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  Feeling better after finishing the coffee and chocolate, she headed back to her car ready to finish the trip. As she sat down, she noticed her phone sitting forgotten on the passenger side seat with a new message buzzing in. She clicked the button to make sure it wasn’t anyone important. Just as she picked up her phone, a text flashed across the screen from Stan.

  FYI Since you’re busy off having fun I decided to give the Fromholtz case to Jason. Enjoy your time off.

  She was livid. The Fromholtz case wasn’t even pegged to start until a week after she got back. Fury threatened to take over her newly achieved calm. She breathed in deeply. In. Out. In. Out. Centering herself, she saw his ploy for what it was. A last ditch effort to achieve control over her. There would be other cases. There was always an abundance of work. He might know that this case was one she had worked hard to land, but she was not going to give him any more power over her. Taking one last deep breath, she clicked the button on the top of her phone and the screen went black. No more cell phones. No more Stan. She was officially on vacation.

  The Corbin’s Bend sign signaled that she had arrived. Pulling onto the main street in the neighborhood ironically named Spanking Loop, Violet chuckled. They weren’t much for subtlety were they? As she made her way down the street, she noticed the beautiful big dome that she remembered Everleigh saying was the neighborhood’s clubhouse. She noticed several restaurants, including a really cool looking sushi place called Ginger Paddle, and a beautiful park.

  Aside from the aptly named road as she first drove in and possibly the name of the Sushi restaurant, nothing else stood out to indicate that this was anything other than a beautiful upstanding high end community. In fact, things looked downright normal. She didn’t know what she expected, paddles hanging from the street signs? She giggled to herself as she looked for the house. She spotted Ever’s house number on the left and pulled in the driveway.

  Stretching, she got out and looked around her. Giddiness swept over her. She could not wait to see her friend. This visit was going to be well worth the hassle. Before she could make her way up to the door, her tall willowy friend bound out of the house and swept her into a huge hug.

  “You’ve made it,” she squealed beaming. Violet reveled in getting the first hug from her best friend in so long. The other woman reached to cradle Violet’s cheeks meaningfully. “I’ve missed seeing this face more than you can imagine.”

  Violet reached her own hand up placing it on top of Everleigh’s. “Me too.” She smiled. A moment later, her gleeful friend started grabbing bags and throwing them over her shoulder. She looped her arm through Violet’s, pulling her towards the door. “Come on inside. We have so much to catch up on.”

  Walking through the door, Violet immediately felt a weight lift as she took in the light airy space that was the perfect image of Ever’s spirit. Bright splashes of vibrant color caught her eye among an equally vibrant, but softer color that was reminiscent of the sun just before dusk. The creative energy was electric.

  Part of the living room was used as a home art studio. Canvases lay stacked against the wall in one corner in varying states of completion. She wasn’t surprised, Ever had always been an “as inspirations struck” type of an artist. She worked on a piece while the fire burned in her veins, moving on to something else when the direction of the fire shifted, circling back around when pulled to. Violet was more a start to finish type of girl. She had always started her work with a vision, working methodically until it was complete before moving on to the next project.

  “Oh, Ever, this place is beautiful,” she mused, admiring the place.

  “Thanks,” she said with a humble grin. “You know I can’t abide by white walls.” Her eyes flashed mischievously. “Robert says that it’s my mission to douse out every trace of white that may be hidden anywhere.” She laughed. “Come on, let me show you your room.”

  In the bedroom sat a queen size bed with the fluffiest comforter she had ever seen. Pillows in varying shades of violet and gold decorated the head of the bed. Both the headboard and the two dressers standing on either side of the far corner were made from stained barn wood. Gorgeous paintings of hydrangeas graced the walls. The room as a whole had a serene feeling, acting as refuge from the vibrant energy of the rest of the house.

  They set her bags down on the bed. “I hope you don’t mind, but I thought we would stay in tonight. I thought we’d enjoy homemade pizza and wine while we had some time to ourselves before I introduce you around tomorrow.”

