Read The Witness for Free Online Page B

caused the reaction. He wanted her, when no one ever had.
    “What you do to me,” he whispered in her ear. “Your taste, your scent.”
    “It’s pheromones.”
    He looked down at her, brow knitted. “Is what?”
    “Nothing.” She pressed her face to his shoulder.
    She knew the alcohol impaired her judgment, but she didn’t care. Even knowing the reason she didn’t care was because of the impairment, she lifted her face again. This time she initiated the kiss.
    “We should sit,” he said after a long moment. “You make my knees weak.”
    He held her hand as they walked back to the table. Julie, eyes overbright, face flushed, popped to her feet. She teetered a minute, laughed, grabbed her purse.
    “We’ll be right back. Come on, Liz.”
