A Lie Unraveled (10 page)

“I guess,” Destiny said. “Sophia has been known to hold a grudge and she’s a little stubborn. I don’t know where she gets it from.”

Dotty chuckled. “She’ll come around, she already has a lot, don’t you notice the difference?”

“I do think she’s changed a little. She seems to like to read, that’s new and she certainly doesn’t seem to be angry today. I think spending the day with just Justin helped a lot.”

“See? Even that. Baby steps, sweetie, baby steps.”

“You make sure you behave yourself, Sophia,” she called as Dotty drove out of the driveway. She could hear them all laughing as they drove away.

“She’ll be fine,” Justin said, wrapping his arms around her.

“I hope so.”

* * *

“Do you have a pen and paper?” Justin asked.

“What for? The rules? I can just commit them to memory; this mind is like a steel trap,” Destiny said with a grin.

“Find a pad and pencil please. As much as I have faith in your steel trap, I’d like to have a little evidence,” he said with a chuckle, “just for the sake of a little continuity.”

“Oh, of course, I’m sure you don’t mean that you don’t think I can stick to rules,” she said poking out her tongue. “I can you know.”

“Good, then we won’t have any issues.”

“Hey wait, are you suggesting that the rules are for me?” Destiny was a little disturbed that he thought he would be able to decide what she would be doing.

“Not exactly about you but they certainly concern you, in a big way.”

“Now you’re confusing me,” she said. “I have a better idea than doing all this right now. You know we have all night and probably a little of tomorrow to take care of all these boring details. What about if we were to open a bottle of wine and leave all this decision making until tomorrow? How often do we get to spend time alone?”

“Sometimes I can see exactly where Soph gets her procrastination from,” Justin said. “We said we were going to talk about the rules two days ago. Then we didn’t because of Sophia’s meltdown. Last night we decided on a night in and today here we are, all set to talk about this finally and you want to leave it until tomorrow.”

“I just know that it’s going to end in some kind of argument,” Destiny said.

“How do you know that?” he asked.

“Because I think I could be psychic, okay?” she answered. “I can see a spanking in my future and I can think of better things I’d like to happen.”

“We’re just going to get it over with and there shouldn’t be any arguments because there’s nothing to argue about. We both agree that there needs to be changes made don’t we?”

“Yes, we do,” Destiny agreed.

“Then what’s the problem?”

“There is no problem I guess.” Destiny knew he was right about the rule thing and about getting them over with but it just would have been nice to relax on their first evening together and not have to worry about being the damn principal.

“Good.”

She was actually
very
good, she managed to stop herself from saluting.

“Okay,” he said, “why don’t we talk about why
you
think there needs to be more rules and what you think is the problem.” Justin smiled.

“I don’t know,” Destiny said. “I mean, maybe there isn’t a problem anymore. Soph seemed truly happy after your day out but I don’t want to go back to where she’s really unhappy. She was really miserable the other night. She never used to be that way.”

“That’s because she had no reason to be unhappy before. She’s always been able to do exactly what she wanted,” he said.

“I just want her to be happy like Lily-Grace.” Destiny said. “That feels an awful lot like measuring though and I don’t want to do that. We can’t say for sure that your methods are what’s made Lily-Grace happy. Maybe she was just born that way.”

“I know you don’t believe that. I think you want to make changes and you just don’t trust yourself to follow through with the revised way of doing things. You can be strong; I can
help
you be strong, if you’ll let me,” Justin said. “In fact, I’ll go out on a limb and say that I will
make
you strong whether you want me to or not, because I believe that all of our futures, not the least Soph’s, hangs in the balance.”

“How do you expect to do that?”

“It will be simple really,” he said. “Rule one; if you allow Soph to skate away from the rules then
you
will be punished.”

“You’re going to punish
me
when Sophia misbehaves? That’s not fair, why would you want to punish me?” At this rate she was going to be facing down more than she was facing up. “I told you I saw a spanking in my future.”

