Blackness started creeping around the edges. Her legs gave way and she started to collapse. Ed grasped hold of her, picking her up. She thought about fighting him, but she didn’t have the strength.
She hated this. Hated being so weak.
He sat and tucked her up tightly in his embrace. Her panic started to ease at the feel of his arms around her.
“I wanted to provide a safe place for Littles,” Aunt Marie said, kneeling in front of her. “Where they could come without judgment. This is a safe zone. Nothing that happens here will ever be spoken about by me. I know what it’s like to be judged for my needs. I’ve been a Mommy for years.”
She was?
Safe zone?
Judgment?
“Just breathe slowly for me. I promise. No one will ever know you were here. I’d take your secret to my grave.”
She didn’t know this woman. Didn’t know that she could trust her. But there was sincerity in her gaze.
“That’s it,” Aunt Marie said. “Nice and slow.”
Gradually, her breathing started to ease. Aunt Marie’s words and the tight hold Ed had on her, helping to ground her.
“The Littles and their caregivers in this town rely on me to be discreet. They trust me. I’d never betray that. Okay?”
She managed to nod.
Aunt Marie turned her gaze up to Ed. “I can’t believe you didn’t explain this all to her before bringing her here, Edward Michael Granger.”
Ooh. Full name. Big Daddy was in trouble.
How was it possible that her Little was coming out? She could still feel the remnants of the panic attack. She was trembling, she felt ill.
“Fuck, I’m sorry,” Ed said.
“Language,” Aunty Marie scolded. She turned her gaze back to Georgina and her face softened. “I know that you don’t know me. But I promise, no one will know you were here.”
“S-sorry for the freak-out.”
“Don’t call it a freak-out,” Ed grumbled. She felt him press a kiss to her head. “And this is my fault, not yours. Fuck, I can’t believe I didn’t think to explain. I wanted it to be a surprise and instead, I caused you to have a panic attack.”
“You d-didn’t know I’d react like that.”
“I’m going to leave you alone. Call me back when you need me.” Aunty Marie stood. “Although I do have a few suggestions if anxiety is something you need help with?”
She stiffened then let out a breath. “It is.”
Aunt Marie nodded then leaned down and whispered to Ed.
“Thanks, Aunt Marie. We’ll call you back when we’re finished.”
She gave Georgina a small smile. “Nice to meet you, sweetheart
. Have some fun now, okay?”
Fun? She wasn’t so sure after that.
But she was here now. Aunt Marie had seen her freak out. It wouldn’t make any difference if she was just to walk out without looking around.
Aunt Marie left as quietly as she’d arrived. What did she say? Should she apologize? She’d probably embarrassed him, right? Freaking out like that in front of his friend.