At Home In Corbin's Bend

by Maggie Ryan

  Venia nodded but still made sure everybody had what they needed, asking if she should make another pot of coffee.

  "Sit down," Lizzy said, patting the cushion of the couch. "We are all your friends, Venia. It's time to make your request."

  Venia nodded, once more looking around the room and seeing nothing but concerned faces. Taking a deep breath, she explained that her muse had evidently decided to take an extended leave of absence.

  "In other words, she's AWOL and I need help. Lizzy had a great idea which was to ask you to help suggest a different direction. I've been quite successful in romance, however, perhaps I've scraped the bottom of that barrel. I'm asking for you to suggest another avenue."

  When she finished her spiel, body language relaxed as people finally understood that their friend wasn't seriously ill. "Well, what about something historical?" Ever suggested. "You said once that the secret of a good story was research. It could be a lot of fun to go back in time and write about a different era."

  Shaking her head, Venia spoke again. "That's another thing. My publisher is already on me about my looming deadline. I'm supposed to have the book done in the next few weeks. That doesn't give me a lot of time to do research."

  "So, go ahead in time," Jonathon suggested. "A time travel book. That way, you can skip the research as the future is unknown. You'd get to make everything up and no picky reviewers could catch you out on whether or not some character's clothing or hairstyle fit the book's time period."

  "Or what about something having to do with some folk-lore or perhaps an urban myth? You know, turn some campfire story into a book, and give it a new twist or something." Violet's suggestion drew a few exaggerated shivers as if memories of being scared out of their minds around some fire were being relived.

  Several other suggestions were made, including mystery and true crime drama, but it wasn't until someone mentioned thriller that Venia perked up. "Oh, I've always loved thrillers. Not a slasher book or anything, I don't think I could write about that. But, you know, a medical thriller. No, wait! What about this!" Venia's face had turned animated, bringing smiles to the others' faces. "With all the recent biotechnology scares, you know bird flu, Ebola, anthrax, etc. a great many people think the end is coming where we all start just collapsing in the streets, gasping our last breath. Of course, I'm not saying there won't be some cure found, but I can see a lot of build up before some brilliant scientist convinces the government that he has discovered the key."

  "Or she," Dina interrupted. "Why can't it be a woman who saves the world for once?"

  Venia looked at the young woman and grinned. "Of course it could be, sweetie. I mean look at Marilyn, she was a CEO, and our Violet is a lawyer. Both Quincy and Ange own very successful businesses. I know women are intelligent and quite capable of saving the world, but how many really know about science?" When a snorting sound caused her head to turn to Violet to see her pointing at Dina, the lightbulb went off.

  "Dina!"

  The shouted word had Dina practically jumping up from the cushion she was sitting on. Venia realized the volume was a bit too loud. "I didn't mean to startle you, honey, but I need you!"

  "Me?" Dina asked, looking around at the others.

  "Why yes, I mean, you are a real scientist. You work in a lab and everything!"

  Dina shook her head. "Wait a minute. I want to help but, Venia, it took me a long time to find a job because I did not want to work in a lab that made germs or bombs or things that could have some psycho considering they'd be perfect in some horrific terror attack. I work in the environmental area. We research things like water purity, ground leakage, or chemical impact on the environment done by big corporations. Heck, we even study how insect populations are changing in order to make sure our forests and crops continue to flourish."

  Venia waved her hand in the air. "I'm not asking you to grow anthrax or whatever, I'm just asking you for a possible direction. The rest of the research I can do elsewhere. I'd really appreciate the help."

  Dina still appeared a bit stunned but Venia's heartfelt request had her answering, "Okay, I'll see if I can come up with anything." Turning her head, she giggled. "And, since Violet works in environmental law she is also an expert."

  The evening ended with them deciding on their next book. It promised to be entertaining as it dealt with a set of naughty twins getting caught exchanging places. Retribution appeared to be swift and true if the pinkened bottom cheeks peeking out beneath panties on the cover were offering a glimpse of what might be written on the pages. Venia thanked Ange again for supplying the refreshments.

