Maybe Baby Lite

by ANDREA SMITH

“It’s not that simple. Many companies assign agents for the sole purpose of protecting their identity. In an LLC, the owners, shareholders, or principals of the company do not have to disclose their identity. They can, as they say, hide beneath the corporate veil. The agent’s purpose is to protect those identities and handle any filings or notices against the particular LLC.”

  We sat in silence for several moments.

  “I made a trip back to Louisville also.”

  “Why?” I asked, truly puzzled.

  “I wanted to check birth records in Hardin and Jefferson counties. You weren’t born in either one, Tylar.”

  The surprises just kept coming. Was everything about my life a lie?

  Our food was brought to the table so our conversation paused for a few moments. Trey filled our wine glasses, and for the next few minutes we ate in silence. The chicken was delicious. I was hungrier than I thought, or perhaps I simply didn’t want the conversation to resume at all. Trey finally broke the silence.

  “Tylar, how is it you have made it this far without having a copy of your own birth certificate?”

  “I don’t know, when I got my learner’s permit my mom was with me so I guess she had it. My college only required my driver’s license and social security number.”

  “Speaking of which,” he interrupted, “I called back to the office while I was out to get your social security number. You know that the first three numbers of anyone’s social security number identifies the issuing state. Your prefix is 434. That indicates that it was issued from Louisiana.”

  “Louisiana? I’ve never been to Louisiana.”

  “As far as you recall,” he corrected, “that doesn’t mean you couldn’t have been born there. In particular, if your mother had collected any type of federal or state aid she would have needed to get a social security number assigned to you at infancy.”

  “Oh thank you, Trey. If there was any doubt in my mind before, you have now made it perfectly clear that I’m descended from pure trash.” Tears welled up, threatening to spill.

  “Tylar,” he said, “that isn’t my intention at all. You know that. My only purpose in getting involved at all is to help you recover your trust money.”

  “And it looks like that's not going to happen. I don’t care, Trey. I can sell the house, maybe not quickly enough for fall tuition, but in the end, it's worth more than the trust was anyway.”

  “We don’t have to discuss it any more this evening, Tylar; I see that it upsets you. But this is not the end of it. We will get the answers.”

  “And what if the answers are worse than I imagined?”

  “Then we'll deal with it.”

  I knew he was right. The only way I could put closure on my past was to know my past. Trey and I declined dessert. I just wanted to get home and put an end to this officially sucky day. Trey paid our bill. I told him I needed to use the restroom; he said he would bring the car around. When I came out of the restroom, Carmelita saw me and came over. She could tell that I'd been crying.

  “Why so sad tonight, mio caro?” she asked, putting one of her heavy arms around me.

  “Solo uno di questi, Carmelita. Spero di migliorare, prima di coricarsi,” I replied.

  Just one of those days, Carmelita. I hope to improve it before bedtime.

  Carmelita raised her eyebrows at me then burst out laughing, pulling me into a big, Italian bear hug.

  “Signor Trey e fortunate ad avere trovato un compagno ideale.”

  Mr. Trey is lucky to have found such a perfect mate.

  “Grazie, Carmelita,” I said, hugging her back.

  On the way home, Trey was quiet. I was hoping he wouldn’t unveil any more bombshells tonight. I had other things in mind to finish the day on a much better note. It had been two days since we'd made love. I needed my Trey fix.

  I leaned over toward Trey in the car, focusing my full attention on him. He glanced over at me, smiling. My hand found its way to his crotch, rubbing it gently in a circular motion. I could feel him harden beneath my touch, which in turn made me hot. Trey took his right arm off of the steering wheel, pulling me closer to him, his lips brushing my forehead.

  “You want to stay with me tonight?” he asked huskily.

  “What do you think, Trey?” I had his index finger in my mouth, licking it and sliding it in and out suggestively. Trey and I'd barely gotten into the house without tearing each other’s clothes off. We stood in the front entry, our lips locked in a passionate kiss; Trey’s hands were all over me. I had my fingers hooked in the waistband of his pants, pulling his groin close to mine. I was ready to grind myself into him when Thatcher cleared his throat behind us.

