It took me years of therapy to get over her abuse."
"But you didn't."
"Well, I mostly did."
O.E. spoke carefully. "No. You still hate her. If you
believed in your beauty, you'd pity her."
There he goes again. Rebecca inhaled sharply at his
analysis. "Who are you?"
"Someone who believes in your beauty."
"I don't know if you mean it, or whether you're just
trying to seduce me, but it's really nice."
"I mean it, and I will seduce you. Five more days."
Rebecca was strangely aroused by his words. No vague
promises, no pretending. This was a straight up proposition.
Mark your calendars! Tuesday, October 2: sex with O.E.
Rebecca understood the mating dance that went on
between men and women and had heard some choice lines
in her life. O.E. didn't play that way. Unlike the professor
who lied constantly to her, O.E. was glaringly honest. Sure,
he was a financial train wreck, his life messed up in all sorts
of ways. But he seemed completely up-front about his
feelings, and it somehow relaxed Rebecca. It actually made
her feel attractive, more attractive than other men and years
of counseling had ever made her feel.
"You're wonderful, O.E."
"Thanks, Bec. Forget your sister."
"I can't. She's coming to town next month for a medical
convention. She wants to have dinner with me and show off
her new boyfriend. She'll probably heap some more abuse
on me, too."
"You need to bring a boyfriend. I volunteer."
Having him there would help her immensely. It would
make her feel safe and maybe even help her push back the
ugly-goose attitude. After all, could an ugly goose snag a
hunk like O.E.? Maybe she'd take him shopping first, dress
him up so he'd look even finer than he normally does. That
would show Lauren. She nearly giggled at the idea.
But would they still be together in two weeks? This
relationship was certainly building up fast. The future was
anyone's guess, especially with someone like O.E. "It's not
until October 12. Will we still be going out then?"
"Are we going out now?"
Rebecca laughed. He had a point. Just what was their
status? Some days she lusted for him more than anyone
she'd ever met. Other days, she puzzled over his unstable
life and his overwhelming ego. Today, she was surprised by
his amazing insight into people. Why couldn't he apply that
to himself?
"That's a good question. I want to say, 'yes.'"
"Good! Mouth will work then. I can tell her off."
"Don't make trouble for me, O.E." No, check that. Make