Part I
1
“AND GET THIS,” Danielle says. “This one’s a firefighter.”
I run my hands down the curves of her lower back, just the way she likes it. Many of my clients prefer the gentler touch, but Danielle likes it hard. “Wow, that’s pretty hot,” I quip. “In more ways than one.”
She laughs. “Yeah, it’d be hot if she weren’t married.”
She’s entertaining me with the wild tales of her younger sister’s life again. Her sister, Annabelle, is a thirty-nine year old married mother of two who just happens to be a sex addict.
“They usually do it in the back of her Escalade, because this guy’s apartment is apparently a pigsty.”
“How old is this guy?” I ask. I can’t help it… I really get into her stories.
“Young,” she says. “Mid-twenties… body to die for. He was in one of those calendars for charity… Mister August. Annabelle gave me a copy. I can’t wait for August.”
“And her husband has no clue?” I ask, baffled.
“No, Jerry is a workaholic. He’s too busy to notice, and her kids are too small to know what’s going on either.”
I think about the kids. This is entertaining as all hell, but I’m sure it will eventually all blow up in their faces, and the kids are going to be the most affected. It breaks my heart. I wonder why Danielle doesn’t try to help her sister. I know if it were my sister, I’d do something about it. But Danielle seems content to just watch the show. I suspect that she secretly enjoys her sister’s antics because her own life is pretty tame in comparison. She’s an empty-nester whose kids have both recently moved away for college. I also wonder if she secretly wants her sister’s ‘perfect’ life to blow up. She’s always going on about how pretty, skinny and rich her sister is — I sense a little jealousy.
The thing is, I’m not just a massage therapist, I’m also a therapist, but a lot cheaper.
I steam some towels, and adjust the aromatherapy diffuser — the patchouli scent is a little strong. “Well, hopefully he never clues in."
“Oh, I’m sure he will. She’s even had men in her own bed.”
My mouth drops. I don’t know her sister but I don’t like her much. I generally try not to judge, but I can’t help it. I know it’s a mental addiction. And I know all too well about addictions and cravings. Mine just aren’t about sex. Although, I won’t lie… I do like sex, as much as the next gal.
I lay the hot towel carefully on her back. “Not too hot?” I ask before rubbing the grape seed oil off her body.
She moans. “No, perfect.”
I love bringing pleasure to my clients. Although Danielle’s life seems pretty sweet, many of my clients work hard, and if I can make their lives blissful, even for just an hour a month, then I’m doing something worthwhile.
“I’m not boring you, am I?” she asks.
I smile. “Never. Actually, I love your sister’s stories.” To be honest, Oscar and I live vicariously through her. Our lives are very boring.
She laughs. “So, you and Oscar… no progress? Still just friends with benefits?”
I sigh. “Well, you know how I feel about relationships—”
“I know, I know… your parents had a horrible marriage, your deadbeat dad left your family, and your sister’s just gone through a divorce,” she says. “But that Oscar seems like such a sweet guy, and he’s a hottie too.”
I smile. We ran into Danielle once when we were out to dinner. “I should have never introduced you two,” I tease.
“Trust me,” she goes on. “Marriage is a great thing. Robert and I have been together for twenty-six years and he and the kids are the best things that have ever happened to me.”
“Well, I can’t wait to tell Oscar all about the latest Danielle drama,” I tell her, attempting to change the subject.
I lift the sheet and turn my head away. “Now I’ll have you turn over,” I say. “You know the drill.”
She settles comfortably on her back. “She was telling me how this guy’s into anal. These young kids today…”
Oh my…