  "Anytime, Venia," Ange said as she gave her a hug. "Good luck and remember, if you get stuck or need a friend, you know where you can come for help. If the story is juicy enough, there just might be an éclair with your name on it."

  "Bribery might not work on some people, but if we are talking chocolate, count me in and I won't even tattle to Jim that you are using sugar to blackmail me." The two women laughed as Ange rubbed her behind.

  Lizzy was the last to go. "I told you they'd not let you down."

  "As always, I listen to my mentor and all is well." Venia smiled and gave her best friend a hug. "But more importantly, I listen to my friend and my soul no longer feels frozen in fear of never writing again."

  Chapter 4

  Oh, God, you are the devil incarnate," Dina moaned even as she reached for a maple iced donut covered with colorful sprinkles. "Hey!"

  "If I'm the devil, then I shouldn't be sharing my sweets," Jeffrey said as he flipped the box closed.

  "I'm sure you misheard, Dr. Humphries. I'm pretty sure I said you are devilishly incredible." Dina made an exaggerated pouty face.

  "And I'm pretty sure that face doesn't even work on Brandon," Jeffrey said, chuckling as he lifted the lid again. "However, since I'm attempting to bribe you, I'll let it slide."

  Dina plucked the donut from the box, setting it on a small plate. The two were in the lounge down the hall from their lab. Jeffrey found it made for a good start of the week to take the time to share coffee and outline what was on the schedule. Some weeks the meeting was rushed due to the amount of work needing to be done. However, there wasn't any crushing deadline looming. He had plenty of time to bribe his lovely co-worker before asking for a favor.

  "Bribery might require two donuts," Dina pointed out as she stirred cream into her coffee mug before taking it and her plate to a nearby table.

  "That's why I bought a dozen, but be sure to grab it before the technicians get in," Jeffrey suggested. "I'm sure you remember from your own experience that college kids love freebies."

  Dina laughed and nodded. "That's because if they are anything like me, they don't even really think about food unless it appears in front of them. Who has time to pay attention to eating when you've got such a demanding schedule? I mean, I loved all the demands that lab work entails, but had very little spare time and certainly didn't want to spend it cooking."

  Taking the other chair, Jeffrey took a sip of his coffee. "I'm glad to hear you say that, Dina. It's refreshing to see a young person so enthusiastic about her love of science. Don't you think it is vital that as a scientist, especially a female scientist, it's important to plant that seed of curiosity in others?"

  Dina looked across the table, the tip of her tongue reaching out to grab an escaped sprinkle that had caught in the corner of her mouth. "You know, Dr. Humphries, I did take both psychology and sociology. You don't have to butter me up." She giggled and nodded towards the donut box. "Besides, you've already admitted you are bribing me. What's up? Got a hot date and you want to skip work Friday to take her off for some romantic weekend?" Leaning forward and lowering her voice, she whispered, "If so, I'd cover for you without the donuts. You definitely deserve a bit of recreation—or since you'd be the one swinging the paddle, would that be considered as relaxation?"

  Jeffrey almost spewed his coffee. God, he adored this woman. Not only was she brilliant, she was enthusiast
ic for life as well as science. Still, her question had him wondering if it were that apparent that he had been thinking more and more about the woman he didn't have.

  "We'll let that remain a mystery," he chided, actually standing to retrieve the donut box. He very rarely partook of sweets, but today was one of those days. Choosing a cake donut with fresh coconut on top, he passed the box to her.

  "I shouldn't," Dina said, "I ate one of Ange's humongous cupcakes at the book club meeting this weekend. But since you went to all this trouble." Another donut landed on her plate and then she gasped.

  "Are you okay?" Jeffrey asked, his eyebrow lifting as her face colored.

  "Um, yes, I just thought of something."

  "Something that can be shared?" he asked, returning to his chair.

