“So were all the people who have done the program pretty much blackmailed into it?”
Jason sighed before answering. “Ms. Jamison, I don’t consider any of them to have been blackmailed. Everyone that does the program has to want to do the program, or they won’t complete it. Paul, why don’t you explain the client you worked with last spring and summer, how she came to make the decision to work the program?”
“Okay, I’d be happy to,” Paul said. “She went off to college, anxious to experience the whole college life experience. She hadn’t had many friends in high school, but she blamed that on a group of kids at the school who didn’t like her and gave her a bad reputation. So she went out of state, anxious to get a new start. Only the same thing happened. This time, though, when she wasn’t invited to parties, she asked why. Her fellow students, none of whom knew her before she arrived on campus, were honest with her and told her she thought the world owed her, and she was always a taker, but never gave back. She was upset, but after hearing it a few times, she had to admit they were right. So she moved back home and had a heart to heart with her parents, who offered her the chance to do this program, if she wanted to. She put college on hold for the spring semester, and returned in the fall, a new and happier person, who quickly made lots of friends and is enjoying her college years now.”
Gina was silent for several moments. Finally, Jason asked, “Ms. Jamison, I picked those two to tell you about for a reason. Your grandfather said you, too, went to college, anxious for new friends and experiences. He says you also seemed to have a difficult time making friends there. And when he added that to his will, I know that makes it not very different from the first lady I told you about whom was given an ultimatum by her employer.”
“Yeah, it’s a lot like that. It’s not fair.”
“What’s not fair about it?”
“It’s not fair for him to ask me to do such a terrible program. I’m sure if he knew what was involved, he wouldn’t have done that.”
“He knew exactly what was involved. We met, and talked at length. He asked a lot of questions, especially about the spankings. I’ll tell you the same thing I told him. They are bare bottom spankings, and they are not just love taps. The whole idea of a spanking is to make you want to change your behavior to avoid another spanking. After you’ve had a sore bottom a few times for the same thing, you start to seriously consider whether you want to repeat that behavior again.”
Gina took several moments before she said anything. “So he knew what I’d have to go through, and he still put it in there?”
“I know it’s not what you want to hear, but yes, he did.”
“But he told me he loved me. Why would he do this?”
“He did love you,” Jason assured her. “That was very obvious when I talked to him. But he was worried about you. He said you don’t have many friends because you have a chip on your shoulder and you want everything handed to you. He said you’ve never earned anything, and he feels you need to. The example he gave was college. He said you didn’t give it any effort at all. Your parents paid for your college, so you in essence did nothing to earn it. Therefore, you didn’t respect it. He thought this program would help you tremendously.”
“Why couldn’t he have just given me my money?”
Paul spoke up. “Gina, you just gave us a prime example of what he was talking about.”
“What do you mean?”
“You just said it was your money.”
“It is.”
“No, it’s his money, to do with what he wants.”
Jason broke in, trying to help Paul make a good point. “He told me if he just gives you the money now, he’s afraid you’d blow through it in a year or two by partying and buying things you don’t need, and would then have nothing. He wants better for you. He knows you’ll be happier if you learn to respect people and earn what you have. That money then could be spent on something important, like buying a home. He knows you’ll appreciate having the money more if you appreciate the work it takes to earn it.”
“Maybe.”
Jason gave her a little time to absorb that information before moving on. “Is there anything else you wanted to talk about?”
“I’m thinking if you won’t give any on the terms, maybe I need to talk to a lawyer or two and see if that part of the will can be thrown out. I asked Paul if he could give me a week to work on that, but he said that was up to you.”
“Wow. I’ve got to tell you something here, and you take it for whatever you want. Your grandfather told me this is exactly what you would do. He said you wouldn’t want to do the program, so you’d look for an easy way out, which in this case would be to get that part of the will thrown out. Because of that, he went to three very good, well respected attorneys to look it over before he put it in. They all worked together on how exactly to word it to be sure it would hold up if you challenged it. For that reason, I don’t think you’re going to have much luck with that.”
“Maybe not, but I feel I have to try.”
“Your grandfather was right; he apparently knows you well. I’ll tell you what. I’ll give you until Friday. You can talk to an attorney or two if you want, but I think what you really need to do is give this situation some serious thought. Think about what your grandfather said. You might also want to think about your friends; how many you have and how good those friends are, and if you’re happy with your life. I can tell you all the ladies we’ve worked with have been happier after working the program. Several are willing to talk to ladies considering the program. If you want to talk to a couple of them, Paul can give you some names and phone numbers. I would suggest you take a day or two and talk to one or two of them, but do some serious thinking. Paul will be back at your house this Friday, unless you call sooner to say you’ve reached your decision.”
“Okay. Thank you.”
They ended the phone call, and Paul talked to her a few more minutes. He gave her names and phone numbers of past clients, and made sure she had his phone number. She assured him she’d call if she had any questions, or if she reached a decision before Friday.
