“To tell you the truth, I feel great,” Piper said. “After we were done, we left immediately. We needed some space and wanted to talk. Michael took me down to Lake Mendota, and we sat for a long time looking at the stars and going over what we’d just done and what we both want for the future. It was an amazing night. I feel very lucky and content, like a load I had no idea I was carrying has finally been lifted off my shoulders. I wouldn’t say I’m cured, because are we ever? But I feel like I did when I was first dating Michael, young and free!” Piper knew she was beaming, but she didn’t care.
“Dang it! I need a night like that,” Emma said. “I really want it to be about me for a while. Is that too selfish? But I’m so happy for you! I really am.”
“It’s not selfish at all,” Piper answered. “That’s where I was not even a month ago, and look at me. You need to do something just for you, Emma. And if Pete loves you, he’s already on board.”
“Speaking of that, how’s that vacation planning going?” Caroline asked.
Emma’s face brightened. “We’re going to the Bahamas!”
“What?” Piper asked, grabbing a slice of pizza. They were noshing on specialty pizza for the night. Goat cheese, caramelized onion, and roasted red pepper was her favorite. “That was quick.”
“I know,” Emma said. “But I took what you guys said last week to heart, and Pete and I really need this trip. Pete reached out to a friend of his who’s in the lifestyle. The guy has been raving about this particular resort for years. It’s on a private Bahamian island, it’s clothing optional, and you must have a personal recommendation to get a reservation. And low and behold, after his friend vouched for us we were accepted. They had a villa available, but only on certain dates. So we said what the hell and booked it! It’s going to cost a fortune, but I’m thrilled.”
Piper pounded on her chest as the pizza threatened to go down the wrong pipe. “Oh my goodness!” She began to laugh. “You are going to an orgy, but it will be a beachy fun one. Now I’m kind of jealous I didn’t think of that myself. You’re going to have a blast.”
“I hope so. I’m really excited,” Emma said.
“How long are you staying?” Caroline asked.
“Ten days,” Emma said.
Gillian came in through the back door. “Hiya,” she said, waving. “I parked in the driveway. Hope that’s okay.”
Piper got up to greet her and went to get her a beer. “Of course it is. But before you sit down, I have to know where you disappeared to on Saturday night! We tried to find you guys, but we didn’t want to barge into any rooms uninvited. And, dude, you haven’t returned my texts all week! Except to say you were coming tonight. What’s up with that?”
Gillian took the beer Piper offered and sat at the table. “I’m glad you didn’t try to look for us, because we weren’t there.” Then she grinned and took a drink of her beer.
“What do you mean you weren’t there?” Piper asked.
“Well, technically we were there, but we weren’t downstairs. We ducked out with this other couple before everything got rolling.”
“Wait, what?” Piper said. “You didn’t stay for the orgy at all?”
Gillian grinned again, then she winked. It was driving Piper insane. “And, I have to say, it was one of the hottest nights of my life! It was a game changer.”
“What?” Piper and Caroline gasped at the same time.
“You have to tell us,” Caroline said. “Come on, we can’t stand it!”
Gillian shook her head. “I can’t. I’ve been sworn to secrecy.”
“Oh, come on now!” Piper complained. “That’s not even fair! We’re your STD girls. We won’t tell a soul. You have our word.”
“Nope,” Gillian said. “Once we hang out with them a few more times, it might not be such a big deal. But I gave my word, and I never go back on my word.”
“Can you give us some hints?” Emma said. “I’m dying! I thought my Bahama vacation news was interesting, but this takes the cake.”
Gillian helped herself to some food. “Let me guess, you’re going to that exclusive resort? The clothing optional one on the private island?”
“That’s right.” Emma blushed. “Have you been there?”
“No, but I’ve heard some amazing stories. It’s supposed to be quite an adventure. The island is super-secret and expensive, everything done to the nines. But I’ve heard you get what you pay for. Lots of folks in the lifestyle know about it. There’s supposed to be non-stop sex just about everywhere. You guys are going to love it! I think it’s a perfect fit for you and Pete.”
“I’m looking forward to it, even more so now,” Emma admitted. “But that doesn’t mean you’re off the hook from telling us about your night. Can’t you share even one little tidbit with us?”
“The only thing I can say is that it has to do with a well-known figure here in Wisconsin. Some people would be shocked to find out they were involved in this lifestyle.” She held up her hands. “That’s all I’m saying.”
“When are you seeing him, her, them, again?” Piper asked.
“Soon,” she answered cagily. “We had such a good time, we set up something before we left…at three a.m.” She giggled. “I was wrecked the entire weekend and have been playing catch-up all week. But I gotta tell you, it was smokin’ hot.”
“The more you’re with them, the more details we get?” Piper asked hopefully.
“Possibly,” Gillian said. “They’re just being overprotective. But we all just met, so it’s understandable.”
“I’d love to host an STD meeting at my house in the next few weeks before we leave for the Bahamas,” Emma volunteered. “Maybe by then you’ll have some more details to share with us.”
“Let’s make it an STD travel shower!” Caroline said excitedly. “That would be so fun.”
“What?” Piper asked, half-laughing. “A travel shower?”
“You know, at a wedding shower you bring gifts for the bride. A baby shower you bring gifts for the baby,” she answered. “Let’s do a travel shower for Emma and bring her skimpy lingerie and dirty things to help her get ready for her trip!” Caroline clapped. “In the South we celebrate everything. Plus, I love shopping and I’m always finding fun, sexy things on the Internet, but I have no one to buy for.”
“I’m in,” Gillian said, turning to Emma. “I can think of one thing you’re absolutely going to need.” She winked.
“That’s so nice of you guys,” Emma said. “But you don’t need to do that for me. I’d love to just host, no gifts required.”
“We want to, and it’s already done,” Piper said. “You host, we’ll bring the gifts—think of it as the bachelorette party we never gave you. In fact, let’s make it a tradition. Michael wants to take a long trip to Europe this summer. Then it will be my turn.”
“Okay, I won’t keep arguing,” Emma said, grinning. “If we do it in two weeks, you guys can get a taste of my neighborhood as well, with all the drama attached.”
“Why’s that?” Piper asked.
“It’s block-party night.” She winked. “Always full of fun surprises.”
“Oh, then we must come!” Caroline said. “I want to see the suburban underbelly up close.”
“To block parties!” Piper held up her glass for a toast. “All in favor, say aye.”
There was a chorus of ayes.
“It’s done,” Piper said. “We meet in two weeks at Emma’s.” Then she glanced at Gillian. “And you better be ready to spill some details.”
(Bonus Scene: Want to see what Gillian and Brad were up to the night of the orgy? Go to www.authoramandaabbott.com and click on the “Bonus Scene” tab! And if you want to stay on top of any new release info, deleted or bonus scenes, giveaways, and more, be sure to sign up for my newsletter!)
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