Page 19 of Ask Me Something

Chapter Five

The next day on Christmas morning, I slept in which is something I rarely did anymore. The smell of cinnamon rolls baking came from downstairs. It was heavenly, but also convinced me to get up and go running. I loathed exercise, but I hated gaining weight more. I was naturally curvy with a larger butt and hips than I would have liked, but I’d made peace with my curves years ago and had learned to dress to flatter them. They might not be my favorite assets, but considering I’d been blessed with full lips and good skin—well, no one could have it all. I did a leisurely four-mile run and was greeted by my mother at the back door.

“Sasha Jayne, it’s cold outside. Go on up and take a nice hot shower. I have cinnamon rolls. And Merry Christmas, darlin’.”

I didn’t bother to point out the rolls were the very reason I’d gone running but gave her a quick kiss on the cheek instead. “Merry Christmas, Mama. I’ll be down in a bit.” Somehow I doubted I’d ever outgrow my mother fussing over me.

Upstairs and logging into my laptop, I perused my work email quickly and was thankful that all of my clients were also enjoying the holidays. Taking some more time on the Internet, I started searching terms like “dominant sex” and “submissive roles.” Slightly sick to my stomach, I ended my google search. The rules Brian had mentioned suddenly became a lot more important to learn more about. He’d said he didn’t want to overwhelm me, which made me wonder what else he had in mind. Clearly, we needed to have to have a serious talk about what I would and would not do.

I dressed casually in jeans, a sweater, and my Ugg boots and made my way downstairs. “All right, Mama, what can I help with?”

She put me to work setting the table which was something that had been ingrained since I was young. If ever I needed to showcase a talent, setting a proper table would be mine.

* * *

I enjoyedthe peace and quiet, hanging with my parents until two o’clock when all hell broke loose in the form of three kids and one baby girl. The kids ran around while the baby was thrust on me like I had to hold my niece in order to prove my love for her. Babies made me nervous. I did much better with my older nieces and nephews who weren’t so breakable. My sister, Addison, ignored any look of discomfort I exhibited and went about her business.

My little sister looked like my mother with her fair skin and blonde hair, but she had our father’s striking blue eyes. She’d been the baby that my parents had always wanted and hadn’t been able to conceive during the first eight years of their marriage. I’d long ago accepted after years of therapy that my parents loved me the same as they did their biological daughter.

“So tomorrow night, Sasha, we’re heading to Ernie’s Oyster Bar, and Eric Peterson said he might stop by. You know he and Tami got divorced a couple of years ago. And Leslie Hanson says he looks handsome, still has his hair and everything, which is saying a lot for a man your age,” Addison announced out of the blue.

Ah, it wouldn’t be a night at home without my baby sister rubbing in the fact that she was four years younger and also trying to set me up with someone while I was in town. Tonight’s lucky winner was my former high school boyfriend. “Yes, having hair is definitely at the top of the list when it comes to qualities in a man.”

Her husband, Ryan, chuckled at my sarcasm. He and Addison had met their freshman year of college and had been together ever since. It was the modern day cheerleader-meets-quarterback love story. He managed his father’s profitable real estate business, and my sister was a stay-at-home mom with the four children. The thing I liked most about my brother-in-law was that he might love my sister, but he also didn’t put up with her crap and would call her out when necessary.

“Eric also manages a car dealership in Raleigh, and he’s only got the one son,” Addison added.

“And therein lies the trifecta: hair, job, and only one kid. Look, Addison, I’m not interested.”

“Excuse me if I only want to see you happy with someone.”

Seriously? She thought being with someone automatically meant happiness. I sighed, gladly getting up to help my mom with the dishes and avoid any more talk of being set up.

We finished in the kitchen and set about opening gifts. I knew my parents would be hesitant about the one I’d gotten them, but considering they’d yet to visit me in New York, I was hoping to persuade them to accept it.

“Oh, Sasha, hotel and a show and airline tickets. It’s too much,” my mom admonished.

I shrugged. “I used points for the hotel and airfare, and I want you to see where I’m living. Pick a weekend, and I’ll get the show tickets and tour you around.”

My dad looked uncertain, and then Addison jumped in. “The kids have a lot of sports and activities on the weekends. It’s going to be tough for them to get away.”

I swallowed hard and took another sip of my wine. “Even more reason to take a few days for themselves for a change, isn’t it?” Yes, I was aware that my parents were heavily involved in my sister’s life and spent a lot of time babysitting and attending their grandkids’ events on a daily basis. But did I need to have kids in order for them to want to be a part of my life?

My mom chose to ignore our passive-aggressive sniping. “Well, we will look at dates and let you know. I’ve always wanted to see the Big Apple. Your father went years ago for some kind of training for work, but I’ve never been. And we want to see where you’re living.”

I smiled, appreciating the fact that they’d make the effort.

My sister’s usual gift included this year’s family picture of all of them dressed alike and looking perfect.

My five-year-old niece squealed at her princess dress-up set. I got some satisfaction as an aunt who’d selected the best gift when she insisted on putting on the dresses, shoes, and tiaras before continuing on with opening up her other presents.

“Did you not get the wish list of learning toys this year?” Addison inquired.

“I did. I simply chose not to be boring and instead get something I knew she’d want. Who’d like more wine?”

* * *

By the timeI fell into bed, I was halfway buzzed and way too wound up to sleep. Grabbing my phone, I looked at the time. Only ten o’clock.

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