"Yes. Of course. Where did you say you're landing?"
I checked my boarding pass. "O'Hare. Flight 126."
There was a muffled curse from Becca's end before she said, "Drake didn't tell you?"
"Becca, I don't have time—"
"We moved to Delaware."
I almost dropped the handset. I gripped the metal stall surrounding the phone as my knees buckled. I heard her calling my name. I managed to find my own voice to say, "You what?"
"We moved. In July. Sounds like we have a lot of explaining to do as well. Listen, get on your flight. Did you check any luggage?
"No. I just have my one carry-on."
"Good. We'll get you a connecting flight to Philadelphia International Airport. Once you land in Chicago, go to the ticketing counter and tell them you have a ticket reserved. One or both of us will be there to meet you in Philly, okay?"
I was crying so hard, all I could do was nod and mumble some sort of sound that I think she took as affirmation that I understood.
"Daphne? Whatever it is, know that we're here for you. We love you."
"I love you, too!" I hung up and ran toward my gate, apologizing repeatedly as I pushed past the morning travelers.
At 30,000 feet and my eyes dried momentarily, I reflected on the past five months since I'd last seen Becca. Eight since that ordeal with the collaring ceremony; nine since I was married. I hadn't realized what I was really getting into with this 24/7 lifestyle. And honestly, I don't think Drake had, either. It had evolved on its own. Much like our relationship had.
A sad smile turned up one corner of my mouth as I recalled the day I had met Drake Rockland. Which made shivers race up my back. The time before Drake wasn't something I liked to think about much less talk about. The days with Jimmy Driscoll. My darkest days.
--
I was oblivious to the "scene" when I met Jimmy. I was a barista at a Starbucks when I wasn't attending classes at the Chicago College of Performing Arts where I was studying in the Theatre Conservatory. I could act, dance, and sing. Plus, I had my height and slim figure going for me. I was what they called a 'triple threat' in the business, a sought-after commodity. Still, my teachers told me to prepare for disappointment because even the All-American-Girl didn't always get the job.
Jimmy was at an after-party for a show I'd been in for class. I was getting a refill of wine when he offered to pay for it. I withdrew into my shell as was my habit off-stage and in public around strangers. To make matters worse, he was no mere stranger. He was a tall, blond-haired god in a suit jacket and tie...with very white teeth. My heart started beating faster even before he spoke.
I quietly reminded Jimmy that it was an open bar and instantly wished I had thought of something clever to say instead. His response was to lean in further and ask if I wanted to go some place where he could buy me a real drink. I got a whiff of his cologne that reminded me of a crisp breeze with a tinge of coconut normally attributed to suntan lotion. It made me think of taking a walk on the beach.
I had dated occasionally within the theatre crowd, but nothing serious had ever developed. So I wasn't expecting too much from this new guy past a one-night stand. But it had been a while since I'd had someone in bed. And this someone had quite a large hand rested on the bar top. I wondered the rumor was true in his situation. If so, I wasn't sure if that thrilled or scared me.
We had barely stepped outside before he put his hand behind my head and kissed me. He was surprisingly soft and gentle. How it belied the man I would later find out he really was.
He hailed a cab back to my apartment where he definitely did not disappoint. In between a couple of rounds of great sex, we talked about my classes and the play. How he thought I'd been robbed by not getting the lead when I so obviously deserved it.
When I said I wanted to learn more about him, he said he worked in entertaining and then stuck to his most intimate details. What he liked when it came to women. Especially, that he liked to spank them.
He offered to show me. I was curious, so I obliged. To my surprise, I actually got a rush out of it.
He was gone when I woke up the next morning. But there was a lingering sting in my ass as I rolled over on the cool sheets. My body shuddered with the memories of the night before, and I let out a deep sigh. Besides being frustrated that he hadn't hung around, I kept thinking that he still owed me a drink. And I wanted to be spanked again.
I didn't see Jimmy for another month. Again, it was at an after-party. This time, I had gotten one of the lead roles. I saw him waiting patiently while the guests congratulated the cast members in a receiving line. As soon as I was free, he maneuvered me to a corner by the bar and stroked the top of my hand while we waited for our drinks.
As a requirement for my new role, I'd had some private sessions with an acting coach on building confidence. Not closing up like a turtle when in public. They paid off as I confronted Jimmy. Asked him why he was there. Why he had disappeared four weeks ago.
He said he had missed me and apologized for being away so long.
