Episode 337: TIPsY

9:50 PM! Cashanova Strip Club aka the Mace Base of Operations! Raining on his parade outdoors.

“I like your style, Kid.”

“I think it went well.” Mace Belmont had just now gotten fully dressed from his earlier amateur hour performance. Directly in front of his future employer Flossy Taggart. Granny was struggling to keep her dentures in over that massive cock.

On stage as a male stripper for the very first time he nodded at his achievement with an egotistical grin. “I hope you didn’t mind it going as far as it did. I honestly didn’t plan on all the extras.” He eyed his cellphone clock nervously knowing he had promised his Aunt Piper and her bestie Josie McKellen he would help finish the birthday decorations for the twin’s party.

“Now and then I let things run wild.”

“Understatement! Your dancers are fucking guys in the lap dance area. How are you getting away with that?”

“Let’s just say I know all the right people. Ehh, debatable! Every club in town is breaking bad. I’d tell you to check out MaleStrom but I know that floosy Stacy Raynes would try and swipe you.” She looked over at a camera in the corner of her office with her bra dangling over it and smirked. Flossy Taggart knew she was on can and did camera.

“I recall Stacy the day I came in to visit Lacey and Gina. She did give me an invite. I like it here though.”

“Smart kid! The bitches up there would chew you up and spit you out. You’d be catatonic for a month.”

“Wow! Now I’m intrigued!” He chuckled! “I’m certain I could get all the action I’d ever need right here. Dom’s sister was the one who caught me off guard. Between that stunt with Jolene Waco and then Serafina swallowing my dick I almost had a panic attack.”

“I should have known Serafina would act out tonight. She scar you for life?”

“I’ll live!”

Flossy Taggart the owner of Cashanova respected his bravado. This was a one-on-one talk between them after dividing all of his unexpected earnings. She was even nice in not taking a cut of his windfall. With Mace being so generous with the other contestants and giving the customers a memorable show she had to concede to the fact that he was a keeper. “Let’s talk about your future.”

“My future? As a stripper? Uhhh? I’m thinking about it if you want me.” Batting her eyes at him he choked. “You know what I mean.”

“Relax kid! I’m just messing with ya. I’ve got me enough gentlemen callers without your big boy. Phone sex rings off the wall.” Old as dirt but full of flirt. She did indeed have a contact list of old farts ready for some cuddling. “You have a job here whenever you want. If you want it.”

“I need to watch my back though. You need to understand my family. If my parents found out I’d be disowned or dead, whichever comes first. I live with my aunt, my mom’s younger sister. To be honest I’d rather she not know about this. I mean ... she’d probably hide the fact but it’s a huge risk. I shouldn’t brag about this, but my grandpa is a state senator down in Georgia. I don’t want to jeopardize him and his seat by some scandal of my making.”

“Senator, eh? Interesting life you got there, youngster.”

“I know. I could tell you more, but I better shut up while I’m ahead. So, yeah! I’m mixed on this becoming a real job, although it is fun. I definitely could use the money. If I did...” He bit his lower lip thinking of what he had gotten away with tonight. “Would I be allowed to go as far as I did tonight ... every night?”

“I get thirty percent of your tips. Go for it!”

“Seriously? Jerking off on stage? Blown in front of everybody like Dom’s sister did to me?”

“You got your secrets; I have mine Kid. You level with me, I’ll level with you.”

“Meaning?”

“I pay off the cops with the percentages I take in from my big money dancers.” Yes, but she was also enticed by Watchtower’s influence. “Dom kills it every single day. Matter of fact, he’s in here tonight when this is his day off. The guy knows how to roll in the dough.”

“He’s here now? How have I not seen him?”

“Private dances. I give him his own hideaway.”

“I met Dom earlier today when he helped me put up tents for a birthday party next door to my aunt’s home. Scary dude but, I like the guy.” And his slave Kelly Herbert. Far more than Dominic obviously. “I didn’t warn him I’d be here tonight. I hope he doesn’t freak out.” Dead pause Mace bulged his eyes! “Crap! Is he going to strangle me for what his sister did?”

“Relax! You don’t know the Swillbilly. Dom does not freak out over anything. He makes his mind known when he feels the need. So does Serafina. He controls his lady but not his sister.”

“I can’t believe she sucked my dick in front of three hundred people or more. Made me nut then walked off like I didn’t exist. That’s just insane.”