  Violet salivated at the thought of Ever’s homemade pizza. It was not mere homemade pizza from a Jiffy box, it was practically gourmet with fresh ingredients and truly homemade crust. “Yum, that sounds perfect.” Both women cracked up when her stomach rumbled in agreement. “Rest stop refreshments are apparently not cutting it.” She laughed.

  “Let’s get you fed before the hungry beast makes an appearance,” Ever joked, walking toward the kitchen. “I pre-made the pizza so that all we would have to do is heat it up. I wasn’t sure when you would make it in,” she said as she shrugged. “It should only take 10 minutes. How about a glass of wine while we wait?”

  “That would be great,” Violet replied as she rolled her shoulders to work the knots out from driving.

  The pretty brunette pulled a bottle of wine from the cabinet and one from the refrigerator where it had been chilling. Holding them up she asked, “Shiraz or Chardonnay?”

  “Mmm, Shiraz please.”

  She watched as the other woman poured first a glass of Shiraz for her and then a glass of Chardonnay for herself. The kitchen wasn’t much to speak of compared to what Everleigh had done with the rest of the house, but she knew better than to underestimate her cooking skills. Sure enough, she pulled out two pizza stones to heat the pizza up with.

  Catching Violet watching her, she winked. “We would have asked for special permission to put up an authentic pizza oven in the back, but we didn’t want to push our luck after the board was kind enough to approve a pottery kiln.”

  “You’re kidding me.” Violet was blown away. “How did you manage that? I thought this was a housing cooperative. I know how strict those are about allowing any big changes.”

  Ever looked at her deadpan. “Oh, it was easy. I just batted my eyelashes and agreed to a public spanking.”

  Seeing Violet’s stricken look, she burst with peals of laughter. “I’m kidding! Oh my God, the look on your face,” she exclaimed, laughing even harder. “In all seriousness, I simply filled out an application. The board is usually willing to make accommodations for self-employment needs as long as it isn’t anything crazy. Plus, I’ve started teaching classes to the kids here.”

  “You’re mean to play a trick like that on me when I just got here.” Violet pouted, smacking her friend hard on the shoulder. “This is a spanking community isn’t it?” she asked, giggling despite herself. “That is pretty great of them to be so accommodating.”

  “Yes, it is a spanking community, but business is kept pretty separate, goofy.”

  The timer went off and they dug into the piping hot pizza. She was correct in her assumption of gourmet. Slices of fresh tomatoes topped the whole wheat crust with mozzarella, shiitake mushrooms, fresh basil, and grilled chicken. The aroma was out of this world. They grabbed their pizza and wine and went to settle onto the couch. Now this is a couch you can sink into, Violet thought, reveling in the comfort of the deep cushions.

  She took a bite and her teeth sunk into a little slice of heaven. “Oh my God, I don’t know how you do it,” she groaned with appreciation.

  They ate in companionable silence for a minute just enjoying the comfort of good food and good company.

  “How long’s Robert gone for?” Violet asked around her bite of pizza.

  Everleigh look a small sip of wine before answering. “Just over a month.” She paused to gather her hair up into a loose bun. “He’s trying to get all of his business there wrapped up in one fell swoop. I think he’s
hoping not to leave any loose ends because after we get married, he does not want to have to travel so far again.”

  Violet wiped her mouth with a napkin. “That sounds promising. Do you think you will be all right with him gone so long?” Worry tugged at her mind knowing how flighty her friend could get when in creation mode. She was an artist through and through and when she immersed herself into a project, she was lost to this world until she finished it. Violet knew Robert was the rock that kept Everleigh grounded to the world around her. This was where the DD came in. They used it as a tool in their relationship, and this was one of the areas it covered. From what Violet understood, they set up some rules and expectations that they both wanted in their relationship and daily lives. Robert kept Everleigh accountable for her part of things. One of those things happened to be staying connected to the world around her. Ever had a habit of forgetting to eat, sleep, and any other necessities involved in life when she was swept up in a project.

