I’m not wearing any panties.
Good girl. Don’t be late.
I’m always late.
I’ll have to arrest you.
Will you inspect my pretty pussy, Daddy?
I’ll be tasting it. See you soon, naughty girl.
Can’t wait to play, Officer Scott.
“Playing Snake on your phone?” Julian’s voice boomed as his tall shadow hovered over me.
“Shit. Didn’t Mom tell you it’s rude to sneak up on people?” I swatted his arm after putting my phone away.
“I’m right, aren’t I? I bet it was the classic.” Jules showed off his village idiot grin when Saph returned.
Turning to Saph, I announced, “Hey, I’ve got to go. You two lovebirds have some fun tonight.” I got up from my seat, took Saph’s gift, and swung my handbag over my shoulder.
“I’m so glad you’re dating again,” Saph whispered into my ear as we hugged each other farewell. “Promise me, you’ll spill who he is.”
Saturday, September 9
Something shifted ever since Alistair and I said, “I love you.” We weren’t just squeezing each other into busy calendars—we carved out time like nothing else mattered. His late-night calls became my favorite ritual. Sometimes it was nothing more than a husky “Come over,” and I’d grab my keys, crossing town just to fall asleep tangled up with him.
We started meeting his parents at the yacht club for lunch whenever he was in town, back from a work trip around the world. Elizabeth had a way of folding me in, almost maternal, making sure I felt more than just welcome. I felt like I belonged. John told stories that had Alistair shaking his head, but laughing anyway.
Damian joined us, too. He was quiet at first, polite, but he warmed up the day I beat him at chess and didn’t let him forget it. He challenged me to a game of volleyball, and I learned he was a powerhouse on the court. Soon, I made a habit of showing up at his tournaments, cheering from the sidelines as his teamcrushed the competition. I became a regular in the stands, watching him own the court.
The three of us didn’t feel like a broken set of parts anymore. For the first time, I felt like I was building something real. And Damian? He was the son I wanted. His mother didn’t deserve him. Adoption crossed my mind, but it would take a legal battle to win that case. One day at a time…
“What were you like as a child?” Alistair asked, stroking my hair as my head rested on his chest in bed. I basked in his heady scent while his fingers rubbed my nipple.
“I was a tomboy. I fought with Jules a lot, especially over toys. He was the perfect student, the goodie two-shoes who never got into trouble.”
“I imagine you were both bright.”
“We were different. While Jules got along with all the teachers, I didn’t like my religion teacher. He preached holiness, yet there was something unholy about him. I couldn’t pinpoint it, but I suspected he was hiding a dirty secret.”
“Are you always suspicious of men in the clergy?”
“I’m cautious of many people.” Turning on my stomach, I asked, “You mentioned Nick Quinn before. What was he like?”
“Nothing like Saira,” Alistair replied. “He was earnest, dependable, and trustworthy.”
“So, he was an honest man. Was he handsome?”
“Yes, he was attractive. He had an air of aristocracy and dominance. Yet, he was reasonable. He fell in love with a woman before he died,” Alistair said, closing his eyes to remember the past. He then opened his eyes and stared at me. “Tell me, how old were you when you lost your virginity?”
“I was eighteen.”
“Was it memorable?”
“No. I wasn’t in love with the guy. Scotty, I love you.”
“I love you too. Listen, is your mother comfortable about meeting me this evening?”
