The Reunion Page 15

  Maria closed her eyes and inhaled deeply. “I’m never certain, but my heart often trips over itself when I see a mother with a baby. I want one of my own. Can I separate my wants from my family and my genetics? I’m not sure.”

  “What about Adam? Does he want children?”

  “We don’t talk about that.” Maria grew uncharacteristically quiet and Sarah didn’t push her. “I mentioned it once and he backed away like he was running a race backwards. I don’t know if he thinks children will trap him or if he’s scared of them.”

  “If he remembers his own childhood, he should be scared. I don’t think he was the easiest kid, but then he also had a rather dysfunctional family.”

  “Didn’t we all?”

  Sarah shrugged. “Probably. To a certain extent. So what are you going to do about Adam?”

  “I wish I knew. It’s hard to imagine life without him, though I would survive.”

  “I’m sure you would.”

  “But I don’t want that. And I don’t want to have to choose between him and a child.” Maria scowled. “That doesn’t seem fair.”

  “It wouldn’t be. But getting dumped by two husbands wasn’t exactly fair either.”

  Maria chuckled softly and raised an eyebrow. “Although it does sound like you made them pay a high price.”

  “Yes, I did, and I don’t feel badly about that at all. They used me for what they wanted.” Sarah grinned. “They didn’t pay in advance, but they did pay on the way out.”

  “And now you’re taking control of your life and your body.”

  “You better believe it.”

  “You’re a very clever woman, Pepper. I’ve seen you work Adam. He thinks he’s stretching you beyond your limits, but he’s not stretching you at all.”

  Sarah felt her ass tingle. “A little bit, maybe. But I choose to follow his lead or not.”

  “You sound like many of the women I’ve worked with in the adult industry. Maybe your story is not so different. The context is radically different, but the story isn’t.”

  “Maybe that’s why I feel such a bond with some of these women.” Sarah closed her eyes and relaxed her muscles. “We’re all trying to move through life the best we can.”

  Sarah followed Maria paddling toward the end of the pool, climbed out, and settled on a chaise lounge next to Maria. The air cooled their nude bodies as they lay side by side watching clouds float slowly across the robin’s-egg blue sky.

  “This must be pretty close to heaven,” Maria whispered, as if not to disturb the moment. She squeezed Sarah’s fingers.

  Sarah squeezed back. “I hope heaven is this good.” She draped an arm lazily around Maria’s shoulder as Maria moved to lick a breast. “Um,” Sarah murmured, “that’s exquisite. You don’t have to stop, but I don’t have much energy for this right now.”

  “That’s okay. We’ll just cuddle. Adam must’ve really screwed you good. Maybe I’ll cuddle with your breast in my mouth, if you don’t mind.”

  “Not at all. It’ll be my pleasure.”

  “Mine, too,” Maria said in hushed tones as she swallowed a nipple and much of Sarah’s breast.

  “Don’t want to interrupt this little love feast,” Adam announced, joining them on the patio.

  Reluctantly, Sarah opened her eyes to see Adam staring at them. Were his flushed cheeks a sign he was angry with them, or wanted to join them?

  Initially, Maria didn’t give up her perch. Perhaps having second thoughts, she lifted her head and glared at Adam. Suddenly chilled, Sarah covered her damp breast, which only moments earlier had been so warm in Maria’s mouth.

  “Sarah has a phone call from Chicago,” he explained. “The guy says it’s urgent.”

  Sarah sprang alert and reached for her wrapper. “I wonder what that could be about. Only a couple people know where I am and how to contact me.”

  - o -

  Adam sat in a lounge chair across from Maria, who had also donned a wrapper. They’d hardly said a word since Sarah ran into the house. Since when had Maria become shy around him?

  The sliding door onto the patio opened. Sarah’s face was drained of color. Adam sprang to his feet and gathered Sarah in his arms before she collapsed. Her legs gave way. He carried her to a chair and set her down. “What happened? Sarah, talk to us. Who was that?”

  “My assistant, Harry.” Her eyes clouded. “My folks were killed.” She gagged. “In a car accident. It happened this morning. Good God, I can’t believe it. They’re dead and I’m all alone.”

