Stripped(33)
“Hmm,” Charlotte said, furrowing her brows. “Any thoughts on that?”
“Well, I’m not a shrink or anything, but I think Abby’s sexually repressed. She believes sexual gratification is only for men, and that she’s supposed to give it, not receive it.”
“You said she was uncomfortable before it happened. How was she after?”
“Totally satisfied, of course. Hasn’t Reed told you I’m a rock star in bed?”
“Um, no.” Charlotte rolled her eyes at him. “And how would my husband know that, anyway?”
“Oh, we had some good times in college. Before he met you, of course.”
“Good times? Tell me you guys haven’t experimented with each other or anything.”
“Oh, fuck no, Charlotte. We shared a room at our fraternity house. I just mean we both had some sleepless nights while the other was entertaining a woman.”
“Alright, back to Abby. What do you think is next for you guys?”
“I don’t know. I’m making her dinner tonight. But I just don’t know. I’m really into her, but the closer we get, the more bothered I am by the stripping. I don’t want her sharing that part of herself with anyone but me.”
“You mean her body?”
“Yes, and her sensuality.”
“But you know that’s not her heart, Chris. What if you had that? Would it be enough?”
“No. I either want all of her, or none of her.”
Chapter 8
The moment she opened the door to the house, the rich smell of beef stew made Abby sniff in confusion. No one ever cooked but her. She wondered if Justin had thrown something together, but it was so unlike him.
She stopped with surprise as she entered the kitchen and saw her mother standing over the stove, stirring something in a large stock pot with a metal spoon.
“Hi,” Abby said, setting down the sack of groceries she had planned to make dinner with.
“Hi. I thought I’d make dinner tonight. It’s nothing fancy --”
“It smells great. Thanks for making it.”
Kathy’s dark brown hair was still wet from a shower. She sometimes emerged from the depths of her addiction and tried to reform. It had always been short-lived, but that didn’t stop Abby from hoping each time that it would stick.
“Did the girls start their homework?” Abby asked.
“Oh. Didn’t they come home with you?”
“No, on Thursdays they walk home. They should have been here by four.” When she looked at the clock and saw that it was 5:20, panic struck Abby with full force.
“Maybe they’re in the basement,” Kathy said. “They could have come in while I was in the shower.”
They both ran down the stairs and Abby couldn’t suppress the tears that welled in her eyes when she looked around the large, quiet room.
“Audrey! Sara!” she yelled, racing back up the stairs.
“Stay calm,” Kathy said. “I’ll call the school. Maybe they stayed after or something.”
Abby’s heart pounded wildly as she ran into every room of the house, calling her sisters’ names.
“I think I know where they are,” Kathy said grimly when Abby went back into the kitchen. “Tim was here earlier. I was asleep. He said something about the girls, but I don’t remember what.”
Abby bounced up from the chair she sat in.
“Mom! You let him take them?”
“No! I didn’t say he could. I was out of it, and I just remember him saying something and then leaving.”
Abby buried her face in her hands, near tears.
“I didn’t say he could!” Kathy said, her voice rising with emotion. “I wouldn’t do that, Abby. I don’t want him to --”
“We have to go get them,” Abby said. “Where are they?”
“I don’t know,” Kathy said sadly. “I don’t know where he lives anymore.”
“This is a nightmare. This is my actual worst nightmare.” Abby allowed herself to cry, fear washing over her with such strength she was afraid she might collapse. She took her phone outside and pushed Chris’ name as she paced the driveway frantically.
“Hey,” he said, his warm tone making her wish he was beside her.
“Can you come over? I need you.”
“Sure, what’s up? Are you okay?”
“Audrey and Sara never came home from school, and my Mom thinks Tim has them. I can’t believe I let them walk home alone. God, Chris, if something happens to one of them, I will never forgive myself.”
“I know you’re upset, but try to focus on getting them back. Can we go get them?”
Abby sighed, collecting her thoughts as she heard Chris’ car engine starting up.