Page 29 of Dirty Discipline, Vol. 2

"Of course not. Honestly, I'm an article or two short this week. I hope something really juicy happens today, so I have a good story to add this week."

Traci smiled across at Ettie. Traci read Ettie's paper faithfully, in part to enjoy the author's creative exaggerations of the demise of several of the prominent town figures. More importantly, Traci loved to read the erotic serial stories she printed at the end of each edition. The current tale about a Dom cowboy who spanked his naughty horse trainer was one of Ettie's hottest stories to date.

Traci must have zoned out thinking of hot cowboys because she was suddenly aware that all eyes had turned to her, waiting expectantly. She blushed under everyone's scrutiny. "I'm sorry. I think I missed something."

Ettie responded, her voice high pitched with excitement. "Would you really give me an interview? That would be so awesome."

Traci had a bad feeling. "Why would you want to interview me?"

Ettie sighed, exasperated. "Chicago. The conference. Weren't you listening just now when Troy told us about your big conference coming up this week? How impressive that you're going to deliver one of the keynote speeches! What's your topic?"

A wave of dread washed over Traci. She'd been doing her best to push down her rising panic over the last few weeks, but the mere mention of the conference she dreaded had her stomach churning. She stumbled through her answer.

"Well... honestly, I'm not sure... I've been reconsidering and..." She hated the quaver in her voice. Her eyes connected with Troy's and she saw concern etched on his face. Traci took a cleansing breath before answering more calmly. "There really isn't a story here, Ettie. I've decided I'm not going to go this year."

Troy's brown eyes sparked with anger. The siblings were caught in a stare-down before Troy abruptly stood. "Trace, I'd like to speak with you privately, please." He was already stepping away from the picnic table, his hand reaching for her own.

"I don't think so. We just got our food."

"Traci. Now, please." It was his HoH voice.

Hallie sent her sister-in-law a supportive smile, although Traci suspected the new bride was relieved to have the conversation swing away from her own potty mouth. Recognizing the firm set of Troy's jaw, Traci knew it was futile to argue.

Troy led her by the hand outside the pool and picnic area, down a stone walkway and onto the expansive green lawn peppered with aromatic flowerbeds. He stopped at a bench tucked under a mammoth oak tree. She was relieved he'd led her far enough away to avoid being overheard.

The siblings sat quietly until the silence turned awkward. Traci had become a pro over the last year at hiding her insecurities from those around her. She used the time to fortify her defensive wall.

"I want to start by apologizing to you, Traci." She heard regret in her brother's voice.

The sadness in his eyes pierced a chink in her defenses. She had expected him to yell at her for trying to ditch out on the conference.

"Why in the world would you need to apologize to me, Troy?"

"Because I haven't been there for you this last year. Not really. Not the way you've clearly needed me to be."

"Troy, you quit your job and moved halfway across the country to live in the same town as me. I think that sort of proves you've been here for me."

"That's just geography. Sure, we see each other more, which is great, but I've known since your birthday that something was wrong. I let myself get distracted with Hallie and getting married, but I should have been getting to the bottom of what's bothering you much sooner."

"What makes you think anything is wrong, Troy? I'm fine — really."

"Then tell me why you decided not to go to the conference. You've been working so hard on your research. You just got another article published in Psychology Today. I'm so proud of you, Trace. Why wouldn't you want to go and enjoy talking about your research with other psychologists?"

"Conferences are boring. It's no big deal."

Troy turned his body to face his sister, pulling her hands until she had to shift to face him. Traci was careful not to look him in the eye. She was unprepared when he lifted her chin with his finger. The love and concern she saw warmed her.

"You've been hiding things from me and now you're lying to me, Trace. I've been reluctant to push you before now, but that was a mistake. You've worked too hard on your research to just walk away from it now. That tells me something big is going on in that beautiful head of yours and I want you to share it with me."

"Really, Troy. You're making a mountain out of a molehill. It's nothing. Let it go."

His hands moved to her upper arms, gripping her tightly. "I asked you to stop lying to me. If you recall, there are consequences for lying in our relationship."

Traci's heart rate jumped as she remembered clearly what those consequences were. "Oh, for crying out loud. You wouldn't dare spank me again."

"I never dreamed I'd need to, but I will if I think it will help. Please, Trace. I can't help you if I don't know what's wrong. I love you. Let me in."

Traci looked away, calming herself by watching children playing on the enormous jungle gym several hundred feet away. Sounds of joyful play filled the air.

---