The Master Chef - My Introduction
The whole thing started with Facebook. I don't remember when, or how we got on the tangent of sex...but standing there, pacing in front of that hotel door, was when it really sunk in. I was about to do something I never thought could happen to me, and in a minute there would be no turning back.
A few days ago, he started messaging me...not like we usually did, to catch up with each other's lives, but more flirty. His posts were not overtly sexual, but they made me blush anyway. It was new to have people take notice of me--months ago, I wouldn't have even noticed. But months ago, I wasn't single. And now, the attention was sinking in. And I loved it.
A long buzz pulsed in my pocket, and I quickly dug my phone out. An unknown number filled my screen, and I knew it was him. An address filled the first bubble, and the other pieces fell into place as I scanned his long texts.
Be there by 9 pm. You will receive further instructions tomorrow. You are to wear a button or snap up shirt that you do not care about getting ruined, and a change of clothes. If you desire something to drink bring it. Disobey any instructions and you will be punished accordingly. Do you understand so far? You will be contacted tomorrow.
I knew my cheeks were burning. "That escalated quickly," I muttered, trying to hide my smile. Our previous messages had been short but fun, flirty...nothing so explicitly directed like this. Our last message had mentioned getting together for drinks. But his new text was clear, the implications like crystal as I reread the words.
This was confusing, talking this way to a man I knew as a distant friend. We had talked a lot in the past, having met through my boyfriend at the time. Back then, we somehow always talked about sex-the man practically oozed sexy, and it was exciting listening to his stories about past escapades or get advice for my own now ex-relationship. But I had never heard him talk like this, like my texts read.
I snapped out of my thoughts and quickly replied. "Hmm intriguing Mr. Grey." I had never read the books but all I could think about was how demanding, controlling, and incredibly exhilarating his words were, and how appropriately they would fit in one of the Shades of Grey. A naive thought, really.
I wanted to tell someone. I wanted to share with everyone! I quickly dialed my best friend. After a long pause, she answered.
"Sierra, you won't believe what I'm doing tomorrow...."
*~*~*
I couldn't think clearly when I woke up the next day. After his text, I had been overwhelmed with mixed emotions...a rush of excitement flushed my face and I had quickly driven to a store to don something I could impress him with. Nervousness as I tried items on, uncertain if I should play along with something innocent or sexy or why I was even concerned with an outfit at all that could very possibly never be worn again, once he was through with it.
This morning was the same. I wasn't sure how I would get through the day without thinking about him...and the approaching deadline, 9 pm. I was jittery and jumped all morning when people talked to me at work. More than anything, I wanted to hide in a hallway and keep my phone ready in anticipation of his new instructions. But since I couldn't do that, I resolved to shut off my phone and shove it in my purse. I couldn't focus on my job if I was distracted by his naughty texts.
The day could not end fast enough. I was in my car heading toward the liquor store as fast as I could, my phone powering back on. No new messages. I was a little disappointed, but I purchased two bottles of wine and started home.
Halfway there my phone started blowing up. Seven new texts. I held off until the apartment parking lot to read his new instructions. Each word made my body tingle.
You will be given a room number. You will speak only when asked a question. Come to that room and knock 3 times, and turn away from the door and close your eyes. Your bag will be taken from you. You will also be given something to wear. You will put this on correctly and completely in the hallway, and then turn and knock 1 time on the door. This is to identify yourself to Mr. Grey. Failure to follow these instructions fully will result in punishment, which you will supply in the form of a ruler taken from your classroom. Do you understand these directions so far? Answer and await your room number. Enjoy class.
I let out my breath, trying to slow my heartbeat. Another text caught my attention.
I asked if you understand...
My face blushed bright red. "I'm going to be punished for sure!" I whispered, and I hurriedly replied.
My phone gets turned off at work. I understand.
Then, as an afterthought, I added,
May I have a safe word?
When I didn't get a reply in several minutes, I went inside. I had four hours until his deadline, and I was going to be ready. A long shower later, body newly shaved and trimmed, I stood naked in front of my mirror. "Relax," I murmured, trying to calm my rising nerves. I slipped on my new lingerie and admired my image. Bright red lace and white polka dotted fabric accented my curves, hugging my breasts and hips just the way I hoped.
I grinned. "Maybe I can't control what he's planning, but I can look the part!" I wasted no time shrugging on a thin, purple plaid shirt and black jean capris. I smoothed my top, one hand absently fingering one of the buttons. "Perfect." My outfit was definitely what he asked for.
I applied makeup and kept checking my phone. No safe word. I tried to push down any second thoughts. Scenarios played in my head, of all the things that could go wrong. If I couldn't stop something bad from happening...if my boundaries were pushed....