Paul left, realizing he had several free days in southern Florida at the end of January. There were a lot of worse things in life.
Chapter Three
Paul was enjoying his unexpected vacation, but was a little concerned, as well. The longer he went without hearing from Gina, the more he was afraid she wouldn’t do the program. His feelings on that were mixed. On one hand, he enjoyed watching a young woman grow up, spread her wings and learn to fly, which always happened during this program. It was very enjoyable watching them become happy with themselves, the people they were becoming, and see what they developed into. And if any young woman ever needed this program, he had to say it was Gina.
She was rude, always thought of herself first, and lazy. She wanted someone else to do all the hard work, while she was more than happy to reap the rewards. All the ladies he’d worked with in the past had had problems, but none of them were as rude as Gina. She truly didn’t seem to care about anyone other than herself. Working with someone that cold would be a first for him, and he couldn’t really say he was looking forward to it.
He had to admit, though, that the more he thought about Gina and the way she acted, making him wait over an hour before coming downstairs, the more his right hand itched. That little lady needed a good spanking, and he felt sure with enough time, and if his right hand held out long enough, he was sure he could improve her attitude.
He was walking along the beach, and was surprised when she called Thursday afternoon. She sounded nervous, or upset, and asked if he could come over in the morning so they could talk. If she was nervous, he hated to wait until morning. “Why don’t I just come over now, Gina? I don’t have any plans for the rest of this afternoon or this evening. We can talk, and maybe you’ll feel better.” She hesitated, but didn’t say no, so he pushed on. “I’ll be there in fifteen minutes.” He ended the call before she c
ould object. He’d seen ladies make a decision, only to back down after becoming nervous when they thought about it too much.
When Gina met him at the door fifteen minutes later, he was glad he’d come right away. She was obviously nervous. He could see Nancy in the kitchen, and paused a moment. “Is there somewhere we could go to talk privately?”
“We can go to the library.”
“How about the guesthouse? Your mother said it was available to use during the project and I’ve been anxious to see it. Could we go down there to talk today?”
“Sure, if you want,” she said with a shrug of her shoulders. She led the way toward the door.
He stopped long enough to go to the door of the kitchen. “Good afternoon, Nancy. Good to see you again. We’re going down to the guesthouse to talk.”
She gave him a forced smile. “Okay. Good luck. And thank you.”
He wasn’t sure exactly what she was thanking him for, but he’d worry about that later. He turned back to Gina. “Okay, lead the way.”
They walked past the pool and the tennis court, to a secluded little area with a fairly small, but very nice, quaint house in the midst of some trees. She took a key from under a flowerpot on the stoop and opened the door.
He took a quick look around and was very impressed. If Gina decided to do the program, this would work really well. It had everything she would need for a couple months. There was a small, but well equipped kitchen, which opened to a living area, and what he assumed were two bedrooms and a bath down the hall.
They sat down on the sofa and he turned to her immediately. “Okay, Gina, what would you like to talk about? Do you have some questions?”
“Yes, I do,” she said, wringing her hands.
“Okay. What’s your first question?”
“If I do this, how often would it happen?”
She’d blushed as she asked that, which was not like the Gina he’d met Monday. He thought a moment, and nodded. “How often would you be spanked?” She nodded, her face turning a deeper red. “I can’t really answer that because that’s entirely up to you. This program works the same as life. You get whatever you earn, which means it’s up to you. You won’t get one until you earn one. But anytime you earn one, you will get one.”
She was quiet, looking down. He wanted to get her talking, so he asked a different question. “If you’re considering doing the program now, I have to ask, why? Monday you were pretty adamant you were not considering it; it was not something you could agree to. What happened to change your mind, at least enough to consider it?”
“Mr. Jenkins was right. I talked to three attorneys, and they all said there was no way I’d be able to get that thrown out. So that leaves me with doing it or waiting until I’m thirty-eight. I can’t do that.”
“Why not?”
She looked stunned that he would ask that ridiculous question. “What would I do between now and then?”
“Get a job, or go back to school and finish, and then get a job.”
She quickly had tears in her eyes, and looked away. “I can’t,” she whispered.
“Why not?”
“Because apparently I’m a bitch who can’t get along with anyone.”
Instinct took over with Paul, and before he knew it he was letting his feelings known. “Gina, I do not allow that kind of talk. You don’t need to use language like that, but I especially will not sit idly by while you run yourself down. It better not happen again. Now, why would you say that?”
“I thought about what Mr. Jenkins said my grandfather told him about why he wanted me to do this program. I didn’t like it, but it was pretty much what my parents have been saying—complaining about, as well. When I thought a little more, I realized that was why I couldn’t do college.” A few tears started streaming down her cheeks, but she swiped them away and squared her shoulders. “I didn’t quit college because I didn’t like it. They kicked me out for failing my classes. I can’t go back.”
He put his arm around her and gave her a squeeze. “I’m sure that wasn’t easy to admit, Gina. I’m glad you did. That’s a good start to changing. Are you going to do the program?”