“You’ll get better acquainted with Sera, I’m sure. She’s just testing you.”

“More tasting than testing.” He laughed! “Anyways, I’ll dance one day a week if you’re okay with that. At least for now! Only one request! Can I put it off for a couple of weeks? I made arrangements to drive up to Raleigh, North Carolina to visit my sister in Seminary School.”

“Seminary?” She chuckled! “Better not tell her your plan or she’ll be praying for your eternal salvation.”

“Not even! I don’t know why she thinks she can cut it as a minister. She’s as big of a slut as my aunt.” He gnashed his teeth! “I probably shouldn’t have mentioned that.” Shrugging he concluded it didn’t matter, Piper wouldn’t be offended. Monet definitely not. “I think my sister just wanted somewhere away from mom and dad to get her hands on.”

“She a looker?”

“Hot as fuck.” He laughed quickly showing Flossy a picture of Monet in a school uniform.

“Tell her if the church doesn’t work out, I got high ceilings in this place.”

“Now I guarantee she’d dance here if she was living in Nashville. Anyways, is that cool my starting date without a confirmed day?”

“I’ll work with ya, Macey.”

“Awesome! I feel like I need to do some damage control.” He paused with a deafening sigh. “When Serafina brought my friend Jolene down in front of me and I unloaded into her face accidentally, I think I might have ruined a friendship.”

“The girl danced with you, Travolta.” Flossy frowned at his naivety! “Wearing your facial even. How does that sound like any lost cause?”

“Wow! That’s true. She’s just distant. I think she likes me but it’s really hard to tell. Although, when Jin Zellers called her, she did drop by. Time will tell, I guess. Speaking of time, I better go. Aunt Piper and I are finishing decorations for a birthday party Saturday. We live next door to the birthday girls. Twins!”

“Nice! You have a good soul, Kid. Helluva pecker too! You might just give Dominic a run for his money.” Pondering her words she changed her mind. “Naaa! No competition! Dom slays it every single fucking night.”

“It looked like Svetlana did okay too.”

“You know, Hopak?”

“Of her, until tonight! I know her roommate Tessa.”

“The blond in the red dress Serafina claimed as her pet?”

“Uhhh? I don’t know.” He laughed! “Really?”

“Yeah, she came in with that Henry guy and they created chaos in my bar. Sera had that guy wearing a leash. Funny as hell even though he had my girls all over him. That whole master thing had them all crazy in the head.”

“Even Jin Zellers?” Mace was learning as much as he could while the info was flowing.

“She went to a football game that night. ZenZang only dances now and then for the extra cash ‘til she landed that coaching job.”

“Right! She did say tonight was going to be her last night. That is until Carl Manley told her to do both jobs.”

“You know Carl too?” Now Flossy was impressed!

“My aunt is the counsellor at Horton-Dexter. I’ve only met him twice I think.”

“Small world, Nashville! Yeah, Carl and my hubby go way back. God rest my Maury’s soul! Carl was in here today as a matter of fact.”

“Right! I was actually out in the parking lot earlier today. His son Jesse did the grocery shopping for the party this weekend. I transferred the stuff to my truck so he and Carl could drop in here.”

“You know everybody!” She squinted! “Good people, Kid!” Another photo from his cell showed off Piper. “It pays to know folks. Who is this?” Glasses on she again checked out his cell.

“My aunt Piper when she was an Atlanta Falcon cheerleader. Tell me she wouldn’t bring the roof down on this place. Oh, here is another kind of dressed up.”

“Is your whole family stripper material?”

“My aunt Bree.” He spun another picture of Piper’s baby sister on her motorcycle. “She’s in South Carolina going to law school. Lesbo biker babe but still hot as hell. Check out her girlfriend Shelby. Hotter than Jin Zellers even.” Shelby Woo was also Korean and amazingly gorgeous. “Here’s my mom.” He shared one final picture of Mona Cherry-Belmont.

“She looks like that actress who used to be married to Bruce Willis.”

“Everyone says that. Demi Whore!” He laughed! “Mom’s not wild though like the rest of her sisters. Religious!” Oh Mace! If you only knew what your mommy was like now. Her trip to North Carolina changed her entire outlook. Blame your daddy!