“That goes without saying, you don’t need to be a psychic to see that in your future,” he said with a chuckle. “But getting back to why you’re going to be held responsible; you’re the mother. It’s your job when you’re here with Soph to make sure that she follows the rules. This house needs a routine and a strict bedtime so she can start the day without looking like she has a hangover,” he said.

“I don’t think you realize how hard it is with Soph sometimes. We have lived our lives a certain way, there was no reason for strict rules. Sophia doesn’t understand why she is being punished all of a sudden for living her life the way she always has.”

“The fact that she thinks that you two are best friends, is a worry, Desi. We are not
meant
to be our children’s friends. Not when they’re little like this. It’s our jobs to steer kids in the right direction so that when they’re older and they have to make decisions they know how to make the right ones.”

“My Soph is a good girl really, she’s just a little highly strung. Look, I know there has to be some changes. I’ll make sure she gets to school on time and I’ll see that the homework’s done but I’m not going to be on her for every little thing, I’m just not.” Destiny folded her arms, unable to see from her position how much she was like her daughter. “It’s nit-picking.”

“Here’s what we’re going to do. I’m going to write a list of rules that I think are fair. If there are any you don’t agree with, then you may attempt to convince me that they’re not necessary,” Justin said. He picked up the pad and pencil and started to jot down some notes.

Rules of the House:

Respect—Being
respectful means to speak to others the way you would like to be spoken to yourself. Do
not
answer back when an adult speaks to you.

Manners—Say
please and thank you. Don’t talk when others are talking.

Honesty—Tell
the whole truth. Don’t leave things out.

Kindness—Be
kind to others. There will be no hitting, yelling, biting or throwing things allowed. Use nice words and explain yourself.

Final Say—Adults
have the final say about food, television, school and bedtime. There will be no arguing allowed.

“Hmm, none of that seems too bad,” Destiny said. “I don’t think that Soph will be happy about this one.” She was referring to the television rule.

“Most of the rules are just a matter of being civilized to each other, that’s all. The television rule is important. Most parents have a parental lock on cable channels.” Justin ripped off the piece of paper and started on a new one. “It’s hardly anything new.”

“So as far as you’re concerned, the subject is closed?”

“On the subject of protecting our little girl’s innocence, yes the subject is closed,” Justin said. “I don’t want Sophia or Lily-Grace watching shows that are meant for older teens and adults.”

“It’s just television, Justin,” she argued. “That’s what set her off the other night. She loves her shows and she looks forward every week to watching to see what happens.”

“She’s addicted,” he said.

“I wouldn’t say she’s addicted. Imagine you were reading a book and someone ripped out the last few pages, would you enjoy that? Would you be mad?” Destiny had stood and put hands on her hips, just to show him that she wasn’t going to back down.

“I don’t put television and books on the same level but I wouldn’t let the girls read whatever they wanted either even where books are concerned. They should read material that is age appropriate.”

“That censorship, I think there’s a law against that,” Destiny said haughtily.

“There isn’t,” Justin said.

“Maybe there should be,” she said. “What if someone just willy nilly decided we weren't going to use, say pencils,” she said. Destiny knew she was being ridiculous but she just didn’t seem to be able to get her point across. These rules were going to make her life miserable, she just knew it. Every day was about to become a debate and she would be the one left here doling out rules and punishments that she didn’t necessarily even believe in. She snatched the pencil from his hand and jumped back with it. She held it up in the air. “I declare the use of pencils in our kingdom is now banned!”

“Give me back the pencil, Desi,” he said, a hint of a smile turning the corners of his lips.

“Nope, I told you it’s banned.” Desi danced around holding the pencil up in the air.

“Put the pencil back on the table or I’m going to give you a demonstration of what you're going to get when you condone Soph ignoring the rules.” Justin pushed his chair back a little and gave her the look.

“You’ll have to catch me first.” Destiny felt playful and she wanted to get off the subject that was bringing down what had been a great day. When Justin stood, she ran.