  “We’re here, Sarah.” Maria’s voice quivered.

  Sarah nodded at Maria. She opened her mouth, but no words came out.

  He massaged her neck and Maria knelt beside her, clasping her hands. They let her cry and sob for several minutes. He caught Maria’s eye, seeking help. She shook her head.

  She was right. There was no hurry. He couldn’t even remember what he was supposed to be doing this afternoon. Nothing mattered but Sarah. He fought back his own tears. The Atkinsons were good people. They didn’t deserve to die so young.

  “It was a drunk,” Sarah finally said, gulping in breaths.

  “What?” Her words jolted him back to the present.

  “It was a drunk driver who killed them.”

  “Shit.” He recognized the signs of shock. Sarah’s voice was flat, devoid of emotion, and her words evenly spaced.

  “Harry—my assistant—will take care of the arrangements,” she mumbled. “The funeral will be in Bumper. Probably on Thursday. It will be held at the community church they supported for so many years.”

  “They probably sent the church money ever since they moved to Florida.” He had no idea why his comment was needed, but it did seem to cheer Sarah up a bit.

  Nodding, she half smiled through tears. “You may be right. I never thought about them dying or where they’d want to be buried. Harry knew. They’d told him, but not me. Why would they do that?”

  “They didn’t want you to worry.” He hugged her tight. “And you probably weren’t too eager to talk about them dying. That was an issue for my mother, too.”

  “Every time I go back for a visit,” Maria said, squeezing Sarah’s fingers, “my mother sets me down to talk through the arrangements, the service, and especially the meal afterward. She wants everything to be just right, as if she were going to be the hostess. Thank goodness my brothers are there and can deal with it when the time comes.”

  “I didn’t know you had brothers.” Sarah frowned.

  “You never asked. Three older and one younger. Four good reasons for living in California instead of Brooklyn.”

  “I see.”

  “Maybe. My brothers are good people.” Maria grimaced. “They love me to death. Sorry. But they don’t appreciate my lifestyle. Mama may not understand it, but she says I have to live my own life. I can do that out here. I can’t do it living under my brothers’ watchful eyes.”

  “When will you go to Bumper?” Adam asked, handing Sarah his handkerchief. “I’ll make the reservations, if that’ll help.”

  “Thanks,” she said, wiping her nose and eyes. “It’s hard to think straight. I imagine there will be a viewing Wednesday evening. I hate viewings, but that’s the way it’s done in Bumper. So I’ll need to be there by Tuesday evening or Wednesday morning.” Sarah took a deep breath. “Will you come with me, Adam?”

  “Of course.” He tensed. “If you want me there. As I said, your folks were good people.”

  “And you, Maria. Will you come, too?”

  “Me?” Maria’s hand flew to her open mouth. “You want me?”

  Sarah bobbed her head.

  “Won’t I stand out a little in Bumper, Iowa?” Maria glanced down at the hands she still clutched. “Are you sure you want to deal with the stares and questions?”

  “I don’t care about any of that. I’d like you by my side, if you’re willing to join me.”

  Maria gave Adam a wild-eyed look and then sighed and hugged Sarah. “Of course I
’ll join you.”

  Adam nodded at both women. He admired their determination, but did either of them have a clue of how much of an oddity Maria would be in Bumper?

  - o -

  Lying awake in the arms of Adam and Maria, Sarah wondered if it was wise inviting them to the funeral. They’d been so kind and gentle with her since the terrible call had come in. No one suggested making love. They’d settled for a big cuddle, and it was tremendously comforting. But did she have a right to invite them to a social event that might subject them to stares and ridicule?

  It wasn’t a matter of right. She needed them to carry her through what was going to be a very difficult time. Essentially, she’d become a loner over the years. She’d lost two sets of friends—one after each divorce. She hadn’t wanted to depend on anyone after that. Of course there was Harry, but he was as gay as they came—which didn’t make him any less of a friend. It simply meant their relationship was the only uncomplicated one she had.

  What would her folks think of Adam and Maria? Sarah shuddered. They might accept Adam. But would they accept Maria? Would they accept both of them?