“She’s still got the looks though. Alright, Kid! Just let me know when you want to jump headfirst into the water. I’ll be waiting on your call.”

“Thanks, Ms. Taggart.” He stood up from his seat across from her desk. “Uhhh? Can I keep my pecker pouch?”

“All yours, Danny Zuko. By the way I liked your dance routine. I say keep the persona it’s a winner.”

“I’ll switch it up once I think of ideas. I was going to go with the cLone Ranger and wear a mask to protect my identity. Another time, I guess.” She did open her desk drawer and tossed him her punctured night mask.

“Here! Lacey gouged your eyes out and you didn’t even use it. Keep it! Defeats the purpose now.”

“Thanks!” He grinned and put it on just for laughs!

“Why cLone Ranger?”

“HA! Don’t laugh but I got some of those cloning kits from a hobby store. Made a few as GAG gifts for the twins. Their first ever dildo to call their own.” Wink! Wink!

“My birthday is next month.” She cackled slapping her desk. “Wrap yourself up in a bow, I’ll throw my own confetti.”

“You’re awesome! Don’t joke, I might just do that.”

“Who’s joking, rather be choking.” Eww! That thought ended the fun.

“Let me say peace out to the other dancers and get on home before Aunt Piper starts calling me.”

“Hurry back, Grease Monkey!”

“Grease Monkey?” He laughed at her edgy humor! “Grease! I get it! Bye, Ms. Taggart.”

“FLOSS!”

“Always do.” He showed his teeth to her. Shaking her head she waved him out of her backstage office. A mumble under her breath she ended her thoughts on her new recruit as, “I got some pubes you can use on those ivories.” Crazy ole’ bat!

Moving into the dancers changing area he found only Boots and Svetlana working on their makeup. Boots next to go up on stage he was sorely tempted to hang around and see her in action. Stepping up to them he leaned against Svetty’s station facing her. “I’m heading out, Hopak.” He chuckled. “Tell Tessa I said hi.”

“Tell yourself! You have number?”

“Actually, I don’t. Can I have yours too?”

“Line Busy!” She ignored looking right at him.

“She means get in line, Thud the Barbarian.” Boots giggled! “Her Sugar Dada is coming back to the club here soon; she’s just freshening up for her meal ticket.”

“You have a sugar daddy, Boots? Henry McKellen, maybe?”

“You know Henry?” Boots put her make up brush down.

“Not rich.” Svetty cut her off.

“Mind your business, Moscow.” Boots sneered at her. “Henry’s a sweetie. Free of charge if he wants me. So no, Thud ... no sugar daddy.”

“I set up with Sugar Dada’s business partners.” Svetty felt giving suddenly.

“Now that has promise.” Boots laughed! “I might need a good lawyer someday.”

“So, you’re seeing, Winslow Hardecker?” Mace attached focus on the very naked Russian. “How’s that going with his douchebag son, Knox?”

“Svetty annoyance!” Mace realized she meant petty. “Not care what he thinks.”

“I’m shocked he hasn’t hit on you yet. Ever see all the nude pics on his computer of my aunt, Josie, the twins, cheerleaders, Kelly Herbert, probably Mother Teresa? I bet he has you on there by now. I should have deleted his shit the day I tried making friends with him. That dude is evil.”

Svetty did look up at Mace for a rare moment studying his expression. “Sorry! Not trying to stir up trouble. I guess I just worry too much for my friends. Imagine how Kelly Herbert’s son Travis would feel knowing how ... hell, he’d probably want to be Hardecker’s best friend if it meant seeing all the nudes.” Pervert he was! “I’ll shut up now.” He waved goodbye and eased away.

“Zip code know! 668-4433.”

“Your number?” He asked Svetty.

“Co-pilot!” She still ignored looking at him any further.

“Oh! Tessa’s number. Cool! Thanks, Hopak. I’ll see you guys around.”

“668-7215!” Boots chimed in, “If you feel frisky.” He laughed and hurried to enter both numbers. “Send me a pic of your mace ... Mace!” He did just that while walking away, the photo he had sent the McKellen twins and their mother Josie two weeks ago, long before his cloned dildo gifts.

Boots hearing her friend Sonya’s set ending jumped up and followed Mace without looking at his delivered photo. Hugging him from behind she nudged him to the exit curtain, thing is the exit was blocked. Shoved dead center into a wall of muscle Mace collided without intention. Boots being his shock absorber from behind, tits softly crushing into his back made up for his crushed right cheek. Now if only that wall’s monster cock wasn’t pressed against his stomach.

