Chapter 23
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
Kate stood with Sandra on the far side of the bar. Sandra had just finished a story about her most recent patient, who’d behaved like a toddler with a temper tantrum.
“That has to be the worst client ever,” Kate spluttered with laughter.
Sandra wiped the tears from her face. “How about you? As a massage therapist your clientele must share common traits.”
Kate leaned back against the bar. “I had this one guy I told if he wanted to feel better, he needed to get exercise on a regular basis. I told him that every week for almost a year. He finally stopped coming to me. I asked him why and he said, he’d been coming for a year and he was still sore.”
They burst out in a fit of laughter again.
“Go figure. There’s not much we can do if they won’t take advice or follow instructions...” Sandra leaned to the side. “That’s odd.”
“What is?” Kate tried to follow her gaze.
“Sonja’s leaving already and by the back door.” Sandra indicated the direction.
“I wonder what’s going on?” Kate tapped a fingernail on the bar top. “I thought she was meeting Derek here.”
“Maybe their plans changed?” Sandra suggested.
Paula approached them. “Have you two seen Sonja?”
“She just went out the back door.” Sandra gestured to the exit.
“Did she seem upset?” Paula’s brow wrinkled, and she chewed on the corner of a short nail.
“I didn’t see her face. She seemed to be in a hurry, though.” Sandra shrugged.
Paula turned questioning eyes Kate’s way.
“I’m sorry, but I didn’t see her at all. What’s going on?”
“Apparently, Derek’s ex decided to show up and make a play for him. We think Sonja saw what happened and rushed off before we could remove the ex. Let me tell you, that’s one crazy woman!” Paula shook her head.
“Oh, mealybugs! That’s not good. Sonja’s probably sure Derek wants his ex back, and she ran rather than have to face it. Sonja might be an assertive businesswoman but as a submissive and in dating not so much.”
Sandra arched a perfectly shaped eyebrow. “Mealybugs?”
Kate made a dismissive gesture. “An orchid’s number one enemy. I don’t like swear words.”
The three women smiled but sobered quickly.
Sandra spoke. “From what I’ve seen, Sonja is self-conscious about her appearance. I guess this might emphasize her doubts. I’m worried about her.”
“Indeed, it’s not good, but I can’t stay and chat.” Paula turned her gaze to the bearded figure, who was only held in place by Jackson’s firm hand on his shoulder. “I need to let Derek know what’s going on.” Without another word, Paula hurried away.
“You don’t suppose Derek wants the old girlfriend, do you?” Sandra’s features softened. As a single submissive, she would feel for Sonja.
“Doubtful. He seems serious with Sonja. Someone should check on her. I don’t have her number, though. Do you?”
“Me either,” Sandra said. “So, what’s this I hear about you and Chris?”
“It’s not just me and Chris. It’s Chris, Yvonne, and I. All three of us,” Kate corrected. “It seems he’s a switch, with me, at least. So, we’ve got a three-month contract to see what will happen. Yvonne is a lovely woman. I like her more and more.”
“Isn’t she the one that freaked out in a scene with Chris a few months ago?”
Freaked out? Kate’s mind raced before it dawned on her what Sandra meant. “No, she didn’t freak out. She went deep, and she only speaks Dutch in subspace.”
“Dutch?” Sandra’s eyebrows almost touched her hairline.
“She’s Wilma McGruder’s niece.” Recognition dawned on Sandra’s face, but Kate still asked, “You know Wilma, don’t you?”
“That’s why she looked familiar. I knew I had seen her somewhere else.” Sandra’s face relaxed into a smile. “Here comes Chris. Guess he’s looking for his Mistress,” she teased.
“Hello, ladies. I reckon you don’t know where Sonja is either?”
“We just told Paula. She left out the back door a few minutes ago,” Kate answered for them both. “We don’t know where she went.”
“Too bad for Derek. He looks pretty torn-up about his ex showing up like that.”
“Did you see it?” Sandra’s eyes widened to almost comic book level.
“Yes. This woman, Angie I think Paula said her name is, practically jumped Derek when he came in, then started screaming for the cops when Jackson and Paula pulled her off him. It was almost funny, until I realized she had a screw loose. Maybe several.” Chris rubbed his chin and turned to Kate.
“James said Laura was looking for you. Did you see her?”
“She got waylaid by Julie. I’m sure they’re talking computer code. It doesn’t look like they noticed anything.” Kate indicated where Laura was chatting with the gesturing Asian submissive. “Laura may have Sonja’s number. If not, she can get it from Suzie.”
“True.” Chris turned his attention to Sandra but gripped Kate’s hand. “Sandra, would you mind telling Laura and Julie what’s happened and ask Laura if she can check on Sonja? I need a word with Kate?”
“Sure. I can see you lovebirds would like some privacy.” Sandra tilted her head. “Nice talking to you.” She hurried away.
Were we that obvious? She turned her attention to Chris. “What’s the word?”
“Nothing in particular. I just wanted to have a moment with you without someone else talking about us being together.” Chris leaned over to kiss her cheek. “Are you having a nice time at the munch?”
“Yes, and you?”
“Eh, I’ve had better. I feel bad for Derek. He seems like a decent guy, and I think he’s really good for Sonja. Now this happens.”
“Yes, I’ve seen them together at the club, and he’s very attentive to her needs. I like that in a man.”
“Is there something you might be needing that I’m not noticing?” His voice lowered to a seductive tone. “Mistress?”
“As a matter of fact, I could use some food.” Kate ran her fingernail over his collarbone and was rewarded with a delightful shudder. “Fix me a plate?”
Chris swallowed visibly. “Sure, is there anything in particular that you want?”
“A little of everything would be nice.” She could feel her heartbeat speeding up at the look he gave her.
“I’ll be right back.” He lifted her hand from his chest and pressed a kiss at the pulse point of her wrist.
As she watched him head toward the table of appetizers, she was thankful he had been determined. If he’d let things go between them a year ago, she would now be missing out on something potentially special.