Dangerous Pleasures Read Free Page A

there.”
    Annie laughed. Glenn never saw anyone or anything when Lizzie was about.
    “You married yet?” Lizzie asked the policeman.
    “Waiting for you, honeybunch,” he told her.
    Lizzie colored. “We’ve got a reservation,” she said.
    “Enjoy your lunch,” Glenn replied, and walked back to his patrol car.
    “He’s been sweet on you since high school,” Annie said as they once again headed toward the country club. “He’s a good man.”
    “I know,” Lizzie answered. “I’m just not ready.”
    “You were forty-one in February,” Annie noted.
    “And you’ll be forty-three in December,” Lizzie remarked. “You’re a widow with five kids and a modest—no, meager—income. I’m a lawyer with a seven-figure income, a Porsche, and a three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath co-op, all paid for in full. I win!”
    “But I’ve been loved and cherished, while you live a cold corporate existence,” Annie countered. “I think I win.”
    They were both laughing when Lizzie pulled into the country club parking lot.
    “Not so cold,” Lizzie said. “My nights can get pretty hot sometimes.”
    “Too much information!” Annie said with a grin. “But I’m surprised that you would risk your reputation, when in your business reputation is everything. There aren’t too many good women litigators, sis.”
    “Not to worry. I have the Channel to satisfy my wicked desires and keep me sane. As far as the wide world knows, I’m celibate: a prim, no-nonsense attorney with a killer instinct,” Lizzie replied. “The other partners love me,” she said smugly.
    The club dining room was practically empty. They sat at a table overlooking the golf course. Lizzie ordered a salad plate, and Annie a club sandwich. Their lunch and their iced teas came quickly. When they were alone again Lizzie spoke.
    “You know, now that Nat has been gone two years, you ought to get the Channel. It can be anything you want. It doesn’t just have to be mindless and guilt-free sex. You devote yourself to the kids, Annie, and I know from Mom that you don’t have any social life outside of school events. You need something for yourself.”
    “Basic cable is all I can afford,” her sibling answered. “And it’s all I can do to keep up with that. They keep raising their rates all the time. If I could afford something special I’d get the Disney Channel for Whoops. And don’t go offering to give it to me for my birthday,” Annie cautioned her younger sister. “I see that look in your eye. I’m too tired to watch much television these days anyway.”
    “If I do something for the kids, will you let me help?” Lizzie asked.
    “Like what?”
    “Remember Stoneledge Lake?” Lizzie said.
    “Our old camp in Vermont? Is it still in existence?” Annie smiled, remembering the summers she and Lizzie had spent there.
    “It’s still there. It’s better than ever, and I would love to send the girls this summer,” Lizzie said. “Amy is almost too old, but she won’t be fifteen until the fall, and if she likes it next year she could be a counselor in training. But the twins are the perfect age for Stoneledge Lake. I’m going to Tuscany for a month in August. I’ve rented a villa that’s staffed. I’m taking Mom, and I’d love to take Nathaniel as a graduation gift. If he needs to come back before we do for college that’s fine, but he’s been the man of the family since he was sixteen. I think he could use a break, too.”
    “Oh, Lizzie, that is so generous of you!” Annie said, and she felt her eyes beginning to tear. “But it’s too much, really!”
    “Oh, pooh! I can afford it, and who else have I got to spend my money on except my nieces and nephews? Look, I’m getting Mom off Dad’s neck so he can golf to his heart’s content. If the girls go to Stoneledge Lake and Nathaniel goes to Italy with us, you are left with only one little boy to look after. It will be like a vacation for you.” She scooped up the last bit of