  If it kept her friend happy and healthy, Violet had no issue. In fact, she was pretty sure it was the spanking that added the extra pizzazz and closeness of their relationship. Everleigh was happier than she had ever seen. Her best friend had always had a thing for the alpha types. She had always loved being pulled into the presence of a commanding man who made her his priority of focus.

  Violet had to admit it was intoxicating to be held in the focus of a man like Robert. She was no stranger to that feeling of being completely consumed. Her ex had been just like that for her. Meeting him just as she was transitioning from high school to college, he made every cell of her body sing. There was this yin and yang about him that both settled her and made her feel more alive than she had ever been. John had been a little feral, a little authoritative, and a lot alpha. He called up something inside of her that needed to be completely possessed by him. God, she missed that!

  Sighing, Violet shook herself out of her reverie. Her independent nature was too at odds with a relationship like that. Her mom had nipped that relationship in the bud before it had gone too far. Something like that could be great for Ever, but not for her. She remembered how horrified her mother had been when she found out that Violet had been “letting someone else tell her what to do, and a man at that” after she overheard them talking one day. She was sure her mom had picked up on the vibe between them as well. She was not going to let any daughter of hers submit to a man. The Harris ladies were strong women who made their own way in the world. The world bowed to them, not the other way around. Working hard to meet both her mom’s expectations and her own, she graduated college with her MBA landing a job in business mergers and acquisitions within a week from graduation. She knew her mother was right; yet she spent many of nights yearning for just that. The world around her snapped back into focus as Everleigh answered her question.

  “I think it will be okay.” She nodded. “I wasn’t sure at all at first,” Everleigh confessed, looking a little forlorn, “but we have a plan for while he’s away, and I think it’s going to work out just fine. I have great neighbors who will check in on me, plus you’re here,” she said with a smile and a wink. “We have a schedule of nightly video chat sessions to stay connected and make sure I’m on track. To be honest, my plan is to stay as busy as possible the rest of the time,” she said with a sigh. Opting to change the subject, she asked with a mischievous look in her eye, “So when was the last time you had a man in your bed?”

  They stayed up late laughing, teasing, and catching up, not going to bed until the wee hours of the morning.

  Violet sighed and opened her eyes. The sun streamed through the drapery. She felt at peace, refreshed even. She did a cat stretch and let the day seep into her brain. Padding to the kitchen, she saw a bowl of grapefruit and other delicious looking produce. She helped herself to the crisp tart fresh fruit. What a wonderful start to her vacation. Violet hadn’t been here even a full day and already she was so glad she had come. Grabbing a steaming cup of coffee, she noticed the note Everleigh had left her.

  Vi, ran out to grab a few things from the store. Help yourself to anything you would like. I left clean towels in the washroom for you along with some of the lavender patchouli soap I know you love so much. Be back soon!

  ~ E

  Perfect. Violet couldn’t help the smile that spread across her face. She looked around at the vibrant colors that practically danced on the surface of Everleigh’s walls, such a bright and airy space, perfect for any artist. Ever had really lucked out with such a place.

  She brought her coffee with her as she headed toward the bathroom. Setting it on the sink, she turned on the shower stream to full blast. Robert had gone all out when they bought this place. He had installed steam, side jets and a rain feature. Shucking her clothes, Violet stepped into the hot steam. Groaning, she luxuriated as the hot water did its job. Little by little, each of her tight muscles relaxed. Mmm, why did I wait so long to get away? She mused.

  Just seeing her long time friend brought a sense of self back to her. She could not wait to dig into the art fair and see everything that everyone had to offer. Having picked several pieces out of her own collection that had been stowed away in a storage unit just begging to see daylight again, Violet had forgotten how much art fed her soul.

