Today, Jessica and Worth joined them. The four often spent time together these days, and Jessica was impressed by how much more outgoing her ex-boyfriend was. Whatever influence Donna had had, the results were positive. Donna still seemed to be more fragile, but every day saw improvement. And maybe fragile was the wrong word, Jessica decided. There was something she needed, though. She hoped her friend would get it.
While Eric conversed with Worth on any number of topics, Jessica and Donna compared baby photos on their phone. Between Angela's family and the adopted extras, the baby lacked for nothing. Layla and Keith were completely comfortable spending a date night out while Jessica and Worth, Chet and Carol, Kari and Jon, or Donna and Eric babysat. They rotated Friday evenings, besides family gatherings and impromptu visits. Angela thrived with all the attention.
"I swear, she's the cutest baby ever," Donna gushed. "I told Layla she should take her to a photographer, sign her up for modeling. Those baby ads in the magazine have got nothing on her."
Jessica agreed. "Paul's going over this week, in fact. He has friends in the 'biz' as he put it. Who knows where it will lead? She could be the new face of baby food, diapers, or Baby Gap." She grinned mischievously over her hot dog. "I mean, you were going to be a model, so…"
Donna laughed and threw a French fry at her friend before her smile turned into a frown. "You have no idea how horrifying that was, to see myself on that perv's camera. I just hope all the video from the club was destroyed along with the files. We found a camera in every room. Every. Room."
Jessica raised her eyebrows. "So you and Eric may have starred in some smash hits without knowing it?" She knew by now that Donna's interest in the club pre-dated her job there.
Donna made a face. "There was that one night. But let's just say we may have and leave it at that. Anyway, we're not members there. Our room at home will suffice. The club brings back bad memories."
"Ah yes, the infamous red room!" The first time Jessica and Worth had eaten dinner at Donna and Eric's apartment, she'd opened the red room door by accident, thinking it was the bathroom. Of course, they had to get the whole story—the bullet version, anyway.
On the way home, Jessica had brought it up again to Worth. Was that something he thought he would enjoy? A red room? The outfits? The toys?
Worth had shaken his head. "Different strokes for different folks, love. And you already 'stroke' me just fine." To encourage her, he grabbed her hand and placed it in his lap as he drove.
"You don't fantasize about other things? I mean, I'm willing to do just about anything you want," Jessica had offered, her hand exploring. "Within reason."
Worth chuckled. "Don't you know me better than that? I know we haven't been married all that long, but seriously? Let's see, I'm going to quiz you. What size shoes do I wear?"
"Twelve narrow."
"Okay. That was an easy one. What's my favorite color?"
"Green. Like your eyes."
"Correct again. And what, pray tell, is my favorite ice cream flavor?"
"Vanilla." The look on his face when she said the word was priceless. "You mean…"
Worth had pulled into the condo garage, shut the car off, and taken Jessica's face in his hands. "I mean that I could not care less if anyone thinks we are 'vanilla', or even if we are. If handcuffs and whips bring pleasure to other folks, great. There is no need to compare ourselves to anyone else. I love you; you love me. And when you get right down to it, what goes on behind closed doors is no one's business."
Jessica's hand had drifted further down as they embraced in the front seat. "Well, hello big guy," she said with an appreciative murmur. "I think those closed doors are about to see some action."
Worth had twisted his head this way and that. The parking garage was, for the moment, empty except for them and empty, parked cars. It was late and therefore unlikely anyone would be leaving the complex. "Do you remember what you told me about wanting it all," he'd murmured as he played with her hair. "Way back when we were prim and proper and only talked each night on the phone?"
Jessica had laughed softly. "That roller coaster ride! Of course, I remember. You commented that I wanted to make sweet, sweet, soulmate love on Sunday afternoons after church—"
Worth had put a finger on her lips to interrupt. "And you said you also wanted to make mad monkey love in the back seat of the car in an airport parking garage." He looked around and then looked at her with a leer. "This isn't the airport, but—"
In response, Jessica had scrambled over the seat without hesitation.
Eric finished washing up after dinner while Donna sat at her laptop, scrolling through real estate. Eric's stone work had paid so well since Christmas that they could actively search for a house. Large enough for a family one day and a better-equipped red room now. They still divided their lovemaking between the bedroom and playroom, but thankfully, Lance Glover had not made a huge difference in their relationship.
Eric's response had impressed Donna—his concern, protectiveness, strength, even his anger. He had been forceful that night. She had wanted to tell him in a way that he could understand, but finally, the night before, she had poured her heart out.
"I never had that kind of concern and protection from my father," she had told him through her tears. "I didn't know how badly I needed it until that night, when you took charge like that. It was like everything from before, my anger, my hunger to be
