Page 51 of C is for Comfort

“Because they’re her grandparents.”

“Part-time grandparents,” Archie corrects.

“I don’t want to fight,” I say.

“You need to stand up to them and say no once in a while, not ask them how high the second they tell you to jump.”

I shrug. “What can I say? I’m a sub. It’s what I do.”

Archie practically spits out his cereal. “I do not need to know if you secretly fancy your ex’s parents.”

I hook up my lip in disgust. “To quote Lexi ‘eww’.”

“On the bright side, we can all go out tonight,” Archie says, grinning at me.

“How are things going with Hamish?”

He gets a dreamy look on his face. “Fantastically. I don’t think I’ve ever felt so comfortable with a guy before. And the sex…” He pretends to fan himself with his hand. “The sex isamazing.”

“Too much information.”

“He’s into sensory play,” Archie goes on. “We did the most amazing session that included figging.”

“Figging?”

“You know, putting raw ginger up your arse.”

I wince and shift in my seat. “That sounds painful,” I say in a strained voice.

“It was a little, but worth it.”

“I’ll take your word for it.”

“What about you?” Archie asks. “Are you seeing that doctor again?”

I look at the table. My brothers don’t know that I’ve seen him every day since Monday, let alone that he’s fucked me every day.

“Why don’t you call him?” Archie suggests. “Now that you’re unexpectedly free today.”

“He’s working the night shift tonight.”

Archie folds his arms. “And how do you know that?”

“He told me.”

“When?”

“When I saw him last Saturday.”

“Why don’t I know about this?”

I shrug. “Becauseyouwere spending the weekend with Hamish. Blake watched Lexi, so I could go out.” I still owe Blake for cancelling his plans for me. “Are you seeing Hamish tonight?”

“You’re changing the subject. Are you going to call your doctor or not? You could spend the afternoon with him, even if he’s working the night shift.”

“He’s notmydoctor.”

“You didn’t answer my question.”