“Yikes,” she yelled as she ran around to the other side of the counter. But Justin was on her tail, literally. He dived, over the top, grabbing a wooden spoon as he landed.

“No,” she squealed. It was too late.

Justin snatched the pencil and put it in his pocket. “You want to play then?” he asked. He put his foot up on one of the rails of a kitchen stool and deftly flipped her over his knee.

“No, no!” she squealed as the spoon cracked across her bottom. Her thin skirt offered no protection at all but her tormentor must have wanted to see his target because he flipped it over her head anyway, and a cool breeze wafted across her skin. Note to self, do not wear thongs around this man. “I changed my mind, Justin!” she yelled. “You can have the pencil back.”

“I already took it, you crazy woman. You can’t bargain with something you don’t have.” He brought the spoon down a few more times, making oval splatter marks before he stood her on her feet. “Happy now?”

Destiny rubbed her bottom. “I guess you win,” she said, daring to poke out her tongue.

“The only thing you’re angry about is the television thing?” Justin asked.

“Yes, that is the rule that will have the most impact on Sophia,” Destiny said. “You know that and I’ve explained why.”

“I’m sorry, Desi, I just think that that is one of the most important rules,” he said. “You want me to change it because Sophia won’t want it. That would mean that the child is the one setting the rules, not us. This isn’t about a nine-year-old giving us approval over what she does or doesn’t want to do. That’s what started the trouble in the first place.”

“Well,
I
don’t agree,” she said stubbornly. “I agree that there needs to be some changes but I don’t think we have to destroy anyone in the process.” She had a feeling that she wasn’t going to win this argument but, in order to feel like she was being loyal to Soph, she had to try.

“Then
I
refer to rule number one and I have just demonstrated so you know I will follow through.”

Destiny opened her mouth to speak but then closed it again. Then opened it again, once she figured out what she was going to say. “I thought we believed in democracy in this country,” she said. There that was worth waiting for wasn’t it?

“We do, and I am appointing myself head of this state. This state being this family.”

“This is
my
house! I get to be the head of it,” she said. “What makes you think you can just take over anyway?” The hide of this man, how rude! He really thought she was just going to let him take over and rule them all with an iron fist, or a pencil and paper but the idea was the same.

“You have been impeached, for committing the serious crime of letting your nine-year-old daughter do whatever the hell she wants.” He grinned at her. “You know what happens when you ignore the new leader.”

“We both know what happens,” she said with a sigh. This man was beyond frustrating and he was scribbling again on yet another piece of paper. “I thought you were finished, what’s this one about?”

“This one is the routine sheet. It won’t be any worse than the other one,” Justin said. He continued to scratch down the afternoon routine the same as he had with the rules. “See, all it is, is putting away stuff, having a snack, homework and the free time until it’s time for dinner, then teeth, et cetera and then bed at 7:30 pm, and reading until 8:00. Lights out will be 8:00 pm.”

“Soph has never been to bed at 7:30 pm in her life,” Destiny said.

“To quote Dr. Phil,” Justin said, “how’s that workin’ for ya?”

“I guess we can try all this and then make adjustments if something’s not working.” If Destiny were honest with herself, the fight had gone out of her for the evening. All she wanted to do was relax and enjoy the nicer side of this man.

“Exactly,” Justin said. “All I’m looking for here is a starting point.”

“Okay,” Destiny said. “So, can we open the wine now?”

“We sure can.”

* * *

“I’m sorry you never got a chance to go to school,” Justin said. They had been sitting on the sofa talking about their lives; about them, as a couple and not the kids for a change.

“That’s okay, I’ve been lucky. My mom and dad made sure that Soph and I were always okay and I liked being a stay at home mom. It worked out well for everyone. I got to be with Sophia and my aunt got someone to take care of her in her final years. I probably would have made a lousy career person anyway.”

“Why do you say that?” Justin ran his fingertips up and down her arm. “You certainly know how to argue to the death. I would think you would have made a great lawyer.”

