Trust Read Online Free Page B

picked careers, so I'll take the other direction. Vacations."
    "Oh, perfect," Josie said, and I heard her clap her hands a few times. "An excellent topic indeed."
    "Indeed," I agreed. "All right. I wish I were better at picking vacation destinations."
    "What was wrong with your trip to Mexico."
    "Nothing, but a beach in Mexico is sort of obvious, don't you think? I want to go places that everyone else doesn't visit, but I am careful when I vacation and don't want to make a mistake."
    "Oh, I see," Josie replied. "I understand completely. You know that's something we could talk about together."
    I smiled. "I'd like that. Your turn."
    "Mine is an obvious wish. I wish I had someone who wanted to do the same sort of traveling I do. It wouldn't have to be a girlfriend. My daughter and I used to vacation together, but she doesn't like to go with me anymore. I quote cramp her style."
    "I never minded traveling alone, but I imagine having a companion would be better," I replied. "I need to pick another topic."
    "You do," she agreed. "But this time I'll wish first for yours, and you'll wish first for mine."
    "All right. Family."
    "Ah," Josie said slowly. "I wish my parents had been more accepting of who I am."
    "I'm sorry," I said.
    "They weren't horrible, but we were never close again after I told them. They're gone now." She grew quiet.
    "I'm sorry," I said again. "It was a bad topic."
    "No," she replied. "It was a good topic. We're getting to know each other. I shared something intimate with you. I haven't told that to very many people."
    I nodded, even though she couldn't see. "My grandmother died when I was twelve. I wished she had lived a lot longer. I really loved her."
    After that, we were both quiet for a while. Finally Josie said, "Dear. Are you really in bed?"
    "Of course."
    "In pajamas?"
    "A camisole and undies."
    "Don't tell me that!" she said. "How am I supposed to sleep with that image? You're wearing ugly flannel pajamas."
    I laughed. "A sexy camisole, and my nipples are perky!"
    "You are a bad, bad girl," she said, laughing.
    "I know. It's too bad your new toy doesn't arrive until Monday."
    "I should put you over my knee."
    "I might like it."
    She laughed then grew still. "All right. You're feeling playful. Our topic is: us."
    "And I go first."
    "That is correct."
    "Fine. I wish I'd accepted your dinner invitation."
    She grew still. I could hear her breathing, barely. Then she said in a quiet voice, "That was my wish."
    "Well, we can't share a wish," I said. "You can't share wishes."
    "Of course you can."
    "No. I want a new wish."
    She laughed. "Well, I suppose just this once."
    "I wish you'll ask me out."
    I heard an intake of breath, then silence. I waited. Finally she said, "You know, that wish could come true."
    "Could it?" I asked. "Silky black camisole and undies."
    "You... you... You are a bad, bad girl." In response I giggled. "Sable?"
    "Yes, Josie?"
    "Are you available for dinner Friday evening?"
    "Let me check my schedule. Click. Click. Click click click. Hmm. I have a conflict."
    "Sable!"
    "It seems I am having dinner with one Josie Baker. Oh wait, that's you!"
    "Do you mind driving? The rest of the evening is my treat, but I'd like you to drive."
    "You don't like to drive at night?"
    "I don't mind at all," she said. "I have ulterior motives."
    "Oh. Do tell."
    "I want you to drive me home afterwards. I owe you a spanking, and I'd rather deliver it here than at your place."
    I laughed. "Yeah, that's not happening, but I don't mind driving."
    "Good. I'll mail you directions. Is 6:00 too early?"
    "6:00 is great," I said. "How should I dress?"
    "Dress to impress, of course," she said. I could hear her grinning. "Dinner and conversation."
    "It's a date." I paused. "Josie, I need to tell you something."
    "I knew it. You really are wearing horrible pajamas."
    "Oh, no. Black, silky camisole and undies. No, this is serious."
    "All right." I heard her grew still. "Go ahead."
    "Something occurred to me after I wrote my