rina: Dude it’s been garbage this year! Shit just keeps not working out…

Emery: Damn, that’s a bummer. I’m sorry. What’s been eating you?

Rina: Well…

For a moment Rina’s expression was off, her trademark aura of confidence seemingly falling away, but it smoothed over in the blink of an eye — whatever she had been thinking about seemingly discarded.

Rina: A few things, but the major one is I got kicked out of the dorms and had to move. That seriously screwed up my whole schedule. That’s why I was late to class yesterday.

Emery: Did you get kicked out by the policy changes?

Rina: Yeah…

Ouch, I hadn’t realized Rina was one of those affected when I talked with Jun about it. Even if it wasn’t directed towards her, I felt a bit bad about my callousness in retrospect.

Emery: I’m sorry Rina. If there’s anything we can do to help please let us know.

Rina: I appreciate it, but you know how I feel about owing people favors.

That was true. In the almost three years I’d known Rina, she had never been one to owe people anything if she could avoid it. Even though she was social, she did things on her own for the most part. Any time someone helped her, she would almost immediately pay them back in some fashion.

Nia: Don’t be like that Rina. C’mon, we’re all pretty tight aren’t we? And you know how Emery’s always going around helping out with school stuff. He’s never pitted that against you.

Nia fired a serious **** glare my way and her words cut like steel.

Nia: You haven’t, right?

The sheer contrast sent Rina into hysterics. I couldn’t blame her, I would’ve found it funny too if I hadn’t known Nia was dead serious under the joking facade. Rina responded once she came down from her fit.

Rina: Hah, you guys are a riot…Nah you’re not wrong. I know you’re people I can trust. I just avoid it when I can.

Nia: Doesn’t need to be anything too major. Unpacking, for example?

Rina: Very true. I still haven’t finished that…

Emery: If that’s still too much, then we could just help you unwind a bit. Where did you move to anyways?

Rina: The big apartment complex on the corner of Ash and Berrywood. The place near the old mall.

Nia and I looked at each other in shock

Emery: Wait really?

Nia: You’re only like two blocks from Em’s place!

Rina: Furreal? Do you want to take this little gathering back to my place then? The walk’s nice, don't get me wrong, but I’m tired and sweaty from the day.

A vibrating anticipation passed between Nia and I. Our eyes met in unspoken agreement. This seemed perfect. We hadn’t been comfortable inviting ourselves over when making our plans. If Rina was on her home turf she would be more at ease, it wouldn't be public, and if she wasn’t into it we could leave without issue. There was also the fact that having a private space allowed for potential if she agreed to join our sessions…more enthusiastically.

Emery: We would love to! Lead the way!