Oh no! That was the single topic I’d hoped to avoid. Newly-in-love friends could be the worst about matchmaking. Couldn’t they tell I wasn’t fit for a relationship?
Best that I addressed it head-on. Clenching my book tighter, I tried out the white lie I’d practiced, “I did but didn’t get any matches.”
“Impossible.” Jolene planted herself on the floor in front of me and reached into my bag. I knew exactly what she was doing and didn’t stop her. If not for her nudges, the few bold steps I’d made wouldn’t exist.
She pulled out my phone. “Maybe you did it wrong? Mind if I check?”
She was trying to be supportive and had been accepting of how reserved I wasfor so long, she must have forgotten how hard it was for me to socialize. I’d been part of the friend circle for as long as I could remember, and it was a safe space for me to watch their lives while staying in my comfort zone.
Taking a deep breath, I offered the other part of my practiced lie. “I didn’t like any of the guys.”
“There has to be somebody who sparked your interest. Please let us look.” Jolene turned the phone toward my face, checked the screen, then dramatically pouted. “Shoot. I forgot you don’t have facial recognition turned on.”
Thank goodness I hadn’t given any of them my password. Sharing things like that was nothing but trouble, despite the three of them giving each other full access with no apparent problems… because they’re best friends who trust and protect each other.
I’m part of that; it’s just not easy for me.
Time to come clean… or at least cleaner. “Fine. I’m not actually trying to match with anyone… yet. I don’t want any complications while my mom’s acting weird about her elopement.”
Jolene slid my phone back into my bag. “If she’s eloping, you don’t have to go to the wedding. I think you’re stalling.”
“I signed up for a class.” The words were out of my mouth before I could stop them.
Bellamie clapped. “That’s awesome. What kind?”
Shoot. Shoot. Shoot. I hadn’t been going to tell them. “It’s… out of town.”
Starla leaned away and stared at me. “An in-person class?”
She was right to be surprised.
Bellamie said, “I’m so proud of you. What’s the subject?”
How on earth did I tell my friends that I’d signed up for Rawhide Ranch, a kink experience, and that I wanted to get spanked and have unprotected sex and all kinds of deviant things? “It’s for five days, so there’s no point doing anything with the dating apps until I get back.”
Bellamie turned to Jolene and Starla. “Anyone else notice how she’s avoiding the subject?”
“It’s for bookgami,” I blurted out, immediately regretting my lack of creativity.
“Penny…” Jolene drew my name out. “You wouldn’t have avoided telling us if it was for bookgami.” Jolene poked my knee as Bellamie and Starla took her side.
Closing my eyes, I reminded myself that these were the least judgmental people in the world. My best friends. “Okay. You have to promise not to tell anyone.”
Their speed of agreement highlighted their excitement over getting a secret detail.
“It’s basically a dating workshop.” Further details weren’t necessary. Except of course they wanted as much as I would give, so I kept the rest equally vague.
“A friend of a friend went there and suggested I might enjoy the setting that has an acceptance of people who don’t do well with the normal dating scene.”
“Penny’s gonna get her kink on,” Jolene sang. Of course, that’s what she would assume. She’s so up front about her kinky adventures.
My comment was supposed to support my reserved nature, not kinkiness. I didn’t even know if I was kinky. I’d only taken one stupid online quiz.
Starla kicked her, and although I didn’t catch whatever look accompanied the kick, the mood shifted.
Jolene smiled as an apology. “I hope it’s what you’re looking for.”
If only she knew that what I was looking for was a Dom—even if only for the five days. And only as part of the workshops I planned on attending.