  She had no way to know now. Tears slid down her cheeks. She hadn’t been as close to her parents as they probably wanted, but she’d loved them, and they’d loved her.

  Now they were dead, and she was alone.

  She sniffled. It was difficult to feel totally alone with two sets of arms enfolding her.

  Bumper, Iowa would have something to talk about for weeks. Usually, gossip lasted a few days. Sarah hugged Maria closer to her chest. The three of them might just break the Bumper gossip grapevine all-time record.

  If so, so be it.

  Chapter Nine

  Wakes were social occasions Sarah had made a practice of avoiding, but she could hardly miss her parents’ wake. So, dressed in black, she stood in the funeral home parlor accepting the condolences of nearly forgotten friends, acquaintances and strangers. Adam and Maria traded off standing by her, lending physical and emotional support.

  The Atkinson funeral must be the event of the week. She knew her parents were well liked and had stayed in contact with many of the friends they’d made during the years they’d live in the little town. How many of these mourners would also be present tomorrow for the funeral? Probably most of them.

  She welcomed a break in the flow of people and tugged discreetly at the waistline of her dress. Her panties were binding. She hadn’t realized how quickly she’d become accustomed to doing without them. But it hadn’t seemed right when she’d dressed this morning. She’d also noticed Maria slipping on a pair. Adam never commented.

  Adam. She clutched his large hand. He’d been like a rock standing by her. As promised, he’d made plane reservations and found them a suite at a hotel in nearby Des Moines. She hadn’t wanted to stay in Bumper. The half hour commute was no hassle, and being away from the intensity of the wake and funeral as well as prying eyes would be a relief.

  She glanced up at the man beside her. He wore a dark tailor-made suit. If it weren’t for the occasion, she’d more fully appreciate how sexy he looked. Maria also wore black. Away from the funeral home, they must look like three scarecrows.

  “Uh oh,” she mumbled, just loud enough for Adam to hear. “Here comes trouble. My ex-husband. The first one. The senator.”

  Daniel Sullivan rushed up and hugged her tight. “Sorry I’m late, dear. I would’ve been here sooner, but I got caught up at the office. I was so sorry to hear about the accident.”

  She backed away from her former husband and stared into his steely eyes trying to feel something. Anything would do. But she felt nothing. Nothing at all. “I’m pleased you could make it, Daniel,” she managed to lie. “Oh, I’d like you to meet Adam Granger.” Daniel barely nodded and did not offer his hand.

  “I’ll be on time tomorrow, dear,” he continued, as if she’d said nothing. “You can count on my support. I’ll be sitting right beside you.”

  Sarah scowled and shook her head furiously. “No. I don’t want you beside me. You haven’t been beside me for years. I hardly need you now.” So she did feel something—anger. It felt good.

  Daniel’s face darkened. He glared at Adam, grabbed her by the hand and nearly dragged her toward a corner that offered more privacy.

  Not wanting to make a scene, she reluctantly followed him.

  “I won’t be far away,” she heard Adam say.

  “What are you doing, Sarah?” Daniel fumed, gripping her by the shoulders.

  She ducked out of his grasp. “I don’t understand, Daniel. What is your problem? This is a somber occasion. Can’t you at least be polite?”

  “Polite! You bring an ex-porn star and a porn mogul to your parents’ funeral and you want polite?”

  Sarah blanched. Her palms turned clammy. How could he know? Why had he bothered finding out? “What? How?”

  “I keep track of what you’re up to.”

  She hated the familiar smug sneer. “But why would you?”

  “Even an ex-wife can damage a politician’s career. Are you going to spend my money producing porn?”

  Sarah felt herself light up like a Roman Candle. “Now why didn’t I think of that? That would be perfect—except it’s not your money. It’s mine. Can’t you get some political mileage from the fact that you dumped me?”

  “Maybe.” He tried his boyish smile on her. “And then maybe that was a mistake.”

  Sarah nodded. She saw a lusty glint in Daniel’s eyes. “So when did you develop a sexual appetite? I don’t recall much of a libido when we were together. In any case, I’m not available. And where is your wife—the one who turned out to be a baby factory?”

