All of Me
Leighton and Tatum have now lived together for two years. They recently celebrated Leighton’s 30th birthday with her family and friends and Tatum right by her side. Tatum and Leighton are in a committed non monogamous relationship. There is no infidelity but sometimes a third woman gets to have the both of them at the same time. There are rules to this.
First rule: The encounters are never at Tatum and Leighton’s apartment they share together, always at a hotel.
Second rule: the woman is never allowed to contact the couple individually. As in she can’t contact Tatum or Leighton solo, it has to be together.
Third rule: After the encounter is over, the woman must vacate the room as soon as possible and Leighton and Tatum then have their own encounter together. It was something they agreed upon early on in their relationship.
After celebrating Leighton’s 30th with their family and friends, Tatum and Leighton meet up with a woman they encountered someplace, a brunette of about 28, at a nearby hotel and an amorous encounter took place. The woman left shortly thereafter. Leighton and Tatum made love after the encounter as well. As they cuddled in bed post coitus, Tatum’s phone dings. Leighton began having flashbacks to Stacey texting Tatum late at night and then everyone knows the saga that followed. Tatum feels Leighton tense up and knows immediately what the problem is. It’s a text from the anonymous brunette.
I had a lovely time with both of you ladies. Would love to do it again. -JH
Tatum gives Leighton her phone for full transparency, something that was also discussed early on in their relationship. Leighton eyes her girlfriend of five years and nods her head.
L: Why is she texting you?
T: I don’t know. She knew the parameters that we set in place.
L: Are you sure?
T: Yes I’m sure.
Tatum’s neck started to get hot.
Babe, what’s going on?
L: Nothing, everything is fine.
Tatum flips over and turns on the bedside lamp.
We said full transparency each and every time even if it’s uncomfortable. Leighton, I love you, you have to know that.
L: Leighton cuddles into her girlfriend and lies her head on her chest.
I love you. I don’t know, I just…
T: You just what?
L: I’m 30 now and I don’t know.
T: You don’t know what?
L: If you’ll love me when I’m 35 and look a bit different.
Tatum looks dumbfounded.
T: Baby, what is happening here? What brought this on?
L: The girl who just left. She’s younger than me and she seemed to really like you. She texted you personally when she knew the rules.
T: I just texted her that she broke the rules and not to contact us again. We don’t need repeats of past mistakes…past mistakes when we were at Essex. Leighton you’re beautiful, I have loved you for over 10 years now. Nothing is going to stop me from loving you. Did I do something to give you these feelings?
L: No, you didn’t. It’s me. It’s an issue I’ve had for a while. Even back in college. I see the way women are drawn to you, I’m always so proud to say you’re mine.
T: I am yours and you’re mine. I’m proud to call you mine, you know that.
L: I do.
T: So what can I do?
L: Baby, there is nothing for you to do. I’ll talk to Dr. Carlton tomorrow.
T: And you can’t discuss it with me?
L: Honey, you want to fix something that you can’t. It’s my insecurity.
T: You think I don’t get jealous when men stare at you while my arm is around your waist or when women flirt with you in front of me?
L: You do?
T: Leighton, I’m human. You’re fine. *Tatum laughs*, people are going to notice you. It’s hot but I still get miffed.
Leighton giggles.
L: You know I love looking at your face in the morning when I wake up. You are so hot.
Tatum flashes that smile, all dimples and teeth.
L: You put yourself in harms way to save me all those years ago I have never doubted your love since then.
T: Only then, not before?
Leighton shakes her right hand in a so so motion.
T: Really?
L: Tatum, there were so many women around at that time, I didn’t know what was going on.
Tatum scoffs
L: You had a roster. I was having to fight them off.
Tatum shakes her head with a slight grin.
T: Leighton. Leighton, look at me.
Leighton looks at Tatum’s face, devoid of lipstick because Leighton probably had it on her neck and ears.
T: I have never been unfaithful to you. Ever. Anytime there was someone else, you were right here in the room with me. I need you to know that. I need you to understand that.
L: Baby, I know.
T: Do you?
