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didn’t. I didn’t really understand what she meant then, but I came to. Men have a drive. A drive that no respectable woman could meet. I’m surprised you didn’t learn that before you met Marina, you being with men and all.”
    “I learned that a lot of people have strong sex drives, but part of what makes us human is our ability to control our urges. We’re not solely driven by instinct.”
    “Of course not. But we’re not very far away from barnyard animals. A bull might have sex three hundred times a year, but he sure as heck isn’t with the same cow. I don’t know what Parker does when he’s away from home, and I will never, ever ask.”
    Stunned again, Callie said, “Really? You’re not even curious?”
    “Not at all,” she said, making all sound like two syllables. “I think part of your problem is that you talk about these things too much. ” She reached out and touched Callie’s hand, squeezing it gently. “Marina is very much like her daddy. If you let her have her head, she’ll be wonderful when she’s back in the paddock.”
    Callie wasn’t sure what part of this barnyard discussion was making her head spin, but she’d had all of it she could take. She stood up. “I’m being a terrible hostess. What can I get you to drink?”
    “Oh, nothing, sweetheart. I’m going to go by our house, fix myself up, and meet a friend for some shopping.” She lowered her voice as though someone were listening. “There isn’t a thing to buy in Austin.”
    Urging Fawn towards the front door, Callie put a hand on her shoulder. “I truly appreciate your coming by. I think it’s great how much you care about Marina.”
    Fawn gave her a robust hug, enveloping her in a cloud of floral perfume. “ I care about you too. You’ve probably never suspected this, but Parker and I had a hard time accepting some of Marina’s choices.”
    Most of the Metroplex knew that the Boltons were devastated when Marina came out to them, but it wouldn’t do any good to try to relieve Fawn of her delusions. Callie merely nodded.
    “But both Parker and I love you. You’re exactly the type of person that Marina needs. You’re so much more understanding than the women she’s been with before.”
    Understanding or a sucker? Being understanding wasn’t a fault. Being a sucker was. Marina couldn’t push her that far. Self-respect was something she’d never give up. For anyone. “I appreciate that,” Callie said, making herself smile. “I’ll certainly consider everything you’ve said.”
    Fawn patted her on the cheek and started for the door, turning one last time to say, “Don’t forget about how they keep that bull happy.”
    “Oh, I can honestly say that I’ll never forget that.” Even though I’ll try.

    *

    On Monday morning, Callie was sleeping peacefully when she was startled awake. The bedroom was dark, but there was just enough light to see a figure standing in the doorway. She was trying to find the breath to scream when she heard what sounded like a sob.
    A rough, hoarse voice murmured, “It’s me.”
    “Oh, dear God.” She tried to convince her heart that it had nothing to fear, but it didn’t believe her and continued to race. “I tried to scream and nothing came out.”
    Marina approached the bed tentatively. “I’m so happy you’re here,” she whispered. “I was sure you were going to be gone.”
    Callie sat up and pushed her hair from her eyes, confused by the darkness. “What time is it?”
    “Uhm…six forty-five.”
    “There aren’t any flights that get you in at this time of day. Where’ve you been?”
    “I was scheduled to come home this morning, but I knew I’d never be able to sleep, so I caught the last flight to Los Angeles, then got the redeye that left LA at one a.m. For a change we were right on time.”
    Drily, Callie said, “Maybe that should be your new schedule.” Part of her wanted to bash Marina’s head in, but another part—a part she couldn’t make sense