8 Chapter 8

“Too much?” she whispered.

“Mmm, no.”

Anise had relaxed her grip on me, but still offered me some support as she planted little kisses all along the length of my neck. She gently laid her index finger next to where her mouth had been.

“I just bruised you, Julie,” she said. “And you asked me to do it. See how that works?”

Anise turned me around so that I was facing her again. I stared at the floor, unable to meet her gaze or respond to her question, but I did feel a slight smile crossing my lips.

“Miss Baxter is much better at it though. She won’t even have to touch you and you’ll be eating out of the palm of her hand.”

“Anise?” I looked up into her eyes.

She gave me a hug and a peck on the cheek. “No, I can’t stay,” she said as though she read my mind. “Besides, you need your rest. Miss Baxter wouldn’t want me wearing you out before your audition.”

I pleaded with my eyes, but to no avail.

“Sweet dreams, Julie.” Anise closed the door behind her.