L: Yes, Tatum. I understand. I have never been unfaithful to you either. It’s just…I worry.
T: Why?
L: You told me you broke up with your girlfriend before me because you were antsy.
T: That was a different situation and you know it. Leighton, I have been waiting for you my entire life.
Leighton swooned after those words came out of Tatum’s mouth. She starts to cry.
L: That may be the most romantic thing you have ever said to me. And you have a way with words already. You know back at Essex, I wasn’t sure of where we would end up. I literally just wanted to fuck your brains out and call it a day.
T: Same.
They both chuckle.
But then I started to fall for you. And…
T: We don’t have to rehash the past. We’re here now. I can’t imagine my life without you.
Leighton: After you graduated and didn’t contact me, I broke. After all we had been through, I thought you wanted a fresh start without our baggage.
T: It was easier that way for us to just cut contact. But I thought about you every day. I hoped you enjoyed college life.
L: Oh I did.
T: I really don’t need to hear about it.
Leighton playfully bites Tatum on the shoulder.
L: I love you. I have always wondered. How many women do you think you have been with?
T: Hmm…
L: That many?
T: 70…75, I don’t know.
L: Jesus, babe.
T: What about you?
L: 30…maybe 40.
T: Not bad. But as you know, sex is one thing. To have a deep connection with someone, is something entirely different.
Leighton nods in agreement.
L: And with me…when was it more than sex?
T: When I didn’t want to leave in the morning after the first time…
L: Really?
T: Yes. I couldn’t tell you that at the time. Your ego was already swollen back then, we didn’t need to boost it even more.
Leighton laughs in faux shock.
L: Excuse me. Miss “Do I look like someone who gets threatened?” You were so smug and indifferent back then, it drove me crazy. But it was also what made me want to jump your bones on a nightly basis. Not much has changed in ten years. Those dimples of yours are dangerous.
Tatum laughs, showing off those dimples.
T: Well, I know I can’t fix of all that ails you, but I won’t ever stop trying.
L: I know, baby. I know.
A few hours later, the two blondes head to breakfast in Brooklyn. Leighton notices Tatum furiously texting away. Usually when she does that, it’s work. A client has to be worked on or a shift has to be covered. Her phone rings and she mutters “I have to take this!” Leighton watches her on/off girlfriend for the past decade on the phone animatedly waving her hands and yelling into the phone outside of the restaurant.
Leighton thinks to herself: She’s so hot when she’s mad.
A man of about 30 approaches Leighton and attempts to flirt with her. Leighton barely acknowledges him.
Random man: What’s your issue? You a lesbian or something?
Leighton turns to him: As a matter of fact, I am.
Random man: I can change that.
All of a sudden, Tatum appears.
T: Take a walk, dude.
Random Man: Who are you? Her sister?
T: Oh definitely not. But it would be in your best interest to walk away. Like right now.
Random Man: I’ll hit a woman.
T: I have no doubt that’s true. But I’m not who should worry you…
Just then, a gray haired man of about 60 approaches the table.
Niece, is there a problem?
T: Hey Uncle Stu, yes he is a problem.
The young man backs away when he recognizes Stu Sherman, Tatum’s uncle and the oldest of Tatum’s mom’s siblings.
Random man: Mr. Sherman, I’m sorry sir.
Uncle Stu: Kyle West of the Wests on Staten Island, harassing my niece and her girlfriend. Wait until I tell your father about this…
Kyle turns to Tatum and Leighton: Ladies, I’m so sorry. Please forgive me.
T: Get out of here…now.
Kyle runs out of the restaurant.
Uncle Stu turns to Leighton: It’s nice to see you again, Leighton.
Leighton gets up to hug him: Nice to see you again, Stu.
Uncle Stu: Niece, you must come for a round of golf with Taron. Your Aunt Patricia misses you. Ladies I must be going. Have a good one.
Leighton has learned to not ask too many questions about some of Tatum’s relatives. Tatum offers full transparency about herself but her family members…another story for another day.
Tatum seems anxious as she and Leighton head home.
