There were only three cars parked in front of Ann's beautiful home. The traffic on the highway had been light. On her way into the city, most of the people were streaming in the other direction. She'd been sitting in the car for ten minutes, trying to gather enough courage to open her car door.
What on earth was she doing here, dressed like a kindergarten teacher? She touched her Dalmatian pin. Her phone pinged again. She had been ignoring all texts and calls. Adam had been trying to reach her since his aunt had contacted him. Mimi had read his first two texts, but stopped after that. They were married, and if they had any chance of making a go of things, this part of his life was something she had to face. She was curious to see what Ann had to tell her. Mimi blew out a breath and opened her car door. Her tennis shoes had bunnies all over them. These posh people were going to think she was demented.
Mimi straightened her back, and her overalls. She was who she was, and they could accept her or not. Hands fisted with resolve, she headed to the door and rang the bell.
A member of the house's staff opened the door in a simple uniform that let Mimi know they were an employee, not a relative. The pleasant young man invited her in, "Please follow me, mam. Lady Ann is in the living room." Mimi was surprised that Adam's aunt used that label at home.
There she is, Ann rose from her comfortable leather chair. A handsome older man sat on his knees next to her seat. He didn't stand, but held his place with his hands on his thighs. He had a green cushion under him.
Stepping toward her, Ann extended both of her hands. "I should have guessed that my nephew would haven't given you all the information you needed to feel comfortable in the dungeon."
Mimi took her hands. "It wasn't his fault. This part of your world is very new to me."
"Of course it is. You were practically a virgin when he first met you."
"I wasn't..."
"Don't worry, he didn't tell me all your secrets. Adam mentioned accidentally that you were surprisingly innocent to have been married two years and asked me not to expose you to anything too shocking."
Mimi squeezed the woman's fingers and shyly let go. "I suppose most people would be innocent compared to what your family is exposed to."
Ann gestured to the room, still lit by sunlight. "I'm hoping that you will feel more comfortable in this setting. Dinner is going to be miraculous. I hope you don't mind that a few people are joining us."
Trying to be polite, Mimi said, "No, of course not." Maybe they would be done with their conversation by the time night fell and people arrived. She could slip back outside and drive home.
"I couldn't help but notice you enjoyed our Littles room."
"The rocking horse was cool. I had one as a kid that I liked."
"Not everything in our world is gloomy and threatening. We also have sprinkles and unicorns."
"I've heard of unicorns. I don't want to share Adam with anyone."
"Not that kind of unicorn. I was talking about the stuffed kind. There are littles and bigs, and camp, and scouts. Fantasies can be full of bubbles, sunshine, and competitive rounds of dodgeball."
"You make it sound like Candy Land."
"That is an excellent way to put it." She gestured to the very inviting couch next to her leather chair. "Come sit with me. I want to get to know you and share some things about our family."
Mimi sank into the overstuffed sofa, and not knowing what else to do, placed her hands on her lap and waited.
Returned to her throne, Ann stroked the back of the kneeling man's head. The woman said, "The magical thing about the Box Company, and my life's work, is encouraging people to make space in their lives to indulge in what delights them most, whatever that might be. We provide safe places for people to be themselves. Like Dillon, here."
The man's cheeks turned rosy above his white, well-trimmed beard. He raised his hand in hello.
Mimi raised her hand back in response. "Does he work for you?"
"Mimi, he is my husband." She smiled down at the man. "He is the delight of my world and a fantastic human being."