  Dina took a moment before answering, biting into her second donut. "I'll do whatever you need," she said, avoiding answering his question directly. "You know I respect you both as my boss and a friend. If you need help, I'm in. I'll do anything I can to help you."

  Jeffrey had not been born yesterday. In fact, he hadn't even been born a week ago. It didn't take a psychology degree to know she was withholding something. "Careful, Dina, a lot of men would take that to mean far more than you wish it to." When her cheeks blushed, he grinned. "Fortunately for you, I'm not one of those men. I'm actually not the only one that needs your help." He spent the next few minutes telling her about Charles's call and his requests.

  "I realize it will involve some time but we can work something out so you aren't overloaded."

  Dina wiped her mouth and then shook her head. "Don't be silly. My time is no more valuable than yours. Besides, I think it will be fun. I remember science fairs and agree that it is a great way to draw kids in."

  "Are you sure? Maybe you should discuss it with Brandon."

  "Brandon would say go for it. He loves kids as well so this is nothing but a win-win. We get to help the community and the kids and we get to remember the fun side of science."

  "I'm sure Charles will appreciate your enthusiasm. In fact, he did ask if we could come up with a demonstration as well."

  Grinning, Dina nodded. "We can. There are all sorts of fun things like that Mentos and Soda Pop rocket, or we could always do the erupting volcano—but, then again, that will probably be some kid's experiment. I'll do some internet research and see what we come up with."

  "Great. The committee meeting is Wednesday night at the dome. We're meeting with some of the teachers, a few volunteers and Charles and Violet should be there as well."

  "I'll be there."

  "Thanks, Dina, I appreciate your enthusiasm." Jeffrey finished his coffee and stood just as three technicians entered, spying the donut box and barely remembering to mumble hello before the lid was open and donuts were filling mouths.

  "Oh, I do need to ask you something," Dina said as she threw away her napkin and washed her plate and mug in the sink. "Here, I'll wash yours for you."

  Handing her his mug, he leaned against the countertop. "How come I'm a bit suspicious that you agreed too quickly?"

  "Doctor, I've no idea. I'd just like to bounce a couple of theories off of you," Dina explained, drying her hands on a towel.

  "About our work?" he asked as they left the lounge and walked down the hall to the lab.

  "No, not really. More like just discussing hypotheticals. We can talk about it later. I'm anxious to get back to those petri dishes." Dina shrugged into her lab coat and pushed the tiles to the 'in' position.

  "That's what I mean," Jeffrey said as he unlocked the lab refrigerator and pulled out the tray to place it on her counter. He turned back to pull out the tray of specimens he had been working on. "If you could bottle that enthusiasm and sell it at the science fair, I'd bet more kids would concentrate on the sciences. Don't you agree?"

  He looked back towards her work station and had to grin. She was already bent forward, her eyes pressed to the eyepieces of the microscope, once more lost in the science. Shaking his head, he moved towards his own work station wondering what possible hypotheticals the young woman wanted to discuss.

  Jeffrey didn't even think about Dina's strange request until that evening when he called Charles to let him know the young woman was on board. "She appears excited about the whole process and is going to do some research before the meeting on Wednesday."

  "That's great," Charles said. "The more options the better. I think the committee will be a good one this year."

  "Is a committee really necessary?" Jeffrey asked as he uncapped a bottle of beer and dropped into his recliner. "This is beginning to sound far more formal than a school project."

  "Not formal, just structured a bit. We want to let the kids know we support them so we make it a bit of a big deal. You were at that conference last year so I guess you didn't see all the posters and banners advertising the fair. I'd guess that most everyone in the Bend came out to see what the kids had done."

  "Great, now I feel even more pressure to make sure it all goes well," Jeffrey mock-complained though in truth, he felt a bit of pride that science was being given such attention. "Who else besides Dina and I are on this committee?"