  Since taking her job, she hadn’t had time for anything else. It had been work, work, and work. No time for play, or at least she didn’t allow herself anytime for play. Every time she had picked up a paintbrush since college, her brain had completely shut down not allowing her to do what she loved most. It was harder than she thought, being a woman in the workforce. It may just be pressure she put upon herself, but she always felt like she had to be five steps ahead of the game. There was always the mounting dread that if she faltered even one step, she would be trampled in the race for the top. Her business was made of sharks and go getters. She could count herself as one of them. It’s true that she was very good at what she did. She just hadn’t realized the toll it had taken on her until she got away for a minute.

  Basking in the warmth of the jets massaging her tired muscles, the earthy spice of the patchouli intermingling with the soothing smell of lavender enveloped her senses, rejuvenating her. As her mind relaxed along with the incessant chatter of her brain, the stresses of job and deadlines disappeared. Reluctantly, she turned the jets off and stepped out of the shower. She quickly dried off and donned the soft and comfy stretch jeans that she had picked out and an oversized sweater. After running a pick through her dark brown hair, she added an earthy orange scarf as a final touch. Deciding to forgo heavier make up, Violet put just a dab of mascara and lip gloss on, her look as light and airy as she felt.

  Just as she was putting the finishing touches on her eyes, she heard the rumble of the garage door opening. She left the bathroom to greet her friend just as Everleigh bustled in the door with an arm full of flyers and art supplies. Rushing over, Violet grabbed a tube of glaze just as it tumbled toward the ground.

  “Good catch,” Everleigh said gratefully.

  “Here, let me help with that,” Violet offered, as she grabbed the art supplies out of her hands. “What kind of artistic goodies do you have here?”

  Ever caught her breath and puffed, “These are just some art supplies that I brought from my workshop. I want to set up a kid’s art table at the fair, so kids can finger paint and create other masterpieces of their own. I want to check what we have here against what I brought. I think we will have just enough. Just dump them on the table. I will go through them later. And these,” she said, pointing to the bundle of papers she had, “are flyers to advertise the fair. I want to stop in and put these up in all of the restaurants and shops in CB and outside the community as well.”

  “Well, I’m here to help, so put me to work. What can I do?”

  “We don’t need to do anything with this yet. We can organize supplies tonight. I want to take you by the clubhouse to turn in your application for your vendor booth.” Ever’s eyes took on a sparkling glin
t. “I can’t wait to show you around,” she said, jumping up and down gleefully. “I hope I’m able to introduce you to some of my neighbors. You’re going to love this community. It’s been a dream come true and everyone is so welcoming.” She shooed Violet in the direction of her shoes and purse. “Grab your stuff so I can show you just what you are missing out on!”

  “Okay, okay I’ll hurry.” Violet laughed as she slipped on her shoes and grabbed her bag. “Ready!”

  “Perfect let’s go.” Everleigh grabbed Violet’s arm with one hand and the stack of flyers with the other and dragged her to the door. “We can pass these around after we get your paperwork in.”

  Chapter 2

  As they pulled up, the impressive dome shaped building from yesterday loomed before them. “Wow, the architecture is amazing.” This was not your everyday run of the mill building, not what you would expect in such a rural setting.

  “This is Corbin’s Bend’s clubhouse.” Everleigh gestured towards it from behind the wheel. “It’s pretty much the hub of everything that happens around here,” she said as she grabbed her cell from her purse, tucking the latter under the driver’s seat. “While the board members all have offices here, and where we’ll turn in your application, this is the true heart of the community. I can’t wait to show you around!” She took the keys from the ignition. “Ready?”

  Violet nodded and pulled the application from her purse. “Ready.” She smiled and opened her door. They walked into a large foyer, sparse with just a couple of benches along the walls.

  A large bulletin board along one wall of the foyer caught Violet’s curious eye, advertising all kinds of activities and events. Among the notices for book clubs, knitting circles, and poker nights, a list of classes and workshops caught her attention.