Three is a Crowd

The next few days in work flew by in a dizzy haze, and Amanda found herself fluctuating between excitement and anxiety over her decision. Gerard seemed happy though and his mood showed in work, to the point where people were starting to notice. It made Amandas stomach flip with pleasure, knowing that she was the reason for his happiness. She was still worried about Frank and how he really felt about all of it. Frank would probably tell Gerard he was okay with it just to keep him happy, even at the expense of his own happiness. Amanda couldnt help but feel a twinge of guilt whenever she thought of Frank. He probably hated her and she couldnt blame him, she knew she would hate any person who would try to come between her and Gerard. She didnt let the guilt stop her though; she was past the point of no return now. As crazy as the situation was she knew the she would always regret not giving it a try.

It was agreed that she would move in Friday after work, although she would still keep her apartment for the next month at least, just in case it didnt work out. Gerard had told her he would set up a room for her so she would have her own space, which had an en suite bathroom for all your&you know&girly stuff as he had so awkwardly put it with a wave of his hand. He now spent a lot of time giving her knowing looks and accidental touches whenever he could, and more than once he had asked her to work late, which was code for screwing each other senseless in his office. She couldnt complain about it though, he was amazing at sex. He knew how to push all her buttons and he never failed to bring her to an earth shattering orgasm that would leave her knees shaking for at least five minutes afterwards. She was beyond happy, and she could only hope that it would last.

****

She packed a couple of suitcases to bring, not seeing the need to bring over anything else just in case things went wrong, which was a real possibility. She had finally managed to get her car fixed but Gerard still insisted on driving her to and from work to make sure she wouldnt be tardy. She suspected his real motive was so he could screw her any chance he got. His libido seemed insatiable, not that she was complaining as she had a really high sex drive herself but, she wondered how Gerard kept up with her and Frank. Maybe he was on Viagra.

She sighed as she zipped up the last suitcase, feeling tired after the long day of work, followed by last minute packing after she had promised Gerard she would be ready to go twenty minutes ago.

For the love of God woman, just hurry up! He called out to her from the living area in exasperation and she smiled as she imagined him tapping his foot impatiently while he waited for her. It was one of his habits that she found adorable.

Make me! she retorted automatically, taking another glance around her bedroom, anxious to make sure she had everything she would need.

Thats an offer I cant refuse Gerard was suddenly standing in the doorway of her bedroom with a smirk on his face that screamed you get what you asked for.

Before she could respond he walked over to her and pushed her onto her bed, where she landed on her back before he climbed on top of her and grabbed her wrists, quickly pinning them above her head. He used his free hand to push her shirt up, feeling the skin that covered her waist with a soft caress before he started to tickle her mercilessly.
Amanda screamed with laughter, trying to get away from him but her pathetic attempts to kick him were futile.

Please, please Im sorry, just stop! she begged. I cant breathe, please!

He finally stopped, the Cheshire cat smile she hated was planted firmly on his face.

He brought his lips down to capture her own soft lips when she caught her breath, making her breath hitch for a second. Amanda was certain that she would never get use to the effect he had on her just by kissing her. Her brain seemed to shut down from the overload, and she responded helplessly to his demanding kiss. When they broke apart Amanda gave a little whine of frustration, wanting to take things further. Gerard ignored her and stood up.

You got everything?

I think so.

Thats a yes. Cmon, Franks waiting at home.

He picked up her suitcases and carried them out of her apartment with ease as she followed behind him, her stomach fluttering with nerves. She left her apartment not knowing if she would ever live there again.

The journey to Gerards house was silent and uneventful as they listened to a mix CD, Gerard was calm and relaxed while Amanda was a bundle of nerves and self consciousness. She wondered how they would manage to make it work. Gerard was insistent that it could be done but Amanda couldnt help but be somewhat doubtful about how it would work in practice. She just hoped that they would find a way to make the dysfunctional relationship functional to everyones benefit.

When they reached the house Gerard didnt waste any time getting out of the car and retrieving her suitcases from the trunk. He closed it with a bang before quickly making his way up the steps to the house with Amanda following quietly.

He dropped the suitcases in the large entrance hall beside the staircase.

Frank? he called out, his voice echoing in the hall.

In the kitchen.

Gerard grabbed her hand and led her to the kitchen where Frank was pouring himself a cup of coffee from a really expensive looking coffee machine. The smell of the foul liquid filled the kitchen and Amanda couldnt help her reaction to the smell, her nose twitching in disgust.

Gerard laughed at her Frank shooting him a puzzled look in response.

Youre gonna have to get use it, sugar Gerard drawled lazily when he stopped laughing.

No I dont she retorted childishly.

She hates coffee Gerard explained to Frank, whos face then lit up with a wicked grin.

I can get her to like it. Give me two weeks.

Bet you fifty bucks she wont.

Deal.

Aint gonna happen Amanda knew her hatred for the stuff could never be overcome.

