Safeword: Davenport(41)

"Thank you, Sue. I really needed to hear that. The truth is, I like Zach, but I've just re-created myself into a whole person, instead of half of a couple. I'm not sure I'm ready to become part of a unit again, and don't think my heart will ever let me fall as deeply for someone as I did Garnet."

"It's not necessary to figure everything out right away, dear. You can sometimes just take it one day at a time, and see where it leads you."

Dana felt the waterworks start again. “You know you're more of a mother to me than my own mom, but how can you advise me on this? On who I choose to replace your son?"

"Oh, sweetheart, you aren't replacing him. You're figuring out what to do with the rest of your life. You deserve happiness, and don't you ever lose sight of that."

"Marcie didn't think so."

"You caught her off guard and ended up on the receiving end of her emotional reaction to seeing you in another man's arms. She'll come around, but until she does, just know that this is her issue. It's not about you; it's about her inability to deal with her brother's death.

Dana picked up dinner at an all-natural deli on the way home. She changed into comfortable flannel pajamas, poured a glass of wine, and sat with her food and laptop, trying to find Sir Brent.

She created a new identity on Fetlife and searched for Nashville and Brent, but that got her nowhere. She searched for the club, joined the group, and looked through the messages. Thirty minutes later she found where he'd posted, and clicked on his name to send a message.

Sir Brent,

This is Dana. I'm sorry if it seemed I dropped off the face of the earth. Garnet died a little over two years ago, and I've just been surviving since. When it first happened, I needed to separate myself from being his submissive. I got a new cellphone number, changed to a new email address, and tried to look forward instead of back. I'm sorry, you were a good friend, and I should've let you know what happened, at the very least

I'm better now, and if you can forgive me, I'd like to get back in touch, see how you're doing

I'm sorry it's taken me so long to contact you. I hope everything is okay with you.

Dana

She took a deep breath and hit the “Say It!” button, and opened a digital catalog to research furniture choices for a client. She worked about thirty minutes before hearing the ding for a new personal email, and pulled up the message, her heart hammering, terrified he'd tell her to get lost after all this time.

* * * *

Dana,

I'm sorry to hear about Garnet. The two of you were so close; my heart breaks for you. I'm proud of you for coming through it in one piece. It must have been hell

I'm doing well. I would love to hear the sound of your voice. My phone number is 615-555-0125, or you can message me with your number and I'll call you.

Brent

Dana's knees went week with relief, and tears threatened to make another appearance. She needed to pull herself together before calling him, so she went to the restroom before stopping off in the kitchen to pour another glass of wine. She settled back in the living room, inhaled deeply, and punched in Sir Brent's number—her heart beating crazily as she waited for the call to connect.

He answered immediately, and she recognized his voice without a doubt. “Sir Brent, it's Dana."

"Hello, lovely Dana, I'm so happy to hear from you. We can dispense with the Sir though; we're not at the club, my dear."

She smiled into the phone. “Are you still going to the club? Have you found your true love?"

"Yes, I'm still a member, and yes, I've found my true love. I have a charming submissive man at my beck and call, who only has one fault that I can find."

Dana chuckled. “Only one? Surely no one can be so close to perfect?"

"I'll concede a few minor irritations, but only one actual flaw."

Gods, she'd missed him—their wonderful conversations, and his unique view of life in general. She wanted to kick herself for pushing him away. “Ah, well that's different. What is this flaw you speak of?"

"He's bisexual. He likes to fuck women, too. I occasionally have to lend him out to a Domme so he can get his girl fix."

Dana couldn't help it, she laughed in spite of herself. “Oh, Sir Brent, you poor thing. You must really love the man to let him bring girl cooties into your house."

"Yes, I suppose I do. Now that I've shared, it's your turn. Please, tell me how you're doing."

"I... well. I started dating awhile back, but it was all vanilla stuff. I mean, Garnet's the one who brought out my submission, I didn't think I could ever submit to anyone else, but I've realized vanilla sex isn't going to do it for me, and I was contemplating the possibilities of finding a sadist who wasn't interested in the D/s aspects when I met a Dom. Kind of by chance."