Page 267 of Better When Shared
“Yeah. She might not talk, but you can call her Duchess.”
“Oh my god,” Aimee squealed, professionalism temporarily abandoned. “You guys are real! I mean, I knew you were real. Mostly.”
“Very much so,” I said, unable to keep the pride from my voice. “But your brother just flew back to Denver for his shift rotation, and we’re trying to figure out how to talk some sense into him.”
Aimee composed herself, sliding back into her podcast persona. “Well, this is certainly a unique situation. For my listeners who are just tuning in, Kitten, Duchess, and their firefighter are in a poly triad, but the firefighter is long distance, is that right?”
“Yep,” I said, warming to Aimee despite never having met her in person. She had Ryker’s directness but none of his reservation—a combination that was oddly comforting.
“So, what specifically are you concerned about with the long-distance aspect? Are you worried about the relationship losing momentum, or more about practical logistics?”
I considered the question, glancing at Skylar, who was now fully invested in the conversation despite her initial embarrassment.
“Both, I guess. We’ve only been together physically for two weeks, but we’ve known each other online for years. Everything clicked so perfectly when we were all together, and now... I’m worried about what happens when we’re not.”
“And Duchess, thoughts?”
Skylar bit her lip, then spoke. “I’m scared he won’t come back. That real life will get in the way. That he’ll realize this whole thing is too complicated and not worth the effort.”
The vulnerability in her voice made my chest tight. I reached for her hand, intertwining our fingers on the console between us.
“First of all,” Aimee said, her tone softening, “Because I happen to know him, I can tell you with absolute certainty that your firefighter has been head over heels for both of you for years. Literally years. I’ve had to listen to him pine over his online gaming crushes for half of the last decade.”
Skylar’s lips curved upward at that, her eyes still on the road but some of the tension easing from her face.
“But you’re right to be concerned about logistics,” Aimee continued. “Long-distance relationships require intentionality, especially polyamorous ones. You need regular check-ins, clear communication about expectations, and a plan for the future.”
“What kind of plan?” I asked, genuinely curious. I’d never been in a serious relationship before, let alone one with two people, one of whom lived thousands of miles away.
“Well, that depends on what you all want. Is the goal eventually to live in the same place? To create a life together? Or is this more of a when-we-can-be-together arrangement?”
I glanced at Skylar again, realizing we hadn’t actually discussed this. Everything had happened so fast, so intensely, that practical future planning had taken a backseat to exploring our newfound connection.
“I think we want to be together,” Skylar said before I could respond. “As a family. All of us. But we haven’t really talked about it.”
“Then that’s your first step,” Aimee said firmly. “Have that conversation. Be honest about what you want and what you’re willing to compromise on. And include my brother in it, even if it has to be over video chat.”
“And in the meantime?” I asked.
“In the meantime, get creative. Send care packages. Have virtual date nights. Make the distance part of your story, not an obstacle to it.” She paused, then added in a more personal tone, “And tell my brother to call me, because I have so many questions that are definitely not appropriate for public radio.”
I laughed, feeling some of the weight lift from my shoulders. “Will do. Thanks, Aimee.”
“Anytime. And listeners, if you’re just joining us, chime in with your experience with long distance, or with polyamory. We’d love to hear your takes.”
I disconnected as Aimee smoothly transitioned to the next caller, turning to find Skylar grinning despite herself.
“I can’t believe you did that,” she said, shaking her head. “Called in to his sister’s podcast.”
“Made you smile, though, didn’t it?”
Her expression softened. “Yeah, it did.” She squeezed my hand. “And she’s right. We need to talk about what we want long-term. All three of us.”
I nodded, already mentally drafting a message to Ryker. “We will. But to be clear, I want you to be my partners. Both of you.”
Ryker
Miss you both already. FaceTime tonight? Naked?