  "A representative from each school, of course. Zachary Cunningham for the elementary, Stephanie Heirland who is Principal of the middle school and Bethany Angel who is a teacher at the academy. Jonathon is in charge of our community volunteers who will help with the logistics of getting everything set up. Violet and Ever Montgomery worked with the kids to get the artwork done for the posters and stuff. They are having t-shirts made with the winning logo and they'll be for sale at the fair. Ange will have baked goods for sale and I believe the Pit, you know that great new BBQ place, is going to set up a booth to sell sandwiches and stuff."

  "Good Lord, all I remember about my own science fairs are those three sided poster board displays and the majority of the attendees walking around as fast as they could with bored expressions."

  Charles's laugh rang through the phone line. "No one can ever say Corbin's Bend doesn't support their youth. It's more like a street fair, and if you don't want to bore everybody, I suggest you and Dina make sure the committee stays on track with creative ideas. You'll be in charge for the most part. Any conflicts will be resolved within the committee but you'll have the final say."

  "I guess I'll do a bit of research myself," Jeffrey said as he set aside his beer and pulled his laptop onto his knees. "God help us if we can't find something to keep the people interested."

  "That's the idea," Charles agreed. "I'll let you go and we can catch up after the meeting. Don't forget, dinner this weekend."

  Jeffrey assured him that he wouldn't forget and spent the next couple of hours skimming over websites that offered ideas for science projects. He shook his head as he recognized most of the ones listed. Maybe Charles was right. If the websites were any indication, the same projects had been presented year after year and it was most definitely time to stir things up. He hoped that his enthusiastic lab partner was finding better suggestions.

  Thinking of Dina had him remembering her rather vague question on hypotheticals. She hadn't mentioned them again and he wondered what she might have been alluding to. Shutting down his laptop, he finished his beer and headed to bed. Stripping off his clothing, he slid between the sheets and not for the first time, found the king sized bed a bit lonely. Turning onto his back and staring up at the ceiling he decided it was time to become more active in his search for someone to share his life. He might be in his fifties but he was still alive, damn it. If he couldn't find a partner within this community, why was he even here? Determined to get out of the rut he found himself in, he made a decision. He'd go into Denver and use his membership at a select spanking club. Even if the women weren't interested in a long-term relationship, at least they were willing to climb across his knees to have their backsides reddened. Too bad adults weren't entering the fair—a study on how long a lovely plump bottom took to turn various shades of red under a wide va
riety of implements would be sure to draw a lot of attention and he'd be willing to bet there wouldn't be a bored look among the crowd. It was with a smile on his face and an itch on his palm that he drifted off to sleep.

  Chapter 5

  Venia cornered Dina as she entered the dome for the committee meeting. "Well?"

  "Well what?" Dina asked as she set her purse down on one of the chairs around the table that had been set up for the meeting.

  "You know what," Venia said, her hands going to her hips. "I've been dying to know what ideas you've come up with."

  Dina placed a fat file folder on the table before looking around the room. "I'm guessing you aren't talking about the projects?"

  "Not unless you've found one that I can turn into some best-selling thriller. Time is ticking away, Dina, and my publisher won't be happy if I keep putting him off." Venia shook her head and gave a very dramatic sigh. "And, unfortunately, all I'll get for doing so is a long winded lecture on how it is necessary to keep any fans interested by offering them a new book."

  Dina's giggle told Venia the young woman understood. Lizzy was Dina's mentor and the young woman also confided in Venia. Though all three were the TIH of any relationship, only two were assured that any lack of responsibility on their part would have them paying with a nicely heated bottom. "I'm sorry, honey," Venia said as she reached out to hug Dina. "I don't mean to be all demanding and grouchy. I'm just a bit unsettled lately."

  "No need to apologize," Dina said, her face lighting with a smile. "I've been working on a plan."

  "Really? Tell me," Venia demanded.

  "Okay, let's get started."

  Those weren't the words Venia was waiting to hear and definitely hadn't come from Dina's mouth. Turning, she saw a man walking into the room followed by Jonathon, Charles and Violet. Though she didn't know his name, he did look vaguely familiar.