Swallowing dryly, he lifted his gaze to see a beard brushing over his forehead. Dominic Black was coming in from his lap dance parlor to relax in peace a bit. Peering down at Mace he winced with recognition. “What are you still doing here?”

“Hey, Dom! Sorry for the head on collision. Literally!”

“Blame me!” Boots waved over Mace then slipped around them to take the stage. “Bye, Thud!”

“Bye, Boots!” He had to see her off properly, her twerking ass bobbing about was incredible. With Boots gone Dom pressed forward shoving Mace back into the dressing room.

“What’s this I hear you face-fucked my sister?”

“What? Wait! I didn’t ... she...!”

Dom suddenly chuckled! “Heard you took all my money.”

“You can have what I kept.” Mace trembled until Svetlana got up prepared to go mingle. Stepping behind Mace she too hugged him from behind.

“Baby Thud under my protection.” Dom shook his head at the blonde. “Be friends!”

“Uh huh!” Dom stepped around them to go change into his robe. “Flossil talk you into working here?”

“Uh? Is that okay?”

“Your business! Keep your pecker out of my baby sister.”

“I didn’t do that on purpose. She made me do it. Tell him Svetty!”

“Open mouth insert foot.” She grinned at Dom then patted Mace on his inseam, fingers gliding along his impressive length. “Close enough! We go before bear attack.”

“Hold on!” Mace turned to face Svetlana chest to chest, losing his voice at her amazing eyes exploring his. “Uhh?”

“You kiss?”

“I ... seriously?” He was so very tempted. “I better not. Winslow might...” She kissed him and he went with it until she broke away. “Wow!”

“You bring luck. I go make money now.” A pat to his cheek she took her leave to the curtain before turning to point at Dom. “No maul!”

“Go away!” Dom shook his head with a growl. Mace stood in awe of Svetlana’s succulent lips. Shivering just thinking that her mouth had undoubtedly sucked off Winslow his stomach knotted up. A brief thought on it he smiled. Worth it! Turning to follow her Mace heard a snarl. “NOT YOU!”

Freezing in step Mace grew some balls and twisted around to face the giant. Watching him naked Mace felt uneasy until he put on a speedo. “Why do you wear that knowing it can’t hold you in?”

“Quit starin’ at my junk. I’m not mad at ya! I know my sister can get out of hand. Kinda funny when you get down to it.”

“Tonight was just insane.”

“Welcome to the big time.” He patted his dick. “I’ve done worse up there since I been here. You had the ladies begging I hear. New meat usually does that. Careful of the cannibals.”

“Like Serafina?”

“Especially her. Don’t be surprised if she comes back for more.”

“Not scared! Hey! Thanks for not being pissed. I met Lacey and Gina...”

“You told me.”

“I guess I did. Can I ask a favor? Let’s not tell, Mister McKellen I came here and did that. I’m kind of dreading my aunt finding out.”

“Don’t worry about me, best worry about the dancers out there. Henpeck has them all worked up. Course, every guy works those gals up. Especially...” Again, he patted his eleven plus pecker.

“Do you think Kelly would look at me wrong for doing this? Me being friends with Travis?”

“Ain’t her concern. She’s got me to deal with. About today! Seeing her naked and all.”

“Dude! I’m cool! You’re not dumb you know I drool over Kel. I’m a guy!”

“Drool all you want. Henpeck and I decided to let you in on things but don’t go abusing our trust.”

“Meaning don’t tell people about the joint ownership?” Bombshell ginger Sonya crept in through the curtain behind Mace carrying her discarded outfit and bag of cash. Zipping his lip at her entry she bulged her eyes.

“Interrupting something?” She tossed her costume on a chair, sitting her bag down. Mace couldn’t help but stare at her full-frontal nudity.

“We’re done for now.” Dom put his robe on and tipped his Stetson on his forehead. “I gotta make my rounds. See you around, Newcomer!” As Dom headed out into the crowd, they instantly heard women screaming Dom Perignon. Mace had to laugh at the nickname.

“Everything, alright?” Sonya asked him.

“I’m great! Pep talk is all. I apologized for Serafina sucking my dick.”

