Page 51 of Disciplining Dana

“Are you working with the folks at the university, or something else?”

Kurt glanced toward where the mine was less than a twenty-minute walk away. “We came to look at something Mr. Hawkins might have an interest in.”

“Ah. Well, I can only assume if you’re here working with Derek what Rawhide has to offer didn’t come as a shock or surprise.”

“No,” Kurt replied with a shake of his head.

“Did you come here alone?”

Another shake of his head. “No.”

Jenna had been listening quietly, but now she jumped back in. “I told him to bring his friend to the Dungeon, but he told me she’s buried in her work.”

Drake gave an understanding shrug. “Happens to all of us.”

Kurt took a pull at his drink. “Well,” he said with a glance toward Jenna, “given what’s happened, I probably should’ve taken your advice and dragged her here. She could use a good reset.”

“Seeeee!” Jenna cried with an “I-told-you-so” gesture.

Drake gave Kurt a long, measured gaze. “Something wrong?”

“Wrong?” Kurt replied, unsure of what Drake was asking about.

“The way you said that…”

“Oh.” Kurt gave a slight shrug. “Let’s just say we’re at a bit of a crossroads.”

“Okay,” Drake acknowledged, “that happens in every relationship. Are you trying to work it out?”

“I…” Kurt rubbed his chin. “I think so. I hope so. I know I am. But, you know, it takes two…”

“And yet here you are alone,” Drake mused.

“We needed some time to think. As Mr. Hawkins pointed out.”

“Oh.” He glanced at Jenna before looking back to Kurt. “Can I ask a question?”

“Sure.”

“What do you think would help strengthen your relationship with your friend right now?”

“She needs discipline,” Kurt shot back immediately.

Drake raised his eyebrow. “Didn’t take you long to come up with that answer, did it?”

“I guess not.” Kurt focused on his glass. “Let’s just say it’s… it’s been some time coming.”

There was a flash of movement as someone else came bounding up to the bar, and they all swiveled their heads toward the young woman who approached.

“Drake!” the girl cried, wrapping her arms around him.

“Hey, baby.” Drake pulled her into a hug.

“That’s Luna, Drake’s girlfriend,” Jenna stage whispered as the two held on to each other.

If the very impressive eyeroll Luna gave didn’t counter that statement, her declaration of, “Bite me, I’m no one’s girlfriend,” certainly did.

“I stand corrected,” Jenna said diplomatically.

---