Free Exposure by Elizabeth Lister Page A

seemed like a purposeful omission.
    On the other hand, my present reaction proved that he had a valid concern. He didn't want me to know because he didn't want that knowledge to alter my feelings for him. I didn't want it to. But it would take some adjustment at the very least.
    I had a sudden urge to call Frankie. Simon answered the phone.
    "Hi Simon, it's Martin. How are you?"
    "Hey Martin. I'm good, I'm good. How's the 'hunkilicious' new boyfriend?"
    I scratched my head. "Uh, that's kinda what I need to talk to Frankie about."
    "Okay, I'll get her."
    "Thanks."
    It didn't take long for Frankie to get to the phone. "Martin? What's going on?"
    "Hi Frankie. Can you meet me for coffee? I really need to talk to you about something." I shoved my free hand in my pocket and fiddled with some loose coins.
    "Oh, Martin. He didn't dump you did he? I swear, I'll--"
    "No Frankie, it's nothing like that."
    "Then, what--"
    I walked over to the window and looked out at the overcast sky. "I can't talk about it over the phone."
    "At least I know you're not pregnant."
    "Very funny. I'm not laughing."
    "Sorry. Yeah, I can meet you. Is Jeremy okay?"
    "Not really." I turned back into the room. "I'll meet you at the coffee shop on McLaren."
    "Okay. Give me twenty minutes."
    I walked to the coffee shop, figuring the exercise would do me good and I had twenty minutes anyway. My legs, arms, and abs were sore from my workout, so it helped to get moving.
    I got a coffee and sat at a table to wait for Frankie. I glanced at the young women working at the coffee bar and wondered if they knew Jeremy. He didn't work at this location, but maybe they had events and stuff, I don't know. Did his coworkers know he had MS?
    Frankie showed up on time. She had a worried look on her face when she caught sight of me. She came right to my table without bothering to get a drink.
    "Don't you want a coffee?" I said.
    She shook her head as she took off her coat and sat down. "What's going on?"
    I hesitated. "Jeremy has Multiple Sclerosis."
    She stared at me for a moment. "Okay. He told you he has Multiple Sclerosis?"
    "Not exactly. He stayed with me last night. He woke up in the night and he could barely stand." I leaned forward. "Frankie, it was terrifying."
    Her face reflected my fear and panic of last night. "Oh, Martin...is he okay?"
    I shook my head. "I don't know. I wanted to take him to Emergency but he didn't want to go. He went back to bed and when he woke up later on, he was somewhat better. But he still can't walk properly. He needs a cane. He has a cane, Frankie."
    She stared at me. "He does?"
    "Yeah, he said he was in a wheelchair three years ago, but got better and needed a cane for awhile."
    "Oh, geez."
    "I took him home and he's going to try to see his doctor on Monday." I put my head in my hands. "It was just such a shock...we had the best time yesterday--" I suddenly remembered our workout at the gym.
    "What?"
    "I wonder if that's why his legs are bad...we went to the gym together and I think he was showing off. He jogged on the treadmill for an hour."
    She nodded with the hint of a smile. "That's cute."
    I blushed and shifted in my seat. "And then we..." I couldn't look at her. "...we did some kinky stuff when we got to my place..."
    "And I need to know this because?"
    I looked at her and I knew my face had gone pale. "Frankie, I thought I'd hurt him. When he woke up later in such bad shape I thought...I thought we'd taken things too far and..."
    She held her hands up. "Whoa, Martin...I can't believe I'm asking but...what exactly did you guys get up to?"
    Holy shit, this is so embarrassing . But I had to tell her. I had to tell somebody. I had to reassure myself that I hadn't done anything wrong.
    "Uh, well, he told me he liked to be spanked..." My voice was barely above a whisper.
    She stared at me. Then she put a hand over her mouth to hide a smile. "Wow. That's kind of funny. And kind of hot." She shook her head. "That little devil. Corrupting my