“Can I be next?” She winked bashfully.

“If I had time.” He laughed! “I definitely want to feel your lips around my cock.”

“Which ones?” She slid her fingers down to her labia flirtatiously.

“Man, I wish I had time. Raincheck?” It was indeed pouring down outside.

“Always! We should perform on stage together sometime.”

“I start in a few weeks. One night a week to start, I’ll consider more days. Any ideas on what our act should be?”

“We could just fuck on stage.”

“That’s allowed?”

“Technically, no ... but I’ll make it happen if you’re willing. Jin Zellers did it last night. Took a whole lot of virginities that girl. Heck, you should just take turns with all the girls. I’m sure they would let you seduce them on stage.”

“Jin is smoking hot. Absofuckinglutely! All of them? Count me in!”

“Count me inches! Balls deep, no other way, Thud!” She razzed him then eased up to Mace to palm his tented jeans along the inseam. “Bigger the screams ... bigger the bank.”

“Fuck me!” He mumbled! Just like Svetlana had done earlier he stole a kiss, the redhead feeding on his desires. Three minutes in Heaven until they heard a cleared throat. Puckers ending Mace looked back at Jin Zellers.

“Don’t mind me I’m getting changed to go home. I’m going to drop by Jolene’s house to see how she’s holding up.”

Sonya patted Mace on the dick and turned away to do her thing. She knew he would come back for more sooner or later. After waving at Sonya, Mace turned his attention on the sweat glossed Jin as she dried off. Putting on her street attire consisting of a grey t-shirt and white threaded out shorts she prepared to go.

“About Jolene, is there any getting over that trauma? I hope she knows I didn’t plan on nutting in her face. I mean ... Flossy’s right, she did dance with us afterwards.”

“Jolene’s tough. Don’t sweat it. Let her come to you. Between us? She likes you but she’s in no hurry.”

“Really?” So many girls so little time. Franky! The cheerleaders! The McKellen twins! Bambi and Paula! The strippers! The Stinwicky sisters! More to come! “I’d date her as long as she understood it’s only a date. I’m not into getting serious with anyone. Uhhh?” He whispered, “Are you telling her about what we did when I first got here tonight?”

“Lap dance? No, but she knows me. She’s only been in here once before and back then we had to wear outfits until on stage. I think the ladies prowling nude and engaging kind of freaked her out tonight.”

“Does Jo know about the virgins last night?”

“Crap! No! I’ll deal with that when the time comes. Thanks for reminding me.”

“I don’t want her mad at you.”

“She won’t be. Stop worrying! I thought you had to help decorate.”

“Fuck! Yeah, I meant to leave thirty minutes ago. I don’t get why my aunt hasn’t called by now.” Busy with Ana Domingo!

“Walk me to my car?”

“Sure!” Leading the way Mace followed Jin out into the club. The reappearance of Mace sent the women crazy. Even Dominic Black felt their starvation and narrowed his eyes at Mace fending off the frenzy. Jin taking his hand as if a girlfriend kept a few at bay. Laughing all the way out the door they passed LouWanda and Big Peter. A fist bump to Pete and a devilish pinch to LouWanda the crossdressers ass made their night. After a bit of flirty banter Jin and Mace found the rain. Luckily, LouWanda offered them an umbrella. The walk across the parking lot Mace stayed by her side until she opened her driver’s side door. Tossing her bag inside she offered him a hug that was easily accepted.

“I guess maybe I’ll see you around.”

“I’ll drop by the school now and then to say hi.”

“You better. Couple of more football games still.”

“I’ll be out of town for at least one of those. Jin? About the lap dance...”

“To be continued!” She giggled! “Text me the night you start, and I’ll get a lap dance from you. See how the other half lives!”

“Definitely! Only one thing ... I’m finishing!”

“Can’t wait to feel that Jetstream.” She winked! “Go help, Piper! I need sleep before school tomorrow. Jolene might have to wait.” A yawn alluded to failure.

“Night, gorgeous!”

“Same to you, handsome.”

Lowering her umbrella, she got into her car, Mace gallantly closing her door for her. A wave goodbye he headed for his truck to avoid being drenched. Climbing in he let her back out and leave first. Starting his truck, he held off putting it in gear. “Better text Aunt Piper telling her I’m on my way.” A swift text later she replied with a photo of she and Josie cheek to cheek flipping their tongues out at him. By the looks of their narrow eyes, they looked lit up drunk.

