Chapter 27

After her third and last orgasm of the morning, Jane has completed her assignment. She gets dressed, putting on the red thong underneath her jeans and throwing on a white, cotton t-shirt. Her trepidation about the thong had somehow vanished. She leaves the hotel room and goes down to the patio for breakfast, anxious to see Brad again.

There are a few more people there, the sun is out, and it looks like an amazing day. Jane feels a bit different this morning, refreshed. but also stronger within herself.

She had no idea she needed to get away from the people who want to put her in boxes or expect her to always be the sweet or innocent one, in order to really figure out who she really is.

She starts to realize she has her own desires and there is nothing wrong with that. For so long, she was told not to be selfish, to not be bad like the other girls in high school. She did her homework diligently, got straight A’s, and pretended to be fine with that.

Yes, she had feelings for boys in high school, but they honestly scared her. She wasn’t sure how to be with them, and she heard stories from the other girls about what was expected when going on a date. She was terrified of being in a position where she had to perform.

But ever since last night, when she got closer to Brad and knew how turned on he was, yet he still respected her wishes, she feels safer and more trusting that she can open up to him. Maybe he could be the one she gives herself to.

Her mom always told her to wait until marriage, but Jane feels differently now. She isn’t sure if she can wait until then.

Sitting at the breakfast table, she twiddles her napkin, waiting for Brad. She is nervous and unsure of how he is going to be with her when he comes down. Will they kiss? Hold hands? Pretend like there is nothing there? Should she act aloof or excited?

She always does what is expected of her, but for the first time, she wants to follow her heart. He’s the one footing the bill, though, and she doesn’t want to embarrass him either.

She sees Brad walking through the lobby. He’s wearing a loose style linen dress shirt, tan pants, and sandals. He looks relaxed and at ease for the first time on the trip. He holds a newspaper under his arm.

Wow, even when he’s away, he just can’t let go of the world, Jane thinks to herself.

Brad looks out at the patio and sees Jane. He’s surprised that she’s there before him and hopes it means she’s eager to see him, too. She looks gorgeous, natural. He loves how she’s put her hair up in a ponytail and is wearing jeans. He remembers the red thong and wonders what she decided. It’s such a turn on to know that no one else but the two of them knows about it.

He walks up to her and leans over to kiss her cheek.

“Good morning, beautiful.”

Jane is smitten and feeling surprised at how open he is with public displays of affection.

“Did you sleep well?” he asks.

Jane smiles and grabs his hand lightly.

“I did, thank you. You?”

“Well, I tossed and turned, but eventually I fell asleep,” he replied, reflecting on the inner turmoil he felt last night. His mixed feelings about Kelly, Jane, and Carla, and the doubts in his mind that he eventually settled.

Jane feels at ease now and her shoulders relax. The waiter brings over freshly squeezed orange juice and organic espressos, then asks them for their order.

A fruit plate with granola and yogurt, please,” requests Jane.

“The same for me,” responds Brad. They smile at each other. “I guess we have the same tastes.”

“I guess so,” Jane responds. “Except I don’t take on the world’s problems so early in the morning,” comments Jane, referring to his paper.

“Ah yes, it is a bad habit of mine, among many,” Brad says, with a bit of embarrassment.

“Well, I’m the girl that’s learned only good habits,” counters Jane, trying to make him feel more comfortable.

“Speaking of bad things, are you wearing a certain red number?” asks Brad.

Jane smiles, imagining him having x-ray vision through the table cloth and her jeans.

“Why, yes, actually I am. I am a good girl, you know, generally obedient and a people pleaser. I do what people ask of me,” she says, showing a bit more sass than usual.

“Well, that’s my kinda gal,” says Brad, rubbing her leg.

Jane feels tingles at his touch and isn’t as defensive or scared as she was the night before. She can’t believe she’s becoming more outspoken and seductive with Brad.

“Are you okay with people knowing we are together? I mean, people here seem to know you really well, and they may get ideas about us being together,” Jane asks.

Brad gives her a side smile.

“Well, around here, people know not to get into my business. I’m sure they can see how lucky I am to be with such a pretty young lady.”

Brad lifts her hand and kisses it.

Jane looks around the room and sees that no one is watching anyway. There is a freedom in not feeling self-conscious like she usually does. For her not to worry about what anyone thinks is huge—her mother, the ballet teacher, the girls at school, and Brad’s community. It provides a real sense of freedom from all these illusions and expectations she has created for herself.

Everyone else’s rules all seem so petty and fabricated now, designed to force her into being someone she’s truly not. They never ask her what she wants, how she feels, or what she dreams of. They just want her to perform and look pretty for their own purposes.

Is that what Brad is doing to her, too, making her perform for him? The thought of this makes her feel sick. Is she just a puppet to him and everyone else?

“Excuse me, I need to use the washroom,” she says, removing the napkin from her lap.

“Are you okay?” Brad asks, concerned.

“I’m fine, just feeling a bit queasy. I’ll be right back.”