  “Ah-hem, excuse me, Mr. Sinclair.”

  We broke apart immediately. I fumbled with my clothing, trying to smooth my skirt.

  “Yes Thatcher?” Trey was pissed.

  “Forgive me sir, but your office in Atlanta has called several times. Apparently your cell phone was shut off. You're required to call them at your earliest opportunity, the jury has come back.”

  “I’ve got to make that call, Tylar,” Trey said, “go on upstairs, okay? I’ll be up in just a few minutes.”

  An hour and a half later, fully bathed, shaved, and moisturized, I lay waiting for Trey in my new silver silk camisole top and matching tap pants. I must have drifted asleep. I wasn’t sure how much later I awoke, but in the quiet darkness I could feel Trey next to me, removing my silk underwear, and caressing my skin with his mouth and tongue. He was totally naked, fresh from his shower. His hair was still damp and tousled. I melted as his tongue traced my belly button and moved down very sensually. His long fingers gently plied the folds of my sex. Soon his lips and tongue joined them.

  “Mmmm,” I moaned softly, parting my legs further, welcoming him inside. My hands fisted his damp hair, my hips swiveled with each surge of pleasure I felt. He continued, methodically stroking my clitoris with his tongue, inserting a finger and then another one inside my pussy, probing gently in search of my sweet spot. He found it with no problem. I quickened with each stroke and tap. I was so wet. I wanted to see what it felt like to be on top of Trey. I wanted to be in charge tonight.

  I reached down and framed my hands around his face, gently drawing him up so that our lips met. I kissed him deeply, our tongues thoroughly exploring each other’s mouth. I moved out from beneath him, pulling my camisole off so that Trey could enjoy my breasts. I nudged him onto his back, kneeling beside him.

  Grasping his hard and erect shaft in my hands, I brought my face down to love it with my lips and tongue. I licked it all over, spreading kisses on the tip, then swirling my tongue around its thick girth. He moaned with pleasure every time I took his full length into my mouth, going up and down the shaft.

  I straddled him in a sitting position, reaching for the foil-wrapped condom on the nightstand. Trey crooked one arm beneath his head, watching as I unwrapped the condom and rolled it down his length. Once it was firmly in place, I mounted him, slowly and carefully, not sure how it would feel at this angle. It was different, but not a bad different.

  Once his full length was inside of me, I leaned over so that my bare breasts caressed his chest and slowly started rolling my hips up, down, and around. Trey studied my face, obviously enjoying the various looks of pleasure and ecstasy mirrored. I found that when I positioned myself leaning forward, putting my weight on my forearms, and tilting my butt upward, the head of his cock came into direct contact with my sweet spot.

  Trey moved his hips in sync with my rhythm, allowing me to set the pace. The way we moved in unison felt similar to the mechanics of dressage. I continued riding him, feeling the familiar build-up of pleasure begging for release. Our tempo increased; he massaged my breasts and then my buttocks as he gently lifted me up and down, up and down, circular motion, then repeat.

  An explosive crescendo was building inside me and Trey was right there with me. Our breathing was in sync as well, rapid and shallow, ready for release. Then it h
appened, we climaxed together in a frenzy of hot, wet pleasure, our bodies taking over masterfully, drawing our orgasms out to their full potential. Once again, I felt the gush of pleasure released from my core. I could feel Trey’s erection throb as he came into the condom.

  My muscle contracted with my orgasm as if making sure that his cock was squeezed completely empty of his seed. This felt so primal and beautiful to me. I couldn’t imagine ever having anyone else fulfill me as Trey did. I never wanted to think about anyone else making me feel this way.

  Once spent, I crumpled over next to him, exhausted yet fulfilled at the same time. He stroked my hair with his hand, kissing my lips sweetly, bending over me. He whispered softly in my ear. “You're mine, Tylar. Don’t ever forget that. You're mine.”

  I snuggled next to him feeling totally satisfied and secure.

