We awake early the next morning. After showers where I take care of Tim and he in turn checks on my own cleanliness, we both dress in jeans and sweatshirts and head downstairs. We are comfortably ensconced in a booth of the restaurant at ten minutes to eight, awaiting the arrival of my best friend.
Tim has not told me why he wishes to meet her, indeed, he has not said anything at all about breakfast, instead just telling me how much he enjoyed himself last night. I find myself falling into my submissive role and feeling proud I have satisfied him.
Anne pokes her head around the corner of the booth at exactly 8am. She smiles broadly when she sees me, then turns her attention to Tim, who does his best to rise from the bench he is sitting on and move out from behind the table. He shakes her hand and allows her to slide in beside me. "You don't look anything like what I expected," she tells him nervously.
"Really? What did you expect?"
"I dunno, a leather mask, maybe..." she again laughs nervously, Tim laughing as well. I find her discomfort a little surprisingโI can't ever remember seeing her this flustered before.
"No, no mask. Leather makes me sweat."
"Seriously," Anne continues quickly, trying to explain her joke, "Karen described you, but I didn't think you'd look...like..." She smiles apologetically as her voice trails off.
"Are you disappointed?" he asks with a wry smile.
"Oh no, not at all," she stammers, trying not to offend. "You look, normal..."
"I'd like to think I am," Tim says affably. "Just like Karen is, and just like I'm sure you are." He seems to let the last words hang, as if trying to send the message that he knows her secrets.
"Of course, of course," Anne replies, now thoroughly unnerved. "I just thought you would look more like a bad boy, and less like a nice guy."
"I think I'm a good guy," he laughs. "I can also be bad."
Anne blushes bright red. "I'm gonna shut up now."
"You're fine," he sympathizes. "It's very hard to offend me." He looks at me. "Right?"
I nod quickly. "Right, sir." At this, Anne's eyebrows raise a little bit, but no more is said. And so the next hour goes. The reason why I'm here with Tim is discussed obscurely, the details of Anne's lifeโmost mundane, some more personal-- are brought out without her even seeming to realize it. We barely notice ordering and eating. Our stomachs are full when Tim's questioning becomes a bit more pointed.
"So Anne, did Karen tell you exactly what she does for me?"
She looks at him, carefully forming her reply. "Not exactly, just that she does what you say. She seemed a little uncomfortable getting into details."
"Would you like to know the details?"
She only thinks a moment. "It's probably none of my business, but I think I should know what my best friend is up to. Just to make sure she's OK," she adds quickly. I groan inwardly, but say nothing.
"Of course. I think you'll find that she is very safe with me, and very much a willing participant." A smile spreads across his face, his eyes locked on mine, as he leans over to her and whispers theatrically "she's a very eager slut when properly motivated." Anne blushes a bit and looks at me for a reaction before her eyes dart to her plate. "This is probably not the best place to discuss it, "Tim tells her as he straightens up again."If you would like, we can continue our conversation up in my room?"
"Is Karen going to be there?"
"Of course. She's going to tell you whatever you would like to know." At this, my stomach lurches yet again.