Masquerade (Masquerade #1) (8 page)

Chapter Eleven

Chris and I decide to get a townhouse together. Don’t judge me. This has been a long time coming.

We find a two bedroom, two bath house that is meant just for the three of us. It also isn’t too far from the beach. That is my main priority. Lucy loves it too. She is excited to be living somewhere new with Chris and me.

I let my Aunt Karen live in my parents’ house. I know I can never live there again. It holds a lot of good memories that I want to keep good. If I was living there, it would always be a constant reminder that they are gone.

I begin working at the same museum my mother had once worked. Being there in my element, and hers, I can feel her spirit close to me every day. It also helps out that I get off at two thirty, so I have time to pick Lucy up from school.

Chris has found a job working as a partner at a real estate company. The company is one of the biggest real estate firms in Georgetown. He is very lucky to get the job. The partner previously working there was fired due to embezzlement, so I guess you can say Chris was in the right spot at the right time.

Life couldn’t be any better for us. We have made our townhouse a home, and we have become a family. I am proud of where my life is going. That is, until I see people at the local Wal-Mart I would hope to never run into.

Chris was leaving Walmart and saw Chris walking out the door. He thought back to that day that Alan found out about Julia and I. It was a fucking mess. He had every right to hit me and hate me. Maybe time has helped. I walk towards him, “Hey man. How are things going?”

Alan stops and looks at him like he is sizing him up. He stares at him for five minutes before he finally opens his mouth and says, “Why the fuck are you even trying to talk to me?”

Alan tries to walk by Chris, but he grabs him before he can get away.

“Dude, give me a second to say how sorry we both are.”

Alan shoves him with his shoulder, screaming, “Don’t fucking talk to me anymore. Don’t let my name come out of your damn mouth and leave me the hell alone. I am done with both of you. You made me a fool one time before. It’s not happening again.” Chris stood there watching who used to be his best friend leaving forever. Apparently, Alan needs more time than we thought to cool down.

Over the next few days after the incident with Alan, the tension is so thick in our not-so-happy house, it feels as if I can’t breathe. I am not too keen with the idea of me and Chris losing each other in ourselves, so I have to do something to stop it.

Since it happens to be New Year’s Eve, I can’t think of a better way to celebrate it, so I have asked Aunt Karen if Lucy can spend the night with her, and of course, she said yes. I take her by Aunt Karen’s house right after I pick her up from school that afternoon. Lucy is so excited. Aunt Karen lets her get away with murder, so for her to be staying there, in her mind, she can do whatever her little heart desires.

After dropping Lucy off, I go to a lingerie store to buy something special for the night. I walk in, and I am on a mission because I know what I want. I just have to find it. Walking through the store, I inspect everything on the racks, and I can’t find exactly what I want.

I am frustrated, standing with sheer, pink, baby doll lingerie. It comes with a cute pink thong to match. I decide it will have to do. I hold the gown up and sigh out of unhappiness.

I turn back around to see a little room off to the side of the store. I walk to the entrance and step down the two steps to eye exactly what I want. Hanging on the rack straight in front of me is a floral black corset. It is gorgeous. It has a hook and eye side closure with the back tied up in lace from the top to the bottom.

I grab it, ecstatic about my find. I walk to the dressing room, and I can’t hide the giddiness anymore. I take off the top I am wearing along with my bra and ease into the corset. I hook it up then turn to look in the mirror.

My breasts are pushed up high, and the corset is cut in a little ‘v’ to show the top part of my breasts. It curves down, making my waist look small, and the end of the corset just touches my hips.

I am eyeing myself in the mirror when I hear a knock on the door followed with, “Ma’am, I saw what you picked out to try on, and I just wanted to make a suggestion.”

“Er . . . Okay.”

“I picked out a pair of black thongs along with some black stockings that are lacy at the top and a garter belt.”

I open the door, slightly peeking out. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. When you get done, let me see.”

She must see the horror on my face because she quickly says, “Girl, it’s okay. I do this for a living, and there isn’t anybody in here. It helps to have another opinion.”

Thinking about it, I decide she may be right. “Okay.”

I go back into the room, removing the rest of my clothing to put on the new garments the sales lady has given me. I finally hook the last hook on the garter belt to the stockings. I look myself up and down to see what the sales girl means. This makes this corset.

I gradually open the door to walk out.