  CHAPTER 26

  Trey and I awoke the next morning with 'just-fucked' hair and smiles on our faces. We showered together then went down to breakfast holding hands. I felt so close to him once again. Thatcher was all smiles as he served Trey his coffee and brought me my usual fresh fruit, bagel, and juice.

  “I’m flying back to Atlanta this morning,” Trey announced as he buttered his usual whole wheat toast. My heart sank. It seemed like I was forever saying goodbye to Trey, or waiting for him to return. “The verdict came in from the jury and we won the suit. But we need to figure damages and present oral arguments to the jury that will decide the financial reward. I’m afraid I'll be tied up for at least a week, possibly longer.”

  I looked across the table and he was studying my reaction. Was I allowed to have emotions about this? Could I be disappointed, or show disappointment? The truth was I missed Trey terribly when we were apart. I smiled up at him as I felt he expected, telling him to call me when he could. That seemed to appease him.

  After breakfast, I kissed him briefly, telling him I'd see him when he got back and headed off to the stables to tack up Derringer for our day of training. I was feeling dejected. I knew that I had to shake it off, the training was important if we were to be ready for competition in September.

  I ran into Clint in the stables. “I thought you were moving back in, neighbor,” he teased.

  I laughed, “I'll be back tonight as a matter of fact. Come on over and have a beer.”

  “Sure thing,” he said, smiling, “now that you’re 21, I expect you’re buying, right?”

  “Absolutely,” I answered.

  The day of training went well. Mark sent more videos back with me to review this evening. Maybe Clint wouldn’t mind watching them with me.

  Needing to go to town to buy beer and snacks, I returned to the main house to retrieve my new car. Trey had provided me with the code for the garage. This was my first time driving my new car; I was pumped. I cruised out on the highway, enjoying the feel of the ride with the top down. In Bristol, I picked up a six-pack, a bottle of chilled sauvignon blanc, and some pizza rolls that were easily nuked.

  I returned to the estate, carefully parking my car back into the garage. I carried my purchases back up the path to my cottage. Clint was just coming over as I arrived.

  “Great timing, I guess,” he said.

  “Yes, and I got your favorite,” I said, showing him the six-pack. We went in and got comfortable.

  “Have you had dinner yet, Clint?” I asked.

  “I’m drinking it,” he toasted, raising his cold beer.

  “Nonsense,” I answered. “I’ve got a big bag of pizza rolls for us. Let me nuke them and then dinner will be served.”

  We talked and laughed, drinking, and eating our pizza rolls. I switched the television on and we found the end of an old sci-fi movie to watch. We caught up on what everyone had been up to. Clint reported that he’d met a nice girl when he was at the Sanctuary.

  “That's so awesome! Why didn’t I know about this?”

  “I think you might’ve been otherwise occupied,” he winked.

  “Very funny. So, tell me about her.”

  “Her name is Clare. She works at the Sanctuary on weekends. She goes to school at the University of Georgia in Athens. She’s studying veterinary medicine.”

  “Clint, that's so perfect for you. What about the distance? That’s going to be a drag, isn’t it?”

  “We’re not engaged yet, Tylar,” he laughed.

  “Hey, maybe if you drive down there to see her some weekend, I can tag along and visit Gina?”

  “Or maybe I can tag along with you in your new Mercedes?” he asked.

  “Oh, you heard, huh?”

  “No, I saw you pull out earlier. Mighty fine ride, ma’am.”

  “It was a birthday present…from Trey.”

  “Some birthday present.”

  “Do you have a problem with Trey?” I asked.

  “Not at all, Tylar, just be careful,” he warned.

  “Why do you say that?”

  “Look,” he said, “I can tell that you care for the guy, okay? All I’m saying is don’t get too emotionally invested in him.”

  It was too late for that.

  “When his parents get back from Europe, I doubt if he’ll be back here until next year when they go again. That’s just how it’s always been with him, you know?”

  “So you don’t think that he cares for me?”

  “I think he cares for you, Tylar, as much as he cares for any of his possessions. I’m sorry; I call it like I see it.”