She nodded. “I guess I have to. If I don’t, I won’t get my money until I’m thirty-eight, and I honestly don’t know what I can do for money until then. Dad already made it clear I’m not living at home and letting him support me.” That brought a lot of tears.
“What are the tears for? Are you concerned about doing the program?”
“I am, but that’s not—I thought he and my grandfather loved me.” With that simple statement, the dam burst and tears broke through, running uninhibited down her cheeks now.
He did what came naturally. He pulled her in against his chest and wrapped his arms around her. “They do, Gina. Both your parents and your grandfather love you a great deal. They wouldn’t be doing what they’re doing now if they didn’t.”
“Dad said something like that, too. He said it was tough love. I think if they loved me they’d just give me the money and let me live my life.”
Paul didn’t think it would do any good to argue or try to get her to see differently yet, so he changed the subject. Once she was officially in the program they would address such things. “So are you ready to sign the contract and get started now?”
“I guess. Will we do that in the morning?”
“I don’t see any reason to wait. I think we should start now. The sooner we start, the sooner you’ll finish. Let’s go over the contract and get it signed. Can I help you move some of your things down here, or would you rather pack tonight and we can get you moved in here in the morning?”
“You’re saying I need to move in here? I thought you meant we’d work here during the day, and I’d go back home at night.”
“I’d rather you live down here, Gina. It’s very important that we have privacy during the time we’re together and talking. But this will go much quicker if you spend some time thinking about what’s happened and what we’ve talked about. The best way for you to do that is if it’s quiet. There is another thing that concerns me, though. When you’re here during the day we’ll be talking about things that may seem different, or new to you. If you go back to your parents and your old bedroom, it will be like going back to the old. It will be much easier for you if you can focus on this program, the new thoughts and ideas all the time, without going back and forth between an old life and a new.”
“This is going to change my whole life?”
“In a way, yes. But trust me, you will be much happier with your new life.”
“Maybe.”
“Trust me. I’ve been doing this for a few years now, and every single one of them, as well as the ones others in our company have helped, have been happier after the program as compared with before. Now, let’s go over the contract. Once that’s signed, I’ll explain the program to you, then we can see about moving you in here.”
“Okay, but I still don’t see why I have to move into this tiny little house that’s not nearly as comfortable. Mom and Dad aren’t home much during the day. They’d only be there in the evening, and we can go in the library or something then.”
“Gina, we’ll talk more about it later if we need to, but I would think you would want privacy anytime you earn a spanking.”
“Like I said, we could go in the library.”
“But your parents would more than likely still hear what was going on. That wouldn’t bother you?”
She snorted. “Maybe it would serve them right to have to hear me in pain. They’re hell bent on me doing this, let them hear how awful it is for me.”
Paul hesitated. He hated to let that statement go, but he really would be able to address it better once she was in the program. He sighed, and compromised. “We can come back to this after we sign the contract and talk about the program, but they are trying to help you. You do not thank someone for helping you by making them feel uncomfortable. Now, let me get the contract out. Have you read it over again?�
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They spent the next hour reading the contract and discussing it before he allowed her to sign it. He wanted there to be no question in her mind about what she was signing. After it was signed, she looked exhausted, so he decided a change of plans might be beneficial. He suggested she go to the house and pack her things tonight. He would be over tomorrow at 9:00 and help her move to the guesthouse. Then he would explain how the program worked, and they would get started. She looked relieved, and admitted she hadn’t slept much the last few nights.
He got up to leave, but reminded her he’d be there at 9:00 tomorrow morning, and emphasized that making him wait an hour again, like Monday, would not be a good start to the program. She dropped her head and nodded. He walked her to the main house before leaving
* * *
Paul rang the doorbell of the main house Friday morning at 9:00. Nancy answered and invited him in. After greeting her, he asked, “Is Gina up yet?”
“She is. She took a few things down to the guesthouse. She’s made a couple trips down there this morning already.”
“Oh, good. I told her I’d help her move in. Do you know what else she wants down there? I’ll take a load with me.”
“I’m really not sure, but she should be back any minute now. Would you like some coffee?”
“No, thank you. I had breakfast. I’ll probably have some a little later after we get her moved in.”
“Okay. I’d like to thank you, Mr. Parker, for agreeing to work with Gina. I sure hope it works.”
“Again, call me Paul, and you’re welcome. This program works if people want to do it. I have yet to see one person finish the program who wasn’t much happier afterward. I have complete confidence in it, or I wouldn’t be doing this.” He looked out the window and smiled. “Oh, here’s Gina now. Don’t worry, Nancy, she’ll be fine.”
“Thank you, Paul. I can’t help but worry.”
“You’re her mother; of course you would worry. But I’ll help guide her through this and she’ll be fine. You’ll see.” He patted her hand, knowing she was concerned for her daughter.
Gina and Paul (Last Chance Program Book 2) Page 4