“It’s okay. Come on out. There is nobody in here but me.”

I take in a deep breath and make the leap out of the door. As soon as I walk out and pull my eyes up off the floor, I look to see the sales lady standing with her mouth hanging open.

I start to panic. “I look that bad. Dammit, I should have known this would never work.”

She starts waiving her hands back and forth. “No, no, It’s quite the opposite. You are a fucking knockout.” Her hand instantly flies up to her mouth.

I start laughing. “Good. You scared the shit out of me.”

She starts giggling. “I’m sorry about scaring you and the language, but girl, your man is going to cum on himself before you two even get started with anything.”

“You think?” I say, staring at my reflection in the mirror in front of me.

“I know he will.”

Feeling good about myself, I turn to go into the dressing room to take everything off and purchase the whole outfit.

Walking out of the store, I run into a girl I haven’t seen in a while. “Mindy, hey.”

She stops to eye me. “It’s me, Julia.”

“Oh, hey. I didn’t recognize you to start with. How is everything?”

“Good. Chris and I are together now. What brings you to town?”

“I’m just passing through.”

“Okay. Well, we need to get together sometime. I’ve missed you.”

“Umm . . . Maybe next time I’m in town.” She looks back towards her car. “I hate to run, but I need to get going.”

“Sure.” I hug her. “It was nice seeing you.”

“You too.”

Then she is gone. That was weird, but right now, I don’t have time to dwell on it. I have a certain person to seduce.

I get home in record time and decide to take a long, hot bath to ease my nerves. I put some lavender in the tub and light a few candles. I turn on some music and soak.

I look to see what time it is and realize that Chris will be home in about half an hour. I jump up out of the tub and dry off. So much for the bath helping my nerves. Now they are back.

I get dressed in my new outfit and killer black heels. I run to the kitchen and pour two glasses of the champagne I had picked up on the way home as well. Out of the refrigerator, I get some strawberries I had cut up and put some in our glasses. I then find a pretty tray to arrange the rest of them on.

In the living room I set the champagne, which is now in a bowl with ice, and the strawberries on the coffee table. I then turn the lights down low and sit on the couch, waiting patiently for him to get home.

The door handle starts to jiggle, so that is my cue to lie as sexily as I can on the couch. The door flies open to a gorgeous man standing with his mouth on the floor.

“Hey, baby. How was your day at work?”

“Well, um, well, it was . . . um okay.”

I stand up, grab both glasses, walk over to him, and lean forward to place a brief, sweet kiss on the lips. “That’s good to hear.” I hand the glass to him and hold mine up to his. “Cheers.”

He puts the glass to his lips, taking a hefty mouthful of champagne before saying, “I just need to say that you look fucking sexy as hell.”

“I am glad you like,” I say, blushing,

I put my hand in his, pulling him towards the couch after setting our drinks down. Sitting him down, I straddle him. “So it feels that you are ready for me,” I say with a smirk.

“Baby, if you saw what I saw, you would be horny and ready as hell too.”

“Who says I am not horny and ready?”

His head hits the back of the couch. “Damn, baby.” He then reaches back up with both hands, pulling my lips to his. He kisses me like I am his oxygen, and I am his only way to breathe.

He stops the kiss, trailing kisses down my jaw and onto my neck. At this rate, I may cum just sitting here. He makes his way down to the top of my breasts, softly kissing them.

“Damn, you taste so damn good. Your tits look fucking amazing in this thing. I am one lucky man.”

He stands up, and I wrap my legs around his waist, so he can carry me back to the bedroom. He lays me on the bed. “I know you probably had plans with the strawberries out there, but I need to be in you now.”

He takes my thongs off, throwing them to the side then looks at my cunt. He makes animalistic noises.
Damn, he is making my pussy drip even more.
He takes his shirt off, followed by his pants. He then takes his boxer briefs off when I see his dick spring free.

I let a small moan escape.

“You like what you see, baby?”

I nod my head yes. He then starts kissing my thighs, making his way to my sweet spot. He blows softly on my clit, making me squirm. He chuckles before attacking my clit with his mouth. I cum within seconds of his tongue’s lashing assault.

He comes up from between my legs with a big smile on his face. He then reaches down, pulling my breast out to take my nipple in his mouth. He nibbles while sucking it. I moan loudly with pleasure.

He makes his way in between my legs and takes my mouth with his. His tongue and mine are all over the place, and I am loving every minute of it.

