Pushing the Envelope: A Prequel from "The Barter System" World Read Online Free PDF Page A

him.” 
    Saying nothing, Tawny led the way to the kitchen. 
    She started pulling cold cuts from the fridge.  She wanted to lighten the mood, talk about anything but the slow downward spiral of a man both of them loved. 
    “Riya, are you going to tell me what happened with the rocket scientist?”
    A strange shiver worked its way through her.  “We will not speak of him.”
    Pausing with the knife in her hand, she asked, “I need to cut a bitch or what?”
    “Nothing like that…he was so strange about sex, Tawny.”  The frown between her eyes smoothed.  “I think he has a thing for his sister or something.”
    One blink.  “You’re right.  Let’s not speak of him.  No need for me to puke up my guts before dinner.”  She sliced tomatoes and onions.  She felt Riya’s presence more than heard her approach.
    “Tawny…?”
    “Yes?”
    “Why won’t you talk to me about what’s going on?” 
    Turning her head, she looked at Riya. 
    “I know something isn’t right.  It hasn’t been right for a long time.”  She shrugged her shoulder.  “You do so much for me…I’m your best friend.  I want to help you if you need me.”
    “What do you think is going on?” she asked carefully.
    For a long moment, they stared at each other without speaking.  She watched as Riya inhaled deeply. 
    “I think you went through something…something bad.”  Her voice broke. 
    “Why would you think that?”
    “You’re different, more intense.  I won’t pry because I know you like to keep things private.  I just…I know you feel like losing Mom takes priority and there’s no doubt it broke my heart but you matter to me.  You’re here , Tawny.  I love you.” 
    Putting down the knife and wiping her hands, she held Riya’s shoulders.  “Something happened.  It was bad.  It was less than two years after Dalia died.  You were under so much stress.  I got through it, I’m okay.” 
    Tears tracked down her best friend’s cheeks.  “You can’t do that.  You can’t choose to only share the good things.  I have a right to be there for you, through the good and the bad, just like you are for me.”
    “I didn’t want you to worry and I didn’t want Mom to lose her shit.  The last three years have been rough on all of us.”  She shook her friend gently.  “If I hadn’t been sure I could get through it, I would have talked to you.”
    “What do you really do for a living?”
    Schooling her features, she asked, “What do you mean?”
    Riya rolling her eyes remained one of the funniest things ever.  “Give me a break.  Web design?”
    “I am awesome at web design, bitch.”
    “Agreed.  However, I’m pretty sure you’re not getting fucked up on the regular from setting up your latest health food website.” 
    She started to deny it but Riya wasn’t having it.  “You do not get bruises from your keyboard and pretending I’m dumb will get your ass kicked.”
    Sighing heavily, she said, “I do Civil War reenactments.”
    “Liar.”
    “No seriously, you should see me with a bayonet.  I’m one of the best they have.”
    “Tawny.  Tell me. ”
    “I’m a hacker.”
    “That rings of truth.  What else?”
    “Sometimes, I have hands-on assignments.”
    “Are you in danger?”
    “Only if I suck at my job.”
    The silence drew out between them and Riya never broke eye contact.  “Are you doing something good?”  Tawny nodded slowly.  “Will you tell me if you need help?” 
    “I will.” 
    “Anything happens to you and I’ll die.  I have a feeling I could have already lost you once already.  That’s terrifying.  Do you understand?  I won’t survive losing you.  You’re my other half.” 
    Hugging her tightly, Riya added, “Do your thing, make the world a better place, but always pick up the phone when I call so I know you’re okay.”
    She hugged her back hard enough to bruise.  “Thanks.”
    “Is there a man involved?”
    “Yes, but it isn’t