Well see Franks grin was too confident. It almost made Amanda feel uneasy.

Frank continued to drink his coffee while Gerard went and poured a cup for himself.

Want anything?

Just water will do, thanks Amanda replied, starting to feel uneasy.

Its just in the fridge, dont be afraid to go help yourself.

She got the bottle wordlessly, afraid that the awkward silence was soon make an appearance.

How was work? Frank asked Gerard.

Fine. Same old same old. How is the new band coming along?

Theyre&okay. They need a lot of work. Theyre still too rough around the edges, and need to learnhow to write a little thing called a chorus. Theyll get there.

Amanda stood there, while Frank and Gerard went through what was presumably a normal domestic routine for them. She was afraid to draw attention to herself, not wanting to interrupt even though she hated feeling felt out. She wondered if this was an indication of how things would be and her stomach dropped a little at the thought.

Amanda?

Franks voice woke her out of her reverie, and she blushed a little with embarrassment when she saw both men were looking at her, both with eerily similar amused expressions.

I was going to order out, you have any preferences?

Pizza.

Frank giggled. A woman after my own heart.

Gerard grumbled, annoyed. We just had pizza last night Frank, and the night before he added with a sigh.

Seeing as its Amandas first night here she gets to choose. Its not my fault she shares my love of pizza. He dialled the number as he said this, ending the conversation.

Gerard rolled his eyes before walking out of the kitchen after muttering something about needing to change.

So, how are you? Frank asked when he put the phone down, his expression neutral now that Gerard was gone.

Im good. How are you? She was cautious in her reply, aware of the fact that Frank was probably not her biggest fan.

Im good I suppose. He studied her for a moment before his face relaxed into a more friendly expression. Dont be so worried Amanda. At first Ill admit I wasnt happy with Gerards idea but that was nothing to do with you. I made my own bed, now I have to lie in it. I dont hold anything against you. In fact, I think you and I will get along just fine.

Amanda suddenly felt herself physically relax as Franks voice helped soothe her tense and coiled body. He appeared to be genuine in his sentiments, and he gave her an easy smile that assured her he held no bad will against her. She was wary though, knowing that Franks opinion could easily change.

She returned his smile though, deciding to not think about something she had no control over.

Thanks Frank. She paused for a moment before a thought suddenly entered her mind. What do you mean you made your bed?

His eyes narrowed in surprise.

Its a long story. For another time.

She nodded, not wanting to question him further.

How&how is this going to work?

Well, from what I understand it I think Gerard has a sort of rota thing he wants to try.

So, we get set days with each other? she clarified.

Yup he said the P with a popping sound. We get three days with him each and the last day well&well Im not sure.

What about me and you? the words left her mouth before she even realised she had thought them.

Frank cocked an eyebrow, a sexy smirk on his face. He seemed pleased with Amandas outburst while Amanda turned a beetroot shade of red, kicking herself mentally for her foot in mouth syndrome.

You know, youre right he spoke slowly and deliberately, as though he enjoyed the feel of the words as he spoke them. I think Mr. Way has been thinking far too much about his own needs.

Amanda couldnt help the wide grin that took over on her face, as Frank and Amanda seemed to understand that they could be of benefit to each other.

Gerard entered the kitchen, now dressed in jeans and a black Metallica t-shirt. He had a smile on his face, which faltered when he saw Frank and Amanda smile at each other, like teenagers who had just come up with a plan to inflict torment on a poor unsuspecting soul. His eyes flicked on one to the other, trying to figure what was going on.

Whats going on? he asked hesitantly, not sure if he wanted to know.

Oh nothing. Amanda and I were just talking about how were looking forward to spending more time with each other. Franks voice was overly cheery.

Right.

So, I was thinking you and Amanda get Tuesdays and Thursdays, You and I get Mondays and Wednesdays. Saturdays could be a day we all spend together.

What about Fridays and Sundays? Gerard asked, eyebrows raised slightly.

Oh, theyre for Amanda and I.

Gerards face fell, looking like a child who just had a toy taken off them by the school bully.

You and Amanda? he questioned incredulously.

Sure, why not? We enjoy each others company, and we get along very well. Plus, Im not going to deny I had a good time last weekend Frank winked at Amanda with the last statement and Amanda had to stop herself from laughing at Gerard who looked beyond pissed.

Im assuming thats okay, I mean, you said this is about making a relationship that will make everyone happy, right? This is about all three of us, isnt it? Frank questioned, clearly enjoying the effect he was having on Gerard. She assumed he didnt gain the upper hand too often in the relationship.

Gerard didnt answer; his glare at Frank made Amanda a little worried for Franks safety. He opened his mouth to reply after a long silence, when the doorbell rang.

Ill get it he snapped, before storming out of the kitchen.

Frank watched Gerard as he stormed out, before looking at Amanda with the biggest smile she had ever seen.

I dont know about you, but I think this will be the beginning of a beautiful relationship.