The Author's Friends Read Free

fantasies. 
    Brad picked up Kristin late in the afternoon.  The traffic out of New York City was always difficult to deal with, particularly on a Friday.  The conversation had been downright uneventful, and much to Brad’s surprise, the subject of sleeping arrangements never came up.  That was certainly a hopeful sign.  He had selected a B&B that sat right on the harbor, and they arrived in Niantic just before dinner. 
    A middle-aged couple was behind the front desk as they entered through the front door.  The owners introduced themselves as the Wrights and were as friendly as they could be.  Much to Brad’s delight, Kristin asked if they could have a room with a view over the harbor.  The availability of a room with a king-size bed was music to his ears.
    They took the elevator up three floors to their room.  As advertised, the room was down at the end of a hallway, and it had a large glass front that overlooked the harbor.  Kristin threw her arms around his neck when they got into the room exclaiming how romantic it was.
    Well, Bradley Caine, I think your good fortune is just beginning, Dana thought as the aroma of coffee beckoned from the kitchen.
     
    *****
    “Dana, what are you doing for lunch?” Carla’s tone was rushed as she put her cell phone on speaker.
    Dana looked at her watch and sighed.  “Well, I guess I’m going to eat a cup of delicious Greek yogurt,” she joked as she continued to type.
    “Can you meet me for lunch downtown in about thirty minutes?  I need to see you.” Carla tapped her fingers on the desk.
    “Okay, sure.  Hey, what’s going on, Carla?  You haven’t been your usual jovial self.”
    “How about the eatery we went to the last time  - the one on Grant Street.  Is that okay?”
    “Sure, that’s fine.”
    “Thanks.   See you in thirty.”  Carla put her cell phone in her bag, and reclined in the leather chair at her desk.
    A half an hour later arrived at the food court and scanned the tables for her friend.  Carla was sitting alone with her arms crossed.
    “Uh oh.  Are you going to spill your guts now, or should we eat first?” Dana asked as she took off her jacket.
    “I actually don’t feel like eating, but I will for your sake.”  Carla shrugged as she threw her coat over a chair.  They headed straight to the counter and ordered their usual favorite salads.  When they returned to the table, there was an awkward silence.
    Dana cleared her throat.  “Are we going to have a conversation, or am I going to have to conduct this like an interview?”
    Carla bit her lip.  “First, let me apologize again for my behavior last night.  You know how I love you guys, and this holiday will be your best ever.  Michael and I very much want to be a part of your happiness.”
    “Just for the record, you’ve already submitted an apology and it was accepted.  So, once again, I feel the need to ask what’s going on Carla?  This isn’t like you.” Dana moved her salad around the plate, obviously not intending to eat it.
    “Stop playing with your food, Dana.  Did you eat breakfast this morning?  You know how Richard hates when you skip …”
    Dana held her hand up.  “I see you’re still bossy, so that’s comforting.”
    “Yes, well that’s part of the problem.”  Carla shook her head.  “Dana, I would love to be a submissive for Michael.  It’s no secret that he wants it, and part of me does too, but I don’t know that I’m capable.  We’re talking about a thirty-five-year-old woman who’s used to running the show.  How can I be responsible for a large staff at work all day and then be taken over a knee for coming home a little late?” She lowered her voice, looking around to make sure no one heard her last words.
    “Not that I’m judging, but just to be clear, what the hell happened last night?”  Dana took a small bite of her salad.
    “Well, I did have a crazy day at the office and needed a release.  I knew ‘the brat