Page 82 of Executive Decision

“It’s not fun, Dora Elizabeth. It’s boring.”

It wasn’tfun,but it was a release. I made plans with Cal for the evening—plans that somehow had me riding high like some sex goddess. However, my underwear drawer reflected my reality—one made for a woman married for a decade and divorcing after a frigid last two years. Nothing matched and my panties were utilitarian at best.

“I’m going with you.”

“No, Dor?—”

“Mum, we’re going to look at something else. Be back.”

“Daphne, you have a rack of dresses to try on,” Mum protested.

“I can do it later,” I groaned, pulling Dora out the door.

We ventured to the fifth floor, which was luggage—something that didn’t sell well—and lingerie. I expected we’d find the floor surrounding the boutique, luxury collections busy. Everywhere else, it was dead.

“Why are we buying luggage?” Dora asked.

“We aren’t. We’re looking at… underwear,” I said.

“Oh? What are you doing?”

“I need some… staples.”

There was nothingmoreawkward than approaching the luxurious piles of naughty, lacy panties with your kid sister. I suspected Dora had limited experience with menandlingerie, but knew the difference between basic clothes and things one wore for titillation.

“Are you seeing someone?” Dora gasped.

I sighed. “Dora, I am seeing someone, but it’s not your business, and I’m not saying more.”

“Is he hot?”

“I don’t describe people my age ashot.”

Yes. I wasn’t going to deny the base attraction to Cal. With Cal, I couldn’t resist the idea of doing naughty things.

“Okay, but like… are you…” she lowered her voice. “Are you sleeping with him? Or is this your first big date,and you want to be prepared?”

She was so sweet and naive.

“Sweetie,” I laughed. “The train left the station. I want to embrace singlehood and enjoy life.”

“What about this?” Dora picked up an incredibly scandalous, strappy bodysuit I’d never pull off.

“No. I want to stick to somethingsimple,” I said. “I am too old for shit like that.”

“I like it. It’s sexy.”

“Then buy it for yourself,” I laughed.

“I couldnever!”

“Okay, well, I couldn’t, either.”

“So… it’s good, though?”

I beamed. “It’s so good. Like ridiculously good.”

I couldn’t hide it. I didn’twantto.

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