L: Babe, you okay? He was just an asshole guy. Nothing we haven’t seen before.
Tatum starts biting her nails: Yeah, I know. Still, it’s not okay. Luckily Uncle Stu owns the restaurant we were at and knew that punk kid. I want you safe at all times.
Leighton squeezes her girlfriend’s thigh.
L: I know babe. My dimpled knight in shining armor.
Tatum lightly laughs.
As they approach their apartment, Tatum grows more and more nervous. Leighton thought she may get sick before they opened the door.
L: Babe, I know that we had a lot to drink last night but I thought you drank enough water to combat it.
T: Leighton, I’m fine. I think.
The neighbors, Mr. and Mrs. Davies, wave at the couple as they head up to their two bedroom, two bathroom apartment in Cobble Hill.
Leighton is growing very concerned about Tatum’s health as her eyes start flickering bath and forth.
L: Babe, let’s get you ins…wait is that music I’m hearing?
As Leighton opens the door, she almost drops to her knees as a now 55 year old John Legend is sitting in her apartment on a piano along with a small band playing the song “All of Me”
The apartment is abound with pink and red roses and purple tulips. Whitney comes out of the bedroom along with Bela and Kimberly and Lila. Trevor and Taron, Maddie, Kate and Jane soon follow behind them.
Leighton puts her hands to her face: Oh my god!
What would I do without your smart mouth?
Drawing me in, and you kicking me out
You've got my head spinning, no kidding, I can't pin you down
All of Leighton and Tatum’s friends each give Leighton a rose.
'Cause all of me
Loves all of you
Love your curves and all your edges
All your perfect imperfections
Tatum turns to face her girlfriend: Leighton Murray…
How many times do I have to tell you?
Even when you're crying, you're beautiful too
Leighton is in tears looking at her girlfriend.
T: I meant what I said when I told you “I got you”. I got you for the rest of my life…and hopefully yours.
You're my end and my beginning
Even when I lose, I'm winning
'Cause I give you all of me
And you give me all of you
Whitney comes over with a small black box and gives it to Tatum. They grin at each other.
Leighton is completely stunned.
Tatum drops to her knee and opens the small black box and presents a Vera Wang 2.5 carat white gold ring to her lady love: Leighton…I want you to be wife…will you marry me?
I give you all of me
And you give me all of you, oh-oh
Leighton is outright sobbing: Yes! A million times yes!
Tatum smiles. Leighton bends down and kisses her now fiancée. Everybody is screaming congratulations.
L: Leighton’s face is streaked in tears as she kisses Tatum all over. Tatum grabs her around the waist and holds her.
L: I see you’re feeling better all of a sudden.
T: Better than ever!
For two days, the girls managed to keep their engagement under wraps until they were out to dinner with Leighton’s parents, Nico and his girlfriend, Mariah.
As Leighton giggled and laughed with her father and brother, Mimi turns to Tatum.
M: Tatum…when are you going to marry my daughter?
T: Ma’am?
The table grows silent.
M: You have been together for five years, you live together, I know Leighton wants children with you, when are you going to do it?
Tatum and Leighton look at each other and smile.
Henry looks at his wife and smirks: I think sooner than you think honey.
Mimi looks confused until the light bulb comes on: Well, I’ll be!
Leighton comes over to her mother and slips the engagement ring on she kept hidden for this moment: The two Murray women look at each other and hug tearfully.
Henry and Nico nod at Tatum in appreciation.
Mimi turns serious: Tatum Marie, come here please.
Tatum stands up, her long frame a little shaky cause Mimi Murray does that to people.
Mimi stands up too: Thank you for loving my daughter. I may be happier than she is.
She gives Tatum a kiss on the cheek and a hug.
Leighton comes over and sits down again next to her fiancée.
Mimi looks at both her children: So when am I having grandbab…
Nico and Leighton: Mom!!
Tatum caresses Leighton’s left hand bringing it to her lips as she kisses the ring.
Leighton whispers in her ear: I have other things you can kiss after we leave this dinner.
Tatum grins at her fiancée: Amazing!