“I don’t know; lawyers have to figure out how to get information out of people. You essentially have to be a people person. I don’t think I’m very likable. Do you see a bunch of women friends knocking down my door?” Destiny smiled. It wasn’t that she found the situation totally uncomfortable. It was just the way things were, she was used to it.

“I’m sure you could change that if you really wanted to. You don’t get involved in school from what I hear. It’s a small school, they’re always looking for extra helpers on the PTA for instance,” he said.

“I guess I’ve been a little embarrassed about the trouble that Soph got herself into and not entirely happy with all those women. It’s hard when your child gets left out of birthday parties and stuff. If you don't like my kid, then you don't like me.”

“I’m trying to steer this conversation away from the kids, let’s just leave it and say that when things are easier with Soph and you feel more comfortable, come and join in, be a part of things.”

“I’ll try,” Destiny said.

“You’ve been quiet, Desi. I know there’s something that’s not a hundred percent right here. I wish you'd talk to me,” Justin said.

Destiny really wasn’t sure if she should open another can of worms but she had to wonder what he’d meant when he’d said that he wasn’t sure it could work this way with all to and fro. She was positive he had said something like that. “It’s nothing really.”

“Desi?”

“It’s just that I’m a bit confused. I thought things were going great and you said that you weren’t sure we could do this or something about it all being too hard with the to and fro. I don’t remember the exact wording,” Destiny blurted out. That was the trouble when you let things build up in your head. Instead of just asking a simple question that made sense, it jumps out of your mouth in a jumbled mess.

“Ah, okay, I think I know what you mean, but you have the total wrong end of the stick. Why would I chase you around the house in an effort to get you to change things, to make them work better, if I didn’t think we could work?”

“I didn’t say it made sense! Besides, I don’t have any doubts about you wanting Soph in your life, it’s me I’m not sure you want.”

“You could not be further from the truth. Let me explain how I feel. I know this will seem ridiculous because it’s only been a few days. We have so much history though, which is why I feel justified in feeling this way. The love I felt for you before we broke up has reignited and it almost feels like we haven't had a break even for a couple of weekends, let alone for ten years,” he tried to explain.

“So when you say almost though, does that mean you have any kind of doubts about us?”

“No, it doesn’t mean that at all. It means that it’s
different
because back then it
was
only us. Now there are even bigger stakes. Now despite all the odds, we are already a family,” he said. “It just sucks that at the end of the day, Lily-Grace and I have to go home.”

The relief that Destiny felt was palpable. “Then move in, I have plenty of room here.”

“No, I don’t think that’s the right thing to do, I’ve told you that, honey. I’m an old fashioned man and I won’t give into temptation and move in here until we are married.”

“So this won’t be a night of sex then?” she asked, a twinkle in her eye.

“I said I’m old fashioned, not a monk.”

Destiny climbed up and sat in his lap, pressing her lips to his in a gentle kiss. “Wouldn’t it be nice to sit here and do this every night after our children have been put to bed at the unusually early hour of 8:00 pm?”

“Seven-thirty
, asleep by 8:00 pm,” he said with a grin, his tongue matching hers in the rhythm of their dance. “I could definitely learn to enjoy this ritual.”

Destiny changed her position, straddling him so she could feel him harden beneath her. It had always been a turn on, to feel what her kisses did to him and God but she loved what he did to her ass. His hands kneaded and squeezed as their kisses deepened.

“Arghh, Desi, you’re killing me,” he said. “I have to shower first, want to join me?”

* * *

In all the time they’d spent together as teenagers, Destiny had
never
shared a shower with Justin. It was odd but she was kind of embarrassed. There was nothing more intimate than washing your bits in front of someone else. Having that other person wash your bits
for
you was even more embarrassing and the most intimate thing the two had done as a couple so far. The sex when they were young had been dictated by time, occasion and situation. A bit like it was now, only this time, they did have the comforts of home and the use of a large shower stall.

“Turn around for me, honey,” Justin said.