  “She’s home. We don’t sleep together anymore, Sarah.” He reached for her again but she avoided his touch. “We had some good times, didn’t we? We could again. I can make it happen. I can visit Chicago or meet you in Des Moines.”

  She shook her head in disbelief. “I don’t blame your wife for avoiding you.”

  “You slut,” Daniel huffed, jerking her arm. “So which one is your lover? The muscle bound creep, or the Mexican cantina girl?”

  Sarah’s open hand connected with Daniel’s cheek before he could stop her. Stung, he backed away.

  “Listen, asshole, I wouldn’t go to bed with you if we were the last two persons on earth.” Sarah paused for breath. “Picture this, lover boy—your ex-wife is sleeping with both of them, sometimes at the same time.” His jaw visibly dropped. She’d finally shocked him. “Yes, imagine that, Daniel. Imagine all the ways a man and two women can make love and see if your dick will harden enough to jerk off. Now I have responsibilities. If you’ll excuse me.”

  Sarah stalked away. Daniel lurched forward to stop her and bumped into Adam Granger.

  “If I understood the lady correctly, you’re going the wrong direction, Senator.”

  “Don’t get in my way, punk,” Sarah’s ex growled.

  “I am in your way, Senator.” Adam placed his hand on the man’s chest. “How much of a scene do you want to make? Looks to me like friends, neighbors—and that means voters—are already more than a little curious about why their senator is browbeating his ex-wife, and at her parent’s funeral, of all things. You must be pretty bad off.”

  Daniel’s shoulders slumped. “Okay. I’m going.”

  “There’s no need for you to show up tomorrow.”

  “I wasn’t planning on it.” He glowered at Adam. “May you rot in hell.”

  “Probably. But if so, you’ll be right down the hall. Bye. Have a nice life.”

  “What kind of lowlife was that?” Maria asked, joining Sarah at the reception line.

  “That was Senator Daniel Sullivan. My first husband.”

  “Holy mother,” Maria whispered. “He dumped you?”

  “He may be regretting that at the moment. But it’s only a fleeting moment.” She flashed a smile. “But he won’t soon forget me and my friends.”

  Maria’s eyes widened. “Y
ou didn’t? You told him about us.”

  Sarah nodded. “In his face. He’d snooped enough to know about the two of you and your backgrounds. Now he knows the three of us are lovers. He’ll lie awake nights thinking about how we manage that.”

  “I’m not sure that’s so good. Hope he doesn’t know any voodoo. He looked like the devil incarnate when he roared out of here with Adam drilling holes in his back.”

  “Good.” Sarah sighed. “Now if we can only get through the next twenty-four hours.”

  Exhausted yet somewhat relieved, Sarah stood in a corner in the church fellowship hall the following afternoon watching the crowd finally thin out. She’d made it through the funeral. She’d been touched by the female pastor’s eulogy and the tributes to her parents. They’d been loved and respected by many.

  She sipped her punch, took a deep breath and tried to stretch stiffening muscles. She’d been on her feet on a concrete floor for far too long.

  “You look worn out.”

  Sarah looked up and nodded, acknowledging Emily Grafton, the pastor. The slightly built woman, probably in her late thirties, had been at the church for seven or eight years. Her folks had mentioned the church hiring a female pastor before they’d retired to Florida. “I am beat.” She smiled softly. “I do want to thank you again for the beautiful service you did for my parents. They would be pleased and honored.”

  Emily’s eyes twinkled. “Your folks were special people. I don’t know if you realize how special.”

  “What do you mean?”

  Emily shrugged. “Rumors have been flying around this town since before Daniel Sullivan made his memorable entrance and even more memorable exit last evening. They’ve been raging since then.”

  Sarah stiffened. Was she expected to defend herself to a pastor?

  Emily wrapped her fingers around Sarah’s arm. “It doesn’t matter what people are saying. That’s not my point. When I came on board here as this church’s first woman pastor, there were those who weren’t very happy. I was quite open with them about my sexual orientation. My partner teaches in the local school system. She’s an excellent teacher and has been widely accepted by students and parents. We lost a few members here at the church when I took over the pulpit, but it could’ve been much worse. Your folks always stood by me. They were among my most vocal supporters.”