He'd heard the 'almost made it' stories from Jim a number of times. But, they were fraternity brothers, bound to mutual understanding, and Rich was a ...patient man."Well, what happened this time?" he asked.Jim drew a deep breath."I was dating this girl named Hildy for most of the summer. In fact, I just saw her night before last. She's a receptionist at the company I worked for last summer." A working girl," Rich proclaimed, "sounds promising." It was," Jim went on. "One night I had her in my. ? I was a little surprised at myself. I definitely wasn't a small woman at 38-30-36,but most certainly smaller than Jack. I couldn't believe I had actually usedforce on him and it worked. He was lying on the bed, with a complete look ofshock. It was cute, having a grown man potentially at your complete mercy,and I wanted to eat him alive. The frustration, years of pent-up tension andsexual deprivation drove me crazy with lust and a certain controlled sexualrage. It did not take me long to be. "Thanks for taking me swimming, Tony," said Megan."Not at all. I forgot that playing in the water is very different than swimming laps. I liked it, thanks for dragging me there." You know, it's not fun wheedling you into doing things I like any more. I used to have to negotiate, now all I have to do is smile at you and you do what I want."Tony put the book away, and smiled down at Megan. "If you want, I will start negotiating again." He played with Megan's moist hair. "But you have to promise. " She looked Ellen in the eyes again. "But I didn't punish anybody, but myself." She took another shuddering deep breath."Nicole was right. I have a new life. I'm going to find dignity wherever I can. I'm a whore. I'm going to be the best damn whore there ever was." She smiled wanly, determination written all over her face. "I'm going to find satisfaction helping anyone I can, anytime I can, teaching, working, helping, just being there."Ellen nodded approval. They sat in companionable silence.