âIâm going to do it. If itâs anything that Iâm uncomfortable with, I can just say no, right? Itâs probably one of those crazy publicity things. Just because itâs called Sex University, doesnât mean that theyâre actually having sex there, right?â
An odd look passed over Mary Sueâs face. Kind of like the time they were supposed to be studying for final exams in the library, and instead sheâd brought a magazine filled with naked men. âSure, thatâs right. I donât think you have anything to worry about.â
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*****
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A rush of cold air hit Jody as she walked through the glass doors into the schoolâs entranceway. Before this little excursion, sheâd researched San Francisco and thought it was supposed to be chilly. Instead, heat beat down on her and the cool air inside made her skin prickle.
Behind the front counter sat the prettiest boy sheâd ever seen. Long blond hair hung over half his face, and he blew it up on exhale and smiled at her.
âWell, welcome maâam. Iâm Blaine, and weâve been expecting you.â
Jody tamed her reaction to look behind her to see whom he was addressing. It was her. Sheâd just walked in, and knew well enough that no one stood behind her. But, she wasnât used to anyone who looked like a tanned Hollywood movie star acting like he was pleased to see her.
The flutter sheâd been fighting returned. She let go of her roller travel bag, and balled her hands. âHow did you know who I was?â
Blaineâs blue eyes widened a bit, and crinkles formed around the edges. âWell maâam, I do watch the news, and Iâm sorry to say, youâre kinda recognizable.â
As he talked, he gestured toward her outfit, and she guessed, general appearance. Ah, not-so-reality TV. Itâs why she wasnât answering calls from the network.
âSince I knew you were set to arrive today, it wasnât that much of a stretch in deduction. Even for a beach bum like me.â
âI didnât say â¦â
His smile widened. âThat's all right. Donât you think after years of looking like this, Iâm used to people making assumptions? You bet. Itâs something you should get used to, also.â
His words resonated. She tried not to think about how others judged her, and her husband, and their lifestyle choices. What they did in their home was their business. The problem was that his family had made it all the worldâs business with that damned reality TV show. Jody had no control over what aired, and barely any over what was filmed. Sheâd married into a whole different sort of hell sheâd never imagined. One where everyone knew everything, even the hunk standing in front of her.
âMs. Druger? Are you ready to be seen to your room?â
His question shook her out of her stupor. She told herself to think of it as checking into any fine hotel. She had this situation covered. There was nothing to worry about. Sure, he was a hottie, as they would say on the kidsâ TV channel, but that didnât mean she had to be intimidated. She was a woman, strong in her faith, and had God on her side. Nothing could throw her.
Blaine approached her, holding out his hand. âIâll take your luggage for you.â
âWell thank you, thatâs so kind of you.â Just like a valet or bellman.
âWhen youâre finished with your stay with us, itâll be returned to you. Because you know, while youâre here, youâre not allowed any personal possessions, including clothes.â He perused her body as if she was nude and on display. âAnything you might wear, weâll provide.â
What had she gotten into? At that moment, her thoughts merged with those of her husband as heâd left for sex rehab, âIt will be a long journey.â
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Chapter Two
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No suitcase? No clothes? What did that
Vendela Vida
Kahlen Aymes
David Nobbs
Danielle Stewart
Michael Talbot
Claudia Bishop
David Gilmour
Christine Elliott
Lucia Franco
B.A. Morton