“That sounds like details that would’ve made my head hurt. I can’t thank you enough for doing all that,” I said and meant it.
“It wasn’t me, believe me. If it weren’t for Jack Mass, we would have had a problem. I guess it’s true what they say about teachers. Those who can, do, and those who can’t, teach.”
“That bad, huh?” I asked.
“No, not really. I’m just a little frustrated that everything has to be a learning experience instead of someone pointing out in advance where we might run into trouble on this project. If we were charging by the hour, I would be embarrassed by everything we had to redo,” Cindy admitted.
“I bet you’ve all learned a lot, though.”
“We really have. Everyone’s excited about the opportunity. Not all the projects the school offers as internships each year hit so many aspects of the field. Most of the projects are largely theoretical in that they create presentations, and the professors judge them.
“This is a real project that has everything from remodeling to new construction, landscaping, and engineering challenges. I also get to list you as a reference for when I go looking for a job or start my own design company.”
“When you get done with this project, I might have a few others. I just picked up a condo here, and others in New York, Canada, Greece, and Monaco. I haven’t seen them yet, so I have no idea if they need anything,” I said.
“Would you be willing to let us do another internship on one of them?” she asked.
“Do you want the university to ‘help’ you again?” I asked, emphasizing the word ‘help.’
“It all depends, I guess. I would have to see the sites.”
“Caryn is going to the one in Canada for a vacation. Call her and ask her to take pictures for you. I’m sure I can get someone to check out the one in New York. I may jet off to either Greece or Monaco, but we’ll see. The one here in LA is currently leased and won’t be available to do anything with until the end of June,” I said.
“Could you get someone to take pictures?” she asked.
“It’s Zander Lewis’s place. You might be able to go on Instagram and see if he posted any pictures. I honestly don’t want to talk to him.”
“Could you get me his number? I’m not afraid to call him,” she said.
I reminded her that he tried to have his way with Halle and Brook. Then I suggested that if she go to see him, I would send one of my security people with her. She wasn’t as excited after that.
“Tell me what you taught my boys on Friday,” I said to change the subject.
She laughed.
“I’m starting to believe boys are clueless when it comes to sex.”
“That’s why I asked my brother for help. For your information, boys are clueless about way more than that. Plus, there’s only so much you can learn from porn.”
“Yes. Unfortunately, porn isn’t real life. I think Wolf believed that just because he’s well endowed, girls should be moaning as soon as he tried to force it in. I had to have a long discussion about anatomy and what a woman does and doesn’t respond to.”
“Well, I still don’t get the whole cuddling routine afterward. I think a good nap is in order,” I teased.
“Yes, we had to talk about that, too. All I can say is that you were an apt pupil and can probably get away with a nap. Wolf and Tim, not so much.”
“Yeah, I have a gift,” I said, anticipating her inevitable retort.
“A gift of BS, you mean. I’m sure there’s more you still need to learn,” she warned me.
“I was just kidding,” I agreed. “Do my boys have any hope?”
“From what Sarah and Tami said …”
“LALALALALA … I don’t want to hear it!” I complained.
“When are you going to figure out that Tami isn’t dating you anymore?”
“She never was,” I said to clarify, “but I still don’t want to hear about it. It took me a while to figure out that we might never get together, and it was work to see her dating. Seeing her with Tim, I at least know she’s with a nice guy.”
“I bet you could win her back.”
I wasn’t sure if Cindy was serious or just giving me a hard time.
“Not happening. I love Brook, and Tami’s happy. I’m over it.”
“Wow. I almost believe you.”
“Believe it,” I said. “Brook has my full attention, and I’m really happy dating her.”
“Okay. But I remember how the two of you were growing up. If I recall correctly, it about killed you when you thought your brother had dated Tami over the summer you were at your uncle’s farm. I’m glad to see that you’ve matured enough to want to be friends with her and have the other stuff not be a problem.”
“Speaking of growing up, I’ve been pondering something,” I said.
“Well, ponder away, my friend.”
“You remember what we did with Isabel and Groper at the party?” I asked.
“Groper?” she asked.
“Sorry, I don’t even know her name, so I had to call her something. What’s surprising is that when I call her that, everyone knows who I’m talking about. I guess it’s bad form to have sex with someone and not ask,” I said, a little ashamed of myself.
Cindy laughed.
“Well, that makes two of us,” she admitted. “So, you have questions about the bondage stuff?”