  “What would you say if I told you I know for a fact he cares for me, perhaps even loves me?” I didn’t want to get into the details of my knowing Italian and hearing the exchanges between Trey and Carmelita.

  “I'd say that I hope it's the kind of love and caring that makes a person thrive, and not the toxic kind that makes a person owned.”

  Before I had a chance to respond my cell phone rang.

  “Booty call,” Clint teased. I threw a couch pillow at him as I grabbed my phone off of the counter. It was Trey.

  “Hey,” I answered, dodging the pillow that Clint threw back at me.

  “What are you up to?” smooth and silky’s voice asked.

  “Just hanging out with Clint,” I said. There were several beats of silence. “Hello?”

  “Yes, I’m here. Tylar, I thought we had an agreement?”

  “What are you talking about?” I was totally caught off-guard.

  “I’m talking about the fact that less than a week ago I made it perfectly clear what my expectations were concerning you and other men.”

  I hurried into the bedroom with my phone, trying to keep the conversation as private as possible. “I’m not fucking him, Trey. He’s a friend. You didn’t say anything about me not being able to have friends.”

  “Tylar, I don’t want to argue the fine points of our agreement. You're free to hang out with friends, as long as the friends are female.”

  “I don’t believe this,” I exclaimed, my voice rising, “I don't intend to abide by any agreement as asinine as this! That wasn't my understanding at all.”

  “So what are you saying, Tylar?” His voice was like steel.

  “What I'm saying, Trey, is that I’m exercising my right to opt out.” I ended the call and returned to the living room where Clint was politely appearing to be engrossed on whatever was on the television.

  “Everything okay?” he asked.

  “Maybe you’re right, Clint. Trey seems to have a problem with my having friends of the opposite sex.”

  “I should probably leave, Tylar.”

  “No Clint, please don’t. I already told his majesty that I don’t roll that way. Unless you think he'll retaliate against you with your job or something.”

  “I’m not worried about it,” he replied, pulling me down next to him on the couch.

  “C’mon, I want to see those dressage videos of yours. Let’s have a good laugh.”

  I gave him a playful punch on the arm and clicked on the videos. Clint was extremely complimentary on my progress; I wasn’t s
ure if he was sincere or if he felt bad for my situation with Trey. When Clint left around 10 p.m., I called Gina.

  “What’s up girlfriend?” she answered.

  “Just wanted to hear your voice,” I answered.

  “What’s wrong?”

  As much as I'd not wanted to divulge ‘the agreement’ to Gina, I needed my friend’s perspective on it. I laid it all out for her.

  “Are you shitting me?” she asked, indignant.

  “I mean it’s not like I want to be with anyone else but Trey,” I said. “I simply have a problem with him dictating the gender of my friends. I don’t think he’s being reasonable.”

  “Listen, Ty. I warned you about him, didn’t I? Sexual exclusivity is one thing. I mean, yes, it’s a good thing and a reasonable expectation. But what Trey's expecting goes way beyond that and you know it without me having to tell you. He wants to control your life it seems. God, what did his mother do to him?”

  “I know very little about his past. But he’s sure as hell an expert on mine,” I replied, wryly.

  “Take my advice, Ty. Let things cool between you and Trey for a while. You need to get some perspective. I know that he was your first, but you need to put a little distance between yourselves so that you can see clearly. I don’t want to come back to find you’ve turned into some Stepford bitch, ya know?”

  I had to laugh at that. Gina was right though, I couldn’t become some replicant. She promised to call me the following week to check up.

  The next few days passed in a blurry haze. I was doing all of the things that I was supposed to be doing, but it seemed as if I was watching myself do them. I'd fallen into a funk. Thankfully, the dressage training was going well. On Friday, Mark did a mock testing of our routine. He felt we would easily pass the FEI test for five-year-olds. We still had three weeks to go. As we were winding down that afternoon, Mark walked with me to the stables.

  “Are you okay, Tylar?” he asked, showing some concern.

  “Yeah, I’m fine. Why?”

  “You just seem a little down this week, that’s all. Anything you want to talk about? I’m a good listener.”