Destiny tipped her head backwards for Justin to rinse out the conditioner. He was so gentle, and there was definitely something extremely hot about being soaped up and slippery when kissing. She turned in his arms and leaned into him. Her erect nipples pressed against his hard chest as she looked up, waiting for his kiss, but he dropped to his knees and pulled her towards him with hands that were on her bottom.

“I think I promised you that I would pay you more attention when we had more time,” he said. His lips pressed against her slippery wet mound, molding and squeezing her cheeks as he devoured her.

Destiny’s head dropped back as he licked and suckled but she wanted him to delve further down between her swollen lips. She pressed herself against the ledge chuckling deeply when he grabbed one leg and placed it none to gently over his shoulder. Seemed she wasn’t the only eager one. “Oh, Justin,” she moaned. His tongue danced along the entire length of her open slit, flicking and sucking the growing nub.

“You like that, don’t you, naughty girl,” he ground out against her thigh. His fingers spread her and his tongue dipped inside her.

“Hot water is going,” she whined. This had been so perfect but they would have to move. His hot breath warmed the flesh that was starting to cool amid the rapidly cooling spray.

He flicked the taps off. “Bedroom,” he said. He slapped her bottom hard as she hurried past him, desperately seeking the comfort and extra space of her big bed. “Coming, slow coach?” she asked with a giggle.

“I’ll give you slow coach.” In a second, he scrambled up behind her, joining her as she landed on the bed on all fours. “I’m right behind you.”

“Just the way I like it,” she said. She waited for him slam into her, taking the position that was familiar and a personal favorite but it wasn’t his erection she felt against her, it was his tongue and his fingers, that licked and explored, going back to where they had left off and bringing her right to the brink. He stopped though, just before she tipped over the edge.

“I love you like this,” Justin said. His stubble grazed the delicate skin on her bottom and back as he kissed his way up to her neck, his entire body against her, skin against skin.

She held her breath, waiting for him to take her, for that perfect first thrust that slammed against her front wall, sending her spinning almost immediately out of control. She wanted him inside her and the waiting was driving her crazy. “Justin?” she almost choked out.

His hand swatted her quivering bottom. “You want this?” he asked.

“Yes, yes,” she said. Destiny wiggled her bottom wantonly. Did he want her to beg? She was close, she wanted him and she wanted him badly.

“This, you want more of this?” He spanked the wiggling target.

She almost screamed. “I want you inside me!”

“Hang on then,” he said. He gripped her hips and slammed into her, the tip of him touching, grinding against that perfect place.

She closed her eyes to savor the feeling but then the spanking started all over again, but this time with his hard length inside her, she liked it. Every time she pushed back against him he rewarded her with a sharp smack. The smacks were harder than they had been when he was popping her for punishment but she didn’t care. The pleasure, the pain, all ground together and all she could do was embrace the feeling. Destiny pushed back harder and took him, all of him until they exploded together in a combined free fall that left them in a tangle of limbs and sheets. Exhaustion made it hard for either of them to move anything but their lungs as they sucked in deep, desperate breaths.

* * *

Breakfast the next morning was festive. They sat outside and Justin made pancakes on the flat part of the grill. It was different, but Destiny was learning that having a man around was different in so many wonderful ways. He was a little bossy, this man but for all the good things he was, she could take that, more than take it, she was prepared to embrace it. “You are a man of any talents,” she said, watching him lift the last of the pancakes onto a platter. “I’ll get the syrup.”

“I’ll get it; I have to get the coffee anyway.”

“So are you still ready to go home today?” she asked.

“I’m never ready to go home,” he said. “which brings me to the next thing. What are you doing next weekend?”

“I’ll probably spend it with you and the girls,” she said. “Why? Do you have any ideas? Maybe something special you’re thinking of doing?”

“I do actually,” he said. “I was thinking it might be good to elope.”

“Pardon me?”

“Oh sorry, that was a bit lackluster wasn’t it? I was just thinking more about the end result and not so much about the process.” Justin dropped to one knee in front of her.

Destiny found herself tearing up. Was he really about to do what he it looked like he was about to do? “Justin,” she whispered.