There is usually a lot truth in sarcasm. I try to better myself but I don't want anyone else to go home, and feel bad about themselves because of something I said, usually in haste.” I nodded at the truth in my words. That was something I actually did want to change about myself. I was opening up to him. Why was he having that effect on me? I felt bad about myself just then. I could feel my forehead wrinkling together as I thought about past times when I had hurt others with my words. “I don't want to be like that and no one deserves to be talked to like that.” I was pouring out my soul to him. He should work as a psychiatrist. He would just need one of those sofas, but he would use it in a different way. “ I understand now. Those are the two things you want to change about yourself?” “ I guess so, but it doesn't matter anymore. It was just an idea, and not my best. I really am sorry for wasting your time.” I finished my coffee thinking that I had learned a lot. “ Do you really want to go? Aren't you a little curious?” “ Curiosity killed the cat.” I shrugged my shoulders as I stood up. Ryan also stood and jumped to get my coat. He gave me another dazzling smile as he helped me put it on. “You have my e-mail address. Drop me a line and let me know how you are doing.” He placed both of his hands on my shoulders and looked deep into my eyes. “I want you to take good care of yourself. Please drive more carefully and more slowly. If the police do stop you, please don't lie to them. I can already picture you babbling on and answering questions that they didn't even ask.” I blushed red. That kind of did sound like something I would do. I also felt smaller than I actually was. He was scolding me like I was a little girl and he was the worried parent. The thing was, I believed him that he would worry. He continued, “I know you have heard this a thousand times before, but it bares repeating. Do on to others as you would have them do onto you. You pull yourself down when you put others down. People will only remember that you were mean. They won't think that you were funny. I nodded thoroughly ashamed of myself. He kissed my forehead. “Take care of yourself.” I nodded as I left. I drove home careful not to go over the limit. I felt chastised. I hadn't even been at his place for a half an hour, and already he was making an impression. It was still light out on this late Californian August evening.
Chapter 2 The Golden Rule
I noticed that I was nicer the next couple of weeks. I was a pleasure to be around. I had been able to write a couple of chapters in my book. There was still something missing, but it was better than the crap I had written beforehand. I couldn't call my friend and ask her because she would just defend him and feel offended. I wasn't allowed to hurt anyone's feelings. I laughed at myself for thinking that he could forbid me anything. I thought about him a lot. Ryan sure did know how to make an impression. I wrote him an e-mail. I had nodded that I would tell him how I was doing. I had even admitted that I had been very good. He had written right back and said that he was proud of me. That had made me feel good about myself. His opinion seemed to mean a lot to me. I wrote back and asked him the difference between a spanking and domestic abuse. I should probably just come clean with him. I had a feeling that he would be glad to help me. He wrote back that that was a very good question but one that he would prefer to explain to me when we were alone. He wanted to be able to look into my eyes to make sure I understood everything. He wanted to be sure that their were no misunderstandings. I agreed to come around when he had time. His schedule was a lot fuller than mine. He often didn't have time. I wanted to ask him how many women he spanked, but he had been clear that he wouldn't answer questions like that.
I drove to his apartment and slipped into a parking spot. I