“No wonder she hasn’t called. They look plastered. You bitches know where you can put those tongues.” He even went so far as to place the picture right up to his denim covered erection. “Man, I’m tired.” Looking straight ahead at the gym LIFT KITty’s he noted a sign in the window saying massages. “Now that is what I need.” Maybe tomorrow to ward off the rainy-day boredom. He had the cash now; his pockets were stuffed.

“Let’s take my studly ass home.”

10:00 PM! Taking a short step back in time. Piper Cherry’s home in Hooters Crossing.

“Knock! Knock!” Josie McKellen walked right back into Piper Cherry’s house knowing she was expected when she got there. Met by Piper’s dog Rotten she took a moment to bend and pet the pooch to keep him happy. “The Domingo’s leave?”

“Yes! In here!” Piper called out. “Grab some wine, I’ll be out in a minute.” She had been in the bathroom tinkling. Her Zinfandel polished off she required a pent-up release before drinking more. Feeling tipsy as it was, she sat there pondering her earlier thoughts on teasing her nephew, wondering if she should really ask Josie to help torture Mace when he got home. Not knowing when he would get back, she wiped, cleaned up and headed to the kitchen. Shuffling in wearing of all things a sheer nightie with nothing beneath but sexiness, lights shining bright and uncaring who saw, Piper eased up to her bestie and gave her a hug from the side. “You found the Rosie!” The red wine!

“Want some?” Josie smiled patting her friend’s butt cheek and kissing the one on her face.

“You know I do. Oh! You mean the wine.” She giggled! “Of course! I’m feeling good but hey I set my alarm clock before I end up passing out so I’m good.”

“Too drunk to put the rest of these decorations up?” The reason Josie went back home. She had a few additional decorative items in her basement. Good thing she didn’t go upstairs she might have busted her hubby with his daughter. The teaching had no end.

“Never! Just don’t get me back up on a ladder. I should have had Ana spend the night. I just didn’t want Mace to come home and overwhelm her. Her parents needed a night alone to rekindle passions.”

“I’m sure Ana is used to her parent’s lovemaking by now. I can climb. Where exactly is Mace? I thought he was helping us.” As if on cue Piper heard her cell ping in her hand.

“Not sure! He left a note saying he’d be back to help but late. How late I don’t have a clue. Hopefully before you go home. Speak of the Devil! He’s on his way. Quick pic ... cheek to cheek let’s razz him with our tongues.” An agreed goofiness they sent him the only reply he would get. “So where did you guys go tonight?” As if she didn’t know!

“You are tipsy.” Josie narrowed her eyes! “We took the girls for ice cream after Sable and Kelly got home from shopping. Piper?” Josie fidgeted a tad. “Am I a bad wife?”

“Does Henry think so?”

“No! He loves me dearly.”

“So why ask?”

“I just fucked Gavin Ruley behind the ice cream parlor. I had to potty and there he was. Henry and the girls were sitting outdoors in front of the place. I just can’t tell guys no.”

“Sounds fun. Unless Henry catches you and gets grumpy don’t sweat it.”

“What if the girls had seen me.” They had plenty to keep them occupied. “Not only do I feel like a bad wife but a bad mother too.”

“They didn’t see you. Just relax! If you were a bad parent, you wouldn’t be here to decorate.”

“I suppose you’re right. Henry is keeping the girls occupied so I could come here. Dakota asked to borrow my laptop to skype with Angus Furlong. I can only imagine how that visual can go.” She didn’t know of the first time on camera with Angus, Robin Banks and Tina Wiles, nor of Sable joining Dakota on the sly. “I feel like a bad example. They know so much of what I get away with at school. They swear they won’t tell Henry but someday it will all come out.”

“Overlook it, Pussycat.” She dirtied another glass for her red wine. Once poured she lured Josie into the living room.

“Why are you wearing a nightie? You know that you never hide anything.” Josie laughed!

“Felt like it is all. I already know Travis and Knox are watching me like hawks in heat so why stress out.” Taking a seat on the sofa she shut her television off for peace. “Listen, I have a favor which goes against my better judgment.”

“Oh?” Josie sat down at the other end putting her bare feet up on the seat and leaning her back against the arm rest. “Now I’m curious.”