Page 52 of Bound by Love
Lea piped up. “Yeah, that’s when his guard goes down. It’s truly delicious. I’ve never met anyone like him.”
“He sounds divine,” Candy stated. “Although, I’m so not into sadists. Still, there’s something about him that makes you curious to try, isn’t there?”
“I hear what you guys are saying, but I know my limits, and he iswaypast mine,” Autumn stated.
Mary sighed in frustration. “Well, the Russian is still on my bucket list.”
Lea perked up, “Hey, Mary, what’s up with that Holloway guy you’re dating? I’ve heard rumors that he knew you as a kid.”
Mary’s face suddenly seemed to lose color. She immediately got to her feet and headed into the kitchen. “I’ve been a shitty hostess. Anyone want another drink?”
The girls looked at each other in concern, but Brie was the only one brave enough to acknowledge the elephant that had suddenly appeared in the room.
“Is something going on with Holloway? You know, whatever you say is safe with us.”
Mary came waltzing out of the kitchen with a rum and Coke in her hand.
“Mary…”
“Nope, Stinky Cheese,” Mary stated firmly. “This topic is not open for discussion. Next…”
A cold silence fell over them. In an attempt to lighten things up, Lea threw out another joke. “So what did the bra say to the hat?” After a pregnant pause, she answered, “You go on ahead, and I’ll pick up these two.”
The room remained silent.
“That’s number two,” Mary stated. “Too bad nobody laughed. Better luck next time, Lames.”
Lea looked at her with sympathy, which Brie could tell Mary didn’t appreciate.
To stave off any arguments, Brie asked a general question to the group. “What are you guys doing for fun these days? My fun is pretty much limited to taking care of the baby.”
Autumn perked up, pointing to her. “You said ‘baby’!”
Mary deftly grabbed Autumn and Brie’s pins. “Two for the price of one. Thanks, Autumn.”
Autumn shook her head, stunned. “I told you guys I suck at this game.”
Brie shrugged. “I haven’t caught anyone yet, so don’t feel bad.”
Mary surprised Brie when she actually responded to the question Brie had asked everyone. “I’ve started a new hobby.”
“Do tell,” Candy said. “I can’t wait to hear what it is.”
“I suppose it’s not really a hobby, but a new passion of sorts.”
Brie assumed it was something dark and dirty, but what came out of Mary’s mouth left her speechless.
“I’m volunteering at the Tatianna Center.”
“What’s that?” Autumn asked.
“It’s for girls who were victims of human trafficking. Even though I’m the one volunteering my time, it’s really those girls who are helping me. I’ve never seen such courage. They’ve inspired me to try to be a better person. I figure if they can remain positive after everything that’s happened to them, it gives me hope that I can too.”
“How did you find out about the place?” Candy asked her.
Brie held her breath. Mary was playing a dangerous game, associating herself with the Center after acting as the informant for Lilly there. If anything bad happened to Mary, it would devastate Brie.
“I saw it on the news, I think. After what my dad did to me as a kid, I felt a connection with the victims on a profound level. So, one day, out of the blue, I just decided to go to the Center, and that’s where I met Stephanie. The woman runs the place, and she is a powerhouse of positivity. Normally, I can’t stomach that crap, but Stephanie is a dynamo. And what she is doing for these girls will echo down through generations.”
