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“You were right. There was no audio on that tape of the fight we got into. What if I go to Master Derek and tell him I lied—that I started it, that I taunted you? We aren’t supposed to lie, not like that. Even if he doesn’t outright kick me out, he wouldn’t fight me if I tried to leave under those circumstances.”
“If I’m leaving, why should I care if you do?” Maribel asked.
“You’d get the satisfaction of Master Derek having to apologize to you.” Dora paused. “And the satisfaction of revenge on Alastair. I know you’d decided that if you couldn’t have him no one could. This way you get your wish.”
“I told you already. I don’t want that freak.”
Dora held her breath. She knew if Maribel were truly rejecting the offer, she’d be out the door, but she was still standing there, and Dora knew the idea of Master Derek having to eat crow was tempting to someone as vain as Maribel.
“What if Steve wants to come back and play with you at the dungeon? He might not be welcome if he makes trouble for the Ranch. And if you do come back, you’ll never have to see me again.”
Maribel didn’t immediately answer. “Deal,” Maribel said and held out her hand. “Just understand that if you go back on it, you’ll be sorry. And so will…”
“Alastair,” Dora said. “The other condition is that you not misgender him.” She swallowed the lump in her throat. “He’s a good man and I love him. Maybe one day you’ll know what it’s like to have someone like that in your life.”
Maribel regarded her. “Fine. So willhe.”
She left without a word. Dora leaned against the stairwell wall, staring at the ceiling. My god, what had she just agreed to?
Chapter 15
Derek seemed to be more annoyed than worried by Alastair’s news. “I expect better of the residents here,” he said. “Sometimes the Littles forget to balance the immature desire to spread silly rumors with adult social responsibility.”
“I’m afraid I made things worse,” Alastair said miserably.
“Do you mind if I interject?” Cord Weston happened to be in Derek’s office when Alastair arrived. “I suggest you show yourself some grace, Alastair. What happened was a triggering incident. Giving yourself some space to process it was an act of self-preservation.” He turned to Derek. “Derek, I think this is a good opportunity for the Ranch to launch an educational initiative about transgender people, both the ones who are here and the ones who may come in the future. My own Bobbi is non-binary and while I can’t say who, I’ve been seeing a resident who is struggling with her own gender dysphoria.”
Alastair felt slightly better, then he remembered Dora. And suddenly, as if she’d been summoned, she was at the door.
“Dora!” He stood, relieved to see her but she didn’t acknowledge him. Instead, she apologized for interrupting before addressing Derek.
“Can I speak to you alone?”
Derek looked at her in surprise.
“Now?”
“It’s important.”
“What’s wrong?” Alastair stood, sensing something was wrong.
“It’s private.” She wouldn’t look at him.
“Dora.”
“I need to tell him something.”
“Dora, you’re shaking.”
Dr. Weston stood and went over to shut the door. “Dora.” He took her gently by the forearms and turned her to face him. “Normally I’m not one to deny a person their autonomy, but you are clearly upset. Maybe what you have to say would be best shared in the company of those who want to support you?”
She looked helplessly from her therapist to her Daddy.
Derek Hawkins cleared his throat. “Dora, unless you absolutely object, I’d prefer they stay here.”
“I have to leave the Ranch.”
No one said anything at first.
