Unplanned Reconciliation - the Bigamy Bargain Never say never. - part 2 of 2. - listen to the podcast at Steamy Stories. MEETING WITH VERA “Vera, can I come over and talk?” “Is it about the settlement, Bob? I thought that had all been agreed upon and we were just waiting for the year to pass. Of course, if you have changed your mind about the divorce all together… ” “Something new has come up. I’d like to talk to you and Alicia at the same time. It would involve her cooperation too.” “I’ll ask her”, Vera said. “When do you want to come?” “As soon as possible.” “Oh dear, I need time to straighten up and get something decent on.” “Vera, I’m not coming to make an inspection. Please, just let me come over an explain.” “Of course, come whenever you want. This is still your house even though you don’t live here.” “Thanks.” Vera, Alicia and Bob sat at the kitchen table they had had many a family discussion at over the years. Vera had made a pot of coffee and all three had a cup. Bob started the conversation. “Vera, Alicia, I am going to ask a huge favor of you both. The first part would require us to delay the divorce and me moving back here.” Vera’s eyes were filled with tears of joy. “Dad, you’ve decided to forgive Mom! I am so happy!” “Not exactly. I’m willing to reconsider the divorce if you two are willing to consider the proposal I’m about to make.” “What is it?” Vera questions. “ I’d do almost anything to go back to where we were before…” “As attractive an idea it might be to you, it’s just not possible, Vera. I know that this may sound bizarre, but what I’m asking is that we open our house to Tracy and Shannon.” Vera queried, “What? I don’t understand.” Alicia nodded in agreement. “Austin left Tracy with huge debts and almost no assets. She will have to declare bankruptcy. Although she would not have to sell her house according to the bankruptcy law, I am not recommending she keep it in order to get back financial stability. Her job will not provide her enough income initially to deal with the mess Austin left her. She cannot even get a credit card for years. What I am asking that we merge the two families into this house and share expenses and income at least for a couple or three years.” Alicia spoke, “Shannon told me a little about their financial situation. Can’t you help them stay in their home, Dad?” “I could but it would take too many more years and a lot more sacrifice on all our parts to make that work. The idea of them moving in with us gives them the best chance to get on their feet as soon as possible” “Shannon can move into my room with me. I would love that. We both could get part-time jobs to help out.” Vera offered, “Of course, I want to help Tracy and her family. I have felt so guilty for betraying our friendship. I’m just not sure how the two families could live as one. For instance, “Where would we put everyone? Would Harvey sleep with his mother in the bedroom where your home office is now?” “Actually, Harvey will be moving in with the Johnsons. Harvey and their son Leonard are best friends. The Johnsons have already invited Harvey to stay with them. They said that they have been grateful that Harvey has been helping Leonard in school because of Leonard’s learning disability. They’re going to replace Leonard’s queen-size bed with two twin beds. Harvey will come over here for some meals and family time.” “So, Tracy will sleep in the third bedroom you’ve been using as your office?” “Actually, Tracy will be sleeping in our master bedroom.” “You’re putting us in the smaller bedroom? I think that’s going overboard on the hospitality.” “No. Vera, you’re going into the third bedroom.” “But that would mean that you and Tracy… Oh shit!” “Yes, Tracy and I have grown close this last month. Tracy suggested this as a way to get revenge of your betrayal of her and me. I agreed with her. We have decided that we want to have as much time together as you and Austin had.” “But neither of you were in the same house when Aus