Velvet and Lace(9)

They ate their lunch slowly, making small talk about the town and the things that had changed. Of course they talked about the things that hadn’t changed and never would. Daphne loved Ambrosia with all of her heart but sometimes it was a little too stuck in the past for her.

“So this business venture of yours, would you care to explain?” Anna pushed away her almost empty plate and took a sip of her sweet tea.

Daphne was pushing the leafy lettuce around her plate, uninterested in the rabbit food set before her. Pushing her plate away as well, she grinned at her friend. She was a little worried of what Anna would think, but she hoped that she would be excited too.

“Well you know what I do right?” Daphne started with an easy place to begin.

“Yeah, you’re a fashion model.” Anna rolled her eyes like it was a pointless question.

“Most of the time yes. But I have also found that I enjoy posing for other things as well.” Daphne wasn’t exactly sure if this was the place to discuss it or not, but she leaned forward anyway. “I have found I also enjoy posing for a few gentleman’s magazines.”

“You mean like Playboy?” Anna’s eyes widened and a couple heads turned in her direction to see what the fuss was about.

“No not like Playboy. Ok well kind of like that. I only pose topless though. I always keep the lower half covered, usually in really cute panties. But anyway, I enjoy the empowerment I get from it. And I like looking good.” Daphne smiled at her friend, trying to gauge her reaction. Anna was quiet and Daphne began to worry a little. When her friend smiled, she knew it was okay.

“That’s pretty awesome, I have to admit. I couldn’t do anything like that. But good for you! If that’s what makes you happy, then go for it.” Daphne felt some of the tension drain from her shoulders. Anna’s opinion definitely meant a lot to her.

Anna’s eyes darkened with a hint of confusion. “So what does that have to do with your business venture?”

“Well actually, this will be my third store I am opening. The other two are doing really well, and I’m hoping that this one will bring some life to this town. I know that it’s definitely going to bring the gossip.” Daphne could tell Anna was still very confused.

“Anna I own a chain of adult stores called ‘Velvet and Lace.” Daphne bit her lip, nervous of what her friend would think for the second time.

Anna’s eyes widened. “You mean like...like...” She dropped her voice into a whisper. “You mean like a toy store?”

“Yes, exactly. We sell toys, clothing, bachelorette stuff, party favors, novelty items, and there are even classes for those interested. We call them parties though, the term puts everyone a little more at easy with everything.” Daphne smiled. She loved what she did.

“Well, I have to say I’m surprised. I’ve never been into a store like that. Hell, I would doubt most of the town’s people have been in a store like that.” Anna looked skeptical but Daphne was still hoping she would win her over.

“I know. That’s why I’m hoping they will want to come to the store. I’m not financially dependent upon this store. I just thought it would be a good idea to try and liven this town up a little, get everyone to loosen up. I seriously doubt everyone is going to turn into a sex fiend or anything like that. But I like the idea of shaking things up.” She winked at her friend, and Anna smiled back. She took that as a good sign.

“Well I think you’re crazy but I’ll come check it out. Liam and I definitely have an...active sex life, but you never know. We might need something to spice it up.” When Anna winked back, Daphne laughed out loud. She had known her friend would support her, it was the rest of the town of Ambrosia that she needed to worry about.





Chapter 4



It had been a couple of days since she had lunch with Anna and she was hoping that they could get together again soon. She hadn’t realized how much she missed a close friend she could share with and rely on for some comfort.

It had also been a few days since she had seen Trent. He had called to tell her that a few of the things she wanted for the store were going to take a little longer to get in than he expected. She wasn’t worried though. He had told her that he and his crew had started demolition on the building and they hadn’t come across any problems yet.

Daphne was excited about the progress. Even though it was her third store, she was just as excited about this one as she was the last two. And even though she hated to admit it, she was enjoying her talks with Trent. He kept trying to get her to talk about the store and what she would sell there, but she kept deflecting. She attempted to feign disinterest in him, but he kept making her smile.