One night in laguna

ation her life was about to transform in ways

ideas and feelings, Rory

through a dream or in a stupor.

ey, female! Rachel said right away after Rory

. Though she wasn't ready to tell Rachel

you." Rachel's voice grew serious. "Rory, what is going on? You m

h. Right now, though, know that I'm g

ory nodded. "I promise." The other end of the queue stopped, and Rachel spoke o

h some folks last night at the Met Gala," Rachel stated. "And let's ju

es is not a man to play about with. He's connected, strong, and prosper

sation that her life was about to alter in ways she c

She had just finished the call with Rachel, who had been

er voice stern but subdued. You can control how y

, Rory tried to unders

as correct, she struggled to

of Julian as

using her? Then why had she let him? Quest

get out; she felt as tho

as she was beginning

just wanted to check in on you," Rachel

rself. Her voice quivered slightly, "I'm okay, I guess," she mur

that makes one embarrassed. What h

exploited. That's not some

Rory developed a

let guilt and humiliation go. Rory gradually started to f

ad, but with Rachel's support, she felt

r, she asked, "Hey, girl, how are you feeling?" Feeling numbness sweep over her, Rory shrugge

out, just in case." Aware Rachel was right, Rory nodded. They d

octor arrived bearing the findings. She said, smiling, "You're clear." "We did find some evidence of Rohy

have something to help you offset the impacts."

ry's shoulders as they walked from the clinic. "Let's head home

as an arrangement of flowers accompanied with a message. As Rory tu

wanted from her what? Rachel's words ripped through her thoughts. She enquired, "What is it?

nodded, a will washing over her. She was not