“Well thank fuck for small favors, because I’m not sure I could handle you trying to cuddle me, Stone. Doing the dad, sneak-up conversation is about all I can take.”
“I’ll hug you if you need a damn hug. But that won’t fix this. You need to scene again.”
“No. I don’t.” Not now. Not ever. Done with that.
“You’re doing a demonstration. Grand opening. Get your shit figured out. Tyler ordered some ropes for you. Should be here in the next few days. Plenty of time for you to prep them and think about what you want to do for the demo.”
What I want to do is not give a demonstration. “Don’t have a partner.”
“Cassie said she’d do it.”
“Cassie, the bartender?”
“There a problem?”
Did he growl at me? Also he’s puffed up and there’s murder in his eyes. This man knows five ways to kill me at this table with no additional tools. Not sure how I forgot that for the moment. “No problem at all. Figured she would be busy working.”
“We have plenty of backup. You’re doing the scene.”
“Fine.”
Stone goes upstairs leaving me to wonder when he talked to Cassie and Tyler. And who else was in on this plan? And what the fuck I’m going to do with a sub I can’t touch? Because I’m certain if I touch her in any kind of sexual way—not that I would—Stone will come unhinged and no one will ever find my body. Even ifhedoesn’t realize it, I have no doubt.
SJ
The flightto Charleston was too easy. And the ride share had no problem finding their way to my cousin’s house. Hard to miss the multi-story white historical mansion with black shutters blocks from the Ashley River. My cousin has done very well for herself. I grab my roller case from the sidewalk and heft it up ten brick stairs to the enamel black door with a brass pineapple knocker. I texted her I would be in the city for work so she’s expecting me, but I still hesitate. She has a husband, kids, and I’m carrying past troubles to her doorstep.
It’s for Alex. And for her. I went on with my life when hers fell apart like she didn’t even matter. I owe her an apology. I lift the knocker and rap I twice. The wrought iron fencing holds my attention as I wait for someone to answer. It’s simple but elegant. Understated and probably expensive. The door, at least eight feet tall opens soundlessly and my beautiful blonde cousin, not touched by the years that have passed, or the kids she’s had, is standing inside a tall narrow hallway inviting me in. I wipe my feet as if I can scrape off the dirt I’m bringing with me.
I leave my bag in the entry to the side of the door and follow her into the all white kitchen with stainless steel appliances.
“It’s so good to see you Sarah Jane. How was your flight?”
I let her make small talk while she puts two glasses of iced tea on a tray along with a plate of cookies.
“Where are the kids?” It would be nice to meet my…not nephews. Cousins, with some kind of math attached like second and removed.
“Preschool and the sitter. I didn’t want to miss a moment to catch up. How many days are you here for?”
“Two. I head back Friday night.” Wednesday is the cheapest day to fly out here and I can’t afford the hotel until Monday, so it was a compromise.
“You should stay with us. If it’s not to far from where you’re working.”
“I don’t want to be an inconvenience.” Or for her to realize I lied about coming out for work.
She laughs. “It’s no bother. We have bedrooms to spare.”
“The company paid for the room. But thank you. It’s so great to see you again. It’s been so long. Time flies and all that.” Why am I awkward around the person who used to be my favorite family member? Because we have to have a hard conversation.
We sit at a small round glass table in two of the four white cane chairs with padded seats. The windows in the round room make it feel like we’re outside, sitting under the green leafed trees. “Your home is beautiful.”
“It’s been in Charles’s family forever. I’d rather be on the Isle of Palms in a modern build. Less upkeep, bigger rooms, closer to the beach, but he loves this old place.” There’s a fondness in her tone.
“Are you happy? Is he good to you?” I suddenly have to know that she’s okay.
“He’s my best friend and yes, he’s very good to me. Even indulges my occasional wildness. We met when I started at the high school here. It wasn’t easy transitioning my entire life as a senior. No friends. No cheerleading team. No familiarity at all.”
“I can’t imagine. Why’d your mom make such a big move then? Wouldn’t it have been better to wait one more year?” I’m pushing and she might toss me out, but I have to know the truth, if she’ll tell me. If she can be honest with herself.
