going too far. The safe word is there so they can yell, ‘Please stop,’ and know I won’t, but be sure I’ll stop when that’s what they really want.”
“That sounds reasonable,” Carla said, still catching her breath after the phone call.
“Also, no heavy drinking, although a glass or two loosens things up. No drugs of any kind and, as you know, I insist that my friends use condoms. He can have seventeen blood tests or whatever, but condoms are mandatory. Period.”
Carla nodded. Everything that Ronnie said seemed, if anything, overly cautious.
“You’re still interested, aren’t you?” Ronnie said.
Carla took a deep breath. “After that phone call,” she said, “more than ever. But I’m a little apprehensive about where to start.”
“I have a suggestion,” Ronnie said, stretching out on the sofa and crossing her long legs at the ankles. “An old friend called me a few weeks ago. His name’s Bryce and I’ve known him for over a year.”
Carla had learned in college that Ronnie’s particularly delightful, slightly mischievous smile meant that she was deeply involved in hatching an inventive plot. When Ronnie didn’t continue, Carla said, “And….”
Ronnie picked up the glass of wine from the table next to her and took a sip. “He’s had an ongoing fantasy about wedding nights and seduction. He’s heavily into romance, music, wine, all that.” Carla could see the dreamy look in Ronnie’s eyes. “He’s also into a bit of control, which I think you’ll find irresistable. And he’s dynamite in bed, a deliciously creative man who gets his satisfaction from giving as well as taking pleasure. We’ve spent some memorable nights together.”
“He sounds too good to be true. Is he married? And if he is, why does his wife let him out of her sight?”
“His wife died several years ago and part of the reason he plays with me is that he’s surrounded with matchmaking friends who bombard him with suitable women. I think that, when he’s with me, he’s comfortable. We have wonderful times together, great sex, and there are no strings, no commitments.” Ronnie smiled. “I hope you don’t mind but we talked about you.”
“You knew that I was going to do this, didn’t you.”
“You’re not expert at hiding your feelings, and I know you pretty well.”
Carla smiled and pulled on her jeans. “You certainly used to, and after that game we just played with Rick Holloway, you know me even better.”
Ronnie laughed. “True. Anyway, I think he’d be a wonderful first time for you. He’d love it and, I can guarantee, so would you.”
“It sounds like he’s your friend.”
“He’s a special man, but he’s just a friend. And I think you’d enjoy being together.”
“But….”
“Listen, Carla. I don’t know whether you should do this at all. I understand myself and I’ve been doing what I do for almost four years. I love it.”
“I know you do. I’ve given this entire situation a lot of thought and, well, it titillates me. I’ve told you that I don’t know much about off-center sex, but I know that I want to find out more.”
“And, of course, you can call things off at any time and go back to Bronxville and sell real estate,” responded Ronnie. Each woman wrinkled her nose.
The phone rang and Ronnie and Carla listened as the answering machine picked up. “This is Black Enterprises. Please leave a message at the sound of the beep, and thanks for calling.”
“Hi, Ronnie and Snow White, this is Rick Holloway. You’re probably both listening right now so I wanted to tell you that I feel great. I’m in my private office right now and I’m sending you a check for three hundred dollars. I hope to talk to you both again soon. And Ronnie, thanks for knowing exactly what would increase the fun even before I did. Take care.” He hung up.
“He really liked it,” Carla said, still surprised at the power of the spoken word.
“He sure did. And you had a lot to do with that.”
“I thought he usually paid a hundred and fifty dollars. He said he’s sending three hundred.”
“He’s paying double. I guess he’s sending half for me and half for Snow White.” Ronnie pulled out her wallet and handed Carla three fifty-dollar bills. “That’s your share.”
Carla stared at the money in her hand. “This has to be immoral, illegal, or fattening. Maybe all three.”
“Well, it’s certainly not fattening and, as far as I’m concerned, it’s not immoral. I don’t think you can have a crime without a victim and none of my friends is ever a victim.” She sighed. “Actually, some claim that what we do together makes them better lovers at home, either more creative or less demanding. However, it is prostitution and that’s illegal…but what the hell.” She sipped her drink and gave a mock salute. “Anyway, Bryce would love to spend an evening with you—your virgin experience, as it were.”
Carla’s hands trembled. “Now that I’m actually going to do it, half of me can’t wait and half is scared to death.”
“That’s exactly the fantasy that Bryce wants. He loves the scared little girl and the initiation part of this. And you can say stop at any time. Bryce knows the rules. So, if you’re sure….”
Carla took a deep breath. “I am.”
“Good. I’ll give you his number and you can call him, make your plans. He’ll take you to dinner, dancing, then to a hotel room.”
“Not here?”
“You know you can use the house anytime, although we’ll have to coordinate carefully. But Bryce likes the idea of neutral territory. He’s got oodles of money and he can afford the best. By the way, as a present to him, I think we should forgo the fee for this one night.”
Carla chuckled. “I’m glad. Somehow it seems more honest for my first time.” As she lifted her wineglass, her hands shook. “I’m nervous.”
“Good.” Ronnie handed Carla a piece of paper. “Here’s his number. Call him right now, while you’re in this mood. Use the phone in the spare bedroom.”
Carla stood up and looked at the paper in her hand. “Bryce McAndrews—555-6749.” She walked into the spare bedroom, picked up the cordless phone, and settled on the bed.
With shaky fingers, she dialed the number.
“Hello.”
“Is this Bryce McAndrews?”
“Yes.”
“This is Carla.”
His voice was suddenly soft and warm. “Ronnie’s friend?”
“Yes.” She had no idea what to say.
There was a warm laugh
