Encompassing Love by Richard Lord Page A

quickly.
    Phillip could hear her huffing the way she always did when she was angry at him. “Well, I didn’t know that.  To be direct with you, I’m pretty sure Marla didn’t know that either.  I think she expected it would lead to all three of us, just as I did.”
    Venetia huffed even more visibly as she turned quickly and yelled, “Neither of you asked me!”
    Phillip lowered his head considering that.  He couldn’t help but think that as outspoken as she is she wouldn’t just say that in the first place.  Then he wonders what exactly that meant for her plans with him.  In his defense he added, “There aren’t that many of us.  These are things that are bound to happen.  We were young when we thought this all out.”
    “So if we are a microcosm of society and all of society does what they want without considering the other person, than why are we building a model of the same thing that our ancestors did?”  She swatted her pants at his face and then put them on and pushed her feet into her shoes and walked out.  As she rounded the corner she saw Tina.  Tina waved, but Venetia looked back at her with a very stern look on her face.
    As Tina opened the door she thought, “Well, from the smell and dank of this place I see some things worked out.  But apparently not others.”
    “Yes, Tina, you were right.”  Phillip said holding up a hand.
    “I didn’t meant to be, it’s just kind of predictable between the two of you.”  Tina began to undress and ready herself for sleep.  She was, as she has predicted, extremely worn out.  She crawled into bed next to him and looked at his face.  She very badly just wanted to go to sleep, but she could tell from the look on his face he was thinking about multiple things at once, again.  “Ok, there’s more to that look than just Venetia.  What’s wrong?”
    “A lot.  As for Venetia she did say something I should consider.”  Phillip said as he laid back.
    “Like the fact that she likes being in bed with you still, but is still angry with you about the Marla thing?”  Tina commented.
    “Well of course that, but something else as a result.  I have a lot of things to think about and you look extremely tired.”  Phillip leaned over and kissed Tina on the forehead and then lay back down.
    “Yeah, I am tired, but I was kind of looking forward to a better kiss goodnight than that.”  Tina leaned on her elbow while looking down at him.
    “I’m sorry, come here.”  Phillip grabbed the back of her head and pulled her down and kissed her deeply.  Then as if he was more fueled than ever he put his arms around her and pulled her body into him.
    Tina broke the kiss looked at him and smiled.  “Good to know I’m still attractive to you.  Although, I think the only one you haven’t shown that to is Siri.  Although we’ve seen you check her out once or twice.”
    “Hmm, I’ve noted her figure, that’s about it.  Siri and Paul are completely in their own world.  As pretty as you are, I don’t think Paul notices you anymore than Siri notices me.  Besides, polite and informational conversation.”
    Tina looks up at the ceiling while still leaning over Phillip.  Then back at him. “Okay.  I’ll agree that’s a pretty accurate statement.  Tell me more about the me being pretty part?”
    Phillip grins and kisses her again.  Then Tina leans on her elbow again with her hand to her head and looks at Phillip.
    “Venetia and I don’t look very much alike.  Be honest, which of us do you think is prettier?”  Tina asks.
    “I’m not playing this game.  Also, personalities are completely different and it’s hard not to factor that in.”  Phillip answers.  “Plus, I’m with you.”
    “But because you want to be or because you can’t get along with Venetia and Marla moved on to James?”  Tina asked.
    “Marla moved on to James because she noted my interest in you.  How do you feel about Marla going after James?”  Phillip