Her eyes are already closed.She’s softly snoring, telling me just how tired and tipsy she really is.I set everything on the nightstand and slip back out of the room.
After a quick check of the condo to make sure it’s secure, I let myself out and lock it with the keypad.
ChapterThree
Daphne
Iwake up early, groggy with an aching head.I roll over and see proof on the nightstand that last night wasn’t a dream.I grab the glass, swallow the two pills, then roll back over and sleep another hour before my girls let me know they need to go out.
This time I slip on a pair of sweatpants and a hoodie over my cropped shirt.I stare into the bathroom mirror.My lips are swollen, but it’s the faint hickey on my neck below my ear that shocks me.I don’t remember him doing that.Then the spanking he gave me fills my mind, and it all comes back to me.
I can’t believe my reaction to him.I want to blame it on the wine, but I didn’t drink much.
My phone pings, drawing me back to the bedroom.I don’t remember putting it on the nightstand.Lifting it up, I look at the message and shake my head.I remember giving him a nickname, and I guess he’s okay with it.
Dare
Morning, beautiful.Get dressed before you walk the girls.I’ll message you later for dinner.
Me
I’m dressed.I have plans for the day.Maybe it wouldn’t be best if we see each other.
My phone starts ringing, and his name flashes on the screen.Biting my lip, I contemplate ignoring it before I answer.
“Hello?”
“Little girl, don’t make me punish you again.We both know you liked it.Dinner is at seven.The driver will pick you up.I’m heading into a meeting, so don’t piss me off, or I’ll cancel on him again to come see you.”
“Fine.”I huff.I’m completely overwhelmed by Darrell, but I don’t dislike it.
Grabbing the dogs’ leashes, I take them for a walk, then come back and gulp down heavily doctored coffee.My sister texts me the time I’m supposed to be at the shop and the name of the person I’m supposed to ask for.She’s picked an upscale boutique I wouldn’t normally set foot in, but I do need something for the gala.I have the money.I just don’t like spending it on over-the-top clothes.
I’m a khaki, denim, hiking boots, and sweaters kind of girl.I like pink, but I hate dressing up too much.Why should I?I only wear dresses for special occasions.
After I feed the dogs and take them for another walk, I put them in their kennels before heading out.Walking through the parking lot to my Jeep, I feel like I’m being watched.I pause at my door and look around, taking in the cars around me.I don’t see anyone in particular, but I can’t shake the feeling.
I drive downtown to the boutique and park a block away.Crossbody bag over my shoulder, I weave through the lunch crowd in safari pants rolled at the cuff and open-toe strappy heels.The heels are for the dresses I’ll be trying on; otherwise I’d be in my comfortable flats.My white blouse sits open at the collar, showing just a hint of cleavage, and a leather belt cinches my waist.
A bell rings as I step inside, and a woman takes me in.I feel the moment she’s about to judge me as less than, and before she can dismiss me, I lift my hand.
“I have an appointment.I’m Daphne Placer.My sister, Delphi, arranged it.”
The woman checks her computer, then pastes on a fake smile.I do the same because I know she doesn’t want to deal with me.
I hate that I instantly think the worst of myself, or assume others are judging me, but it’s happened so often in the past that I can’t shut the feeling off.Between the social media barrage I went through with my last job and the merciless bullying I suffered in college and high school, my confidence is shot.
The clerk directs me to a private room, and I stand there fidgeting until another woman walks in.She has a warm smile on her face, and I soften just a bit.
“Daphne?”
“Yes.”I return her smile.
“I’m Nelly.I’m going to help you today.Delphi had some brilliant ideas for you, but now that I see you, I have some thoughts too.”
“Okay.”
“Go ahead and put your bag here.I’ll grab you a bottle of water, then we can get started.”
