met some of each other’s families and managed to do so without any blood being spilled. We’ve handled the living together and fitting into each other’s lives thing. Though that’s kind of more of an ongoing process. But I feel the initial stages have gone well. Have you found you think about it more or less since we decided to wait?”
“Sex? More. Because of course we’ve been together throughout all of that period meaning you’re my specific lust object. At other times, it’s more of a general notion to release some tension. Or you take a liking to someone and think why not?”
“Right.” His hand slides beneath my sleep shirt to stroke his fingertips over the bumps of my spine. “Any fantasies in particular you want to share, dearest?”
“Well, there’s the one of you in a French maid’s uniform bending over coquettishly to dust things.”
He laughs. “Nice.”
“But then there’s also the one where you’re dressed as a fireman busting down the bedroom door to save me.”
“Is the fire in question a metaphorical one happening between your legs?” he asks. “Because I could totally work with that.”
I just smile. He makes me smile a lot.
“Gosh, I L you, beloved. Both as a person and as a woman with fabulous tits and a gorgeous ass.”
“Why, thank you. I’m quite fond of you too. I think you’re hot.” I fake giggle. Actually, it’s not that fake. Sometimes he does just make me feel sixteen all over again and giddy with hormones. Like I could put a picture of him up on my bedroom wall and stare longingly at it for days.
“I’m very glad you’re here.” With his other hand, he reaches over and switches out the light. “Sweet dreams of me.”
And everything is so perfect and peaceful. I wish things could stay this way forever. Only with added boning, of course.
True to her word, Mom is polite to Beck at breakfast. Perhaps there’s hope for future friendly relations after all. Beck almost messes up and offers her the use of the jet when she says her flight’s been delayed. But he catches my look at the last moment. Normal people don’t lend out their jets. That’s a rich people thing. And we’re pretending he’s normal for her comfort’s sake. Just until she accepts that he and I are long-term. Fingers crossed.
I drop her off back at the airport in my G-Class. She tries not to be impressed with the behemoth vehicle, but she is. Her subtle bouncing on the seat and asking about all of the features kind of gives it away. It’s nice that she can enjoy some of the perks of my new lifestyle. Maybe it’s just the whole house and everything being in her face that was overwhelming. Along with what happened to her friend way back when. Whatever. I obviously come by my worrisome nature naturally.
We part with hugs and she seems okay. At least the cult thing seems to have been put aside. Which is when my cell beeps.
Emma: Why aren’t you here yet?
Me: What are you talking about?
Emma: Did I forget to tell you? Ugh. Baby brain. I need you at my place right now.
Me: What’s wrong?
Emma: Just come to my place it’s URGENT.
Me: Ok. Address?
The address is sent along with a screen shot of a map. Maybe she thinks I can’t operate Google Maps. Who knows? And off I go as directed. Her place is past the Cherry Tree Mall in a luxe neighborhood. I’m buzzed through a security gate and drive up to the house. It’s old and chateau style like Catherine’s house only done in a white stone with a gray slate colored roof. Not as fussy as her grandma’s despite the fountain and circular driveway leading to the front door. There’s an expanse of green lawn and neatly trimmed trees. And an array of vans and people coming and going carrying bouquets of flowers and white linens and God knows what else.
Selah waits at the front door with a frown on her face. It only grows when she takes in my luxury SUV obviously purchased by my boyfriend. She swallows and pastes on a small polite smile. “Emma’s waiting for you inside.”
“What’s this about?”
“I’ll let her explain.”
Inside there’s a midcentury vibe to the furniture and decorating. It’s low-key and cool. A white foyer gives way to a large living room where green velvet sofas and sleek teak coffee tables have been pushed aside to make more room. Arrangements of white and green calla