He slowly positions the head of his dick at my entrance. He gently pushes his head in, leaving it there. I look at him with a please-fuck-me face, and he asks, “What do you want, baby?”

“All of your cock inside me.”

He slams his cock in me. He starts thrusting hard in and out.

“Baby, this is going to be quick because I need you now, but I will make it up to you all night.”

Throwing my head back screaming his name is my only answer to him.

I start feeling my orgasm coming. “Baby, keep going. I am about to explode.”

He pumps harder and harder. “Cum now.”

I let go, feeling my pussy tighten around his cock, and his cock filling me up. This is the best feeling in the world.

He leans down, kissing me lovingly. “I love you.”

“I love you too.”

He lays down beside me, pulling me onto his chest. “Not that I am complaining, but what is all this for?”

I shrug my shoulders. “It just seems that since you ran into Alan, we have been pulling away from each other.”

“I’m sorry, Jules. I just felt so bad about the whole situation. At first, the more I thought about it, the more I felt like an asshole, but I couldn’t get out of my mind that I wouldn’t change what happened either. Do you forgive me?”

I kiss his chest. “Of course.”

We finally get out of bed to get some food. We talk all night in between making love all the way into the New Year. It is the best night I have had in a while.

Chapter Twelve

After that night with nothing but love making, we are closer than ever. Chris is always there for me. He takes care of me, loves me unconditionally, knows what I need, and even better, takes on my little sister like she is his. I can’t ask for a better life since my parents have passed. I know they would be proud.

One day at work, Chris calls me to say he is taking us out to a celebratory dinner because he has some exciting news. Maybe a proposal?
I can wish, right?

              I get home in enough time to freshen myself and Lucy up for the evening. I am really getting giddy, wanting to know what the big surprise is all about. He is taking us to one of my all-time favorite restaurants, Steamers Restaurant.

When we get there, the hostess sits us in a spot closer to back of the restaurant. Our waiter comes to take our drink orders. Chris orders us a glass of wine and Lucy a ginger ale. I start looking over the menu to decide what I want.

“I don’t even know why you look at the menu. You always pick the same thing,” Chris says, laughing.

Looking over my menu, I stick my tongue out. “Maybe I won’t.”

The waiter makes his way back with our drinks and sets them down in front of us. “What could I get for you, sir?”

“I will take the shrimp and grits with chorizo sausage and arugula salad.” The waiter nods his head then Chris says, “This little lady right here will have the children’s fried shrimp with French fries.”

The waiter writes their orders down then looks up at me. “Ma’am, what will you have?”

I look up at him with a proud look and say, “A Cheeseburger, well done with fries for the side.”

“I will put your order in and bring it out as soon as it’s ready.” The waiter takes the menus as he walks back towards the kitchen.

I look over at Chris when I hear giggling. “What?”

“I knew it, but you know what?”

“What?”

“I wouldn’t change a thing.”

“Good. Now tell me and Lucy your exciting news. I have been wanting to know all afternoon.”

“I sold one of the biggest real estate properties today. It sold for over 1.5 million dollars. It was one of the oldest houses here in Georgetown.”

“That is fantastic, Chris. I am so proud of you.” I stand up and reach over the table to kiss his lips. He really does make me proud. He is great at his job and deserves all the success that comes with it. I am a little let down it wasn’t a proposal, but I can wait.

“Stop kissing. We. Are. In. Public,” Lucy says, covering her face.

I laugh. “One day you won’t be saying that.”

She points her finger at me. “Never will I do that. Boys are gross.”

Chris and I laugh at her, knowing one day she will not feel that way, but I can wait for that day. I dread having to deal with my little sister going boy crazy.

Shaking my head, I hold up my glass of wine to Chris. “Congratulations, baby. We are both so proud of you.” Lucy holds her cup of ginger ale too, smiling.

We enjoy our dinner, talking about the day’s events along with smiling and laughing a lot. It has been the best evening of spending time together.

Once we are back home I give Lucy a bath and get her ready for bed. Chris and I tuck her in, which includes a bedtime story. Before we can even finish the book, she is out like a light.

I wash my face and brush my teeth to get ready for bed as well. I don’t realize how exhausted I am until I am laying with Lucy. I put on a camisole and boxer shorts and get ready to climb in the bed when my gorgeous boyfriend grabs my ass and throws me on the bed.

