Both Travis and Caine gave each other a knowing look. They both had made sure their women were going to be reminded during the breakfast to behave. I glanced at Sara who was also glimpsing in my direction. Our eyes made contact, and it almost seemed that we shared a sort of understanding. It was as if the fact that we both had just been spanked thoroughly bonded us in a bizarre way. We allowed the quick moment but both quickly looked away.
Travis was the first to speak. “Thank you both for having us over.”
Caine started to pass around the breakfast. “Thank you both for coming. We have some things we need to iron out,” he stated firmly.
“I agree,” Travis added. “Sara has something she would like to say to Neely. Am I right, Sara?”
Sara looked down for a few moments, clearly drumming up the courage to speak. “Neely, I shouldn’t have attacked you at the party. I’m not a violent person, and I have no idea what got into me.” She took a deep breath, looking at me squarely for the first time. “I want you to know that I will never lay a hand on you again.”
It wasn’t exactly an apology, but at least I knew that the next time I saw her, I wouldn’t need to prepare for battle. It was interesting to see that she didn’t smile, or add any fake syrupy charm. She didn’t want my forgiveness it seemed but rather was just letting me know she wouldn’t attack me again. I didn’t know how to feel exactly.
“I won’t call you a needy, crazy psychopath again,” I added.
Caine cleared his throat. It was obviously a warning to me that my answer was not sufficient enough. I knew it wasn’t exactly what Caine had in mind as an appropriate response. But it was clear from Sara’s comment and clear from mine, that we would be civil because we had to, not because we wanted to.
Travis laughed loud. “Well obviously, Caine, our women have no desire to form any sort of friendship. But I think they can both be in a room together,” Travis concluded.
Caine smiled. He looked at Sara and then he looked at me. “I guess that’s all we can ask for.” Caine looked solemnly at Sara. “Sara I owe you an apology. I cast you aside without any thought of your feelings. It’s something I have done my entire life. I was wrong, I was cruel, and I was inconsiderate of your heart. I’m sorry,” Caine apologized.
I was stunned to hear Caine apologize. I had no idea he had any remorse for how he treated Sara. Seeing the sincerity in his eyes made my heart melt. He genuinely felt bad for Sara. I looked at Sara who was sitting there dumbfounded. Tears were welling in her eyes, and she turned to Travis for reassurance. Travis patted her hand and lovingly smiled.
“Thank you, Caine,” Sara whispered. “But I’m glad you did, because I found love with Travis.”
For the first time, I saw something real in Sara. She was not trying to be something she wasn’t. She didn’t seem fake or artificial. There was something in the way she looked at Travis that was genuine. She looked human, vulnerable, and frankly, she didn’t look perfect. I suddenly respected the fact that she didn’t offer a fake apology or pretend that she was my friend. The Sara I knew would have laid it on thick in order to look perfect. I actually liked the Sara sitting across from me.
I noticed that Travis rubbed her back tenderly, acting as her strength during a difficult time. She just gazed at him lovingly. She didn’t throw herself on him like she did with Caine, and she didn’t act like the loony bitch I knew her to be.
“I’m glad you did. You deserve a good man like Travis,” Caine replied.
“Well, I bet you guys have a lot to do for the party so we’ll get going and see you two later tonight.” Travis stood and helped Sara out of her chair.
Caine and I both stood. “I’m glad we were able to calm the waters,” Caine said. “Travis, can I see you in the other room for a minute?”
Caine and Travis walked into the other room leaving Sara and me standing alone together. I braced myself for her claws to come out. We were alone, and this would be a perfect moment for her to lash out in a way only Sara could.
She looked at me knowingly. “I could see that Caine spanked you before our meeting.”
I was a little taken aback by the comment. It wasn’t mean or meant to be negative. It was just a simple statement. It felt odd to have someone else bring it up as if it were a normal piece of conversation.