Three Is Just Enough by Jon Keys

something?”
    Dalton sighed. “Please. We need to talk.”
    She spun without acknowledging either man and pointedly sat in the floor with her back to the wall. Tara crossed her arms in front of her and glared at Dalton. Cole followed close behind her and collapsed bonelessly on the chair. Dalton sat on the far end of the couch, which did at least give her and Cole some space. They sat in silence for several minutes, then Dalton looked at Tara.
    “What’s wrong? You said Hooter’s was okay with you. And usually you’d think something like that was funny.”
    “I shouldn’t have to explain. You should know what’s wrong.”
    Dalton’s mouth formed a thin line. What the hell do I do with that?
    “Tara, you know that’s bullshit. Tell us what’s wrong,” Cole said.
    “If you loved me—”
    “Oh, for god sake. We’re guys and we don’t get anything if our dick isn’t involved,” Cole said.
    Anger flooded Tara. “Well, it’s your dicks that’s the problem, so you should be able to work out what you did.”
    Dalton moved to the front edge of the couch and looked between them, with the expression of someone whose missed the first part of a conversation.
    “Tara, we have no idea what’s going on. If you want it to get better, you need to tell us,” Dalton said.
    She paused, angry with them both for forcing her to explain her feelings. She twisted her mouth and looked from one to another. “Alright, fine. You never ask me to play. But you’re going after each other like horny rabbits.” She crossed her arms again and popped back against the wall with a bang.
    Dalton worked his mouth a few times before word came on. “We try to include you every time. You always say you’re too tired or too busy.”
    “I’m not talking about sex! I want to feel needed and loved. It doesn’t always need to end in sex. Sometimes it would just be nice to cuddle without feeling like you’re just wanting to jump me.”
    Dalton sat motionless for a few seconds, then looked to Cole and lifted his eyebrows. Cole nodded and took the baton.
    “We thought we were including you, Tara, honest. But—well —we’re guys.”
    Tara looked at him, still angry, but Cole always managed to make her laugh. With a shake of her head she turned to them. “I don’t want it to just be sex. I want to feel safe and wanted.”
    “We do want you, and you’re always safe. We’ll work on it. Honest. I had no idea you felt left out,” Dalton said.
    Tara twisted her mouth, then exhaled through her nose. “I know you didn’t. I just want us to spend more time together.”
    “Okay, we can do that. But you have to tell us, too.” Cole grinned and winked at Tara. “But we’re guys and think more with our little head.”
    Dalton shrugged and nodded in agreement.
    Tara rolled her eyes, but this time her warm humor was back. “Okay, I’ll try and cut you some slack. But you two have to try not to be such guys.” She sighed and added. “My god, you’re bi. Tap into your girl side.”
    Cole snorted. “Liking wieners doesn’t make me think like a girl.”
     
    * * * *
     
    Dalton turned to Cole. “Which brings us to the next question. What’s going on with your family?”
    Cole slumped against the chair, knowing this question was coming, but still not happy to have to deal with it. He gazed downward until Tara moved to sit on the arm of his chair. She slid down and wedged herself beside him, wrapped him in a tight hug and kissed his cheek. “They’re just stupid, Cole. You didn’t do anything wrong.”
    Dalton walked over and sat opposite Tara. “What happened?”
    “Last year during Coming Out week I was all pumped. The events on campus were great and I was excited that everyone accepted this me that I’d finally figured out.”
    “Okay…”
    Cole turned his head and parted his hair to show Dalton a long white scar. “That’s a gift from my uncle. My dad and I were yelling and he apparently tried to knock some sense into me. His