She recognized the spark in his eyes when he looked at Charlie, and a pang of sadness washed over her. She knew deep down that their open relationship had its limits, and perhaps it was time to have a heartfelt conversation.
As the evening drew to a close, they bid farewell to the beach and headed back to the resort. Sloan couldn't shake the feeling of internal conflict, unsure of how to navigate the path ahead. His heart yearned for Charlie, but he didn't want to cause pain to those he cared about.
Back in their rooms, Sloan and Sicily found themselves in a rare moment of solitude. The weight of unspoken words hung in the air, filling the space between them. Sicily took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts.
"Sloan," she began softly, her voice tinged with both sadness and resolve. "I've been thinking a lot lately. Our relationship has been a consensual non-monogamy kind of relationship, but I can't ignore the emotions that have been surfacing. You seem different unlike with the other partners we had who joined this relationship."
Sloan looked at her, his eyes filled with understanding and gratitude. "Sicily, I feel the same way. Charlie's presence has brought about unexpected feelings within me. I care about you deeply, and you know how open we are to each other but I also can't ignore the connection I feel with her. I guess, she is different than the others we have met. Do you think so?"
Sicily nodded, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "I know, I feel she is very conservative in a way, I don't know, maybe it is their culture?! I want you to be happy, Sloan. And if that means exploring your connection with Charlie, then I want to give you that opportunity. Don't worry about me, I am a matured, liberal yet very kind lady."
Sloan reached out, gently touching Sicily's hand. "I know and thank you, Sicily. Your understanding means the world to me. We'll figure this out together, and I want you to know that you'll always hold a special place in my heart. Or maybe, this is just a phase. Am I maturing?"
Sicily laughed so loud that she was almost tearing up, "I don't think so, haha. I think Charlie is special too. I can just feel it but cannot put my finger into it. Go explore, and maybe I would find someone too."
Sloan smirked, " Why do I feel you are more excited of the prospect of finding another partner?" He laugh, "I know, I am not being fair."
"Let's take it one day at a time and we have a few weeks to stay here, let's just have fun and see."