Needless to say, we make love for an hour, enjoying each other. He is so good to me and very attentive, not just in the bedroom but in all aspects of my life.

We lie naked. He holds me against his chest and rubs my back. “I love you so much, baby.”

“I love you too. I really am so happy with how good you are doing at work and with life in general. I didn’t think I could be completely happy since my parents died, but you have helped fill that void. Thank you for that.”

“Jules, there is no need to thank me. I will always be here for you. I know it’s not easy not having your parents to talk to or becoming a parent overnight, but you have done a great job.”

I smile into his chest. “You are too good for me.”

“No, I am treating you how you should be treated. I will always treat you like a queen.”

“Thank you for that,” I say, sighing.

“What’s wrong, sweetie?”

“Well, like I said before, I am completely happy and wonder if I could be with my parents gone, but I still feel lost sometimes.”

“You probably always will feel lost. You lost the two people who gave you life and raised you into the woman you are today.”

“That’s not what I meant. I mean, I feel lost because I still have very little recollection of my wreck or even my life before. Yes, I remember childhood things, but a lot of my teenage years are gone. I don’t know what caused it or what happened during all the time I was in a coma. I feel like I am missing a big chunk of my life.”

“I am so sorry, baby. If I could, I would give it all back if I knew any of what could have happened. I hate that you feel lost. It makes me feel useless to you when all I want to do is protect you.”

I lean up and rub his cheek. “You do protect me. I am very lucky to have you, but I just keep thinking maybe one day it will come back. It’s not your fault. If anything you make me feel good,” I say, wiggling my eyebrows.

He starts chuckling, pulls my face closer to him, and kisses me sweetly on my lips. I lie back down on his chest, feeling my eyes getting heavy. Chris kisses my head. The last thing I remember is him telling me how much he loves me. This night couldn’t have ended in a better way.

“Julia! Julia! Wake up, baby. Wake up.”

I hear my name being yelled, and I wake up screaming, “No, pay attention! No! No! Look!”

I jump straight up, looking around to see where I am. I now see that I am at my house and in my bed. I look over at Chris who looks to be in complete shock.

“What happened?”

He pulls me in a tight hug. “I don’t know. You tell me. Are you okay?”

I nod my head. “I think so.”

“Were you having a bad dream?”

I am still getting my breathing under control. “Yeah, I did.”

“Do you want to talk about it?”

“Please, not right now.”

“Okay, baby. Let’s lie back down then.”

Chris holds me and comforts me by telling me that everything is going to be okay until I hear his breathing evening out. Soon, I hear a small snore coming from him. I turn away from him and face the bathroom. He pulls me back into him and holds me tighter.

I close my eyes only to relive the dream I just had. I was sitting in the passenger’s side of a car, watching myself drive down a road I’ve never seen before and yelling at someone on the phone. I watch my movements, trying to figure out where I am going, and to whom I am talking.

“Why are you doing this to me? I need him now more than ever. I am going to look for him.

Quit telling me what I should do. You have never supported us since day one. Why are you being like this? Please, tell me.”

Tears start streaming down her face as she listens to whomever is talking on the other end of the phone. My dream persona is driving like an idiot all over the road, too busy telling whomever I was talking to that it wasn’t any of their business.

I start screaming at myself to pay attention where I am going. Then she says, “I needed to do this regardless if they liked it or not.”

The next thing I see is us driving towards a telephone pole. It is all happening in slow motion. I look over at her. She still is not seeing the telephone pole. She yells at whomever is taking the blunt of her verbal attack on the phone.

I start yelling at her to pay attention again. She continues to yell on the phone, lost in her own conversation. I yell louder and louder. That is when I hear my name being called, and I woke up screaming.

Was this what happened in my wreck? My parents told me I was mad at them, so could that have been my mom or dad I was yelling at? Who is ‘us’? And why wasn’t I being supported?

I have so many questions with no one to answer them. My parents are gone. I have no way of knowing anything anymore. Tears start freely falling down my face, hitting my pillow.

My eyes start getting heavy, but I am so scared to even try and go back to sleep. I can’t have another dream. I need answers now. I need to find help. Maybe talking to someone who doesn’t know the situation or me would help me remember.

I decide that is what I will do. I will find a therapist tomorrow. I feel determined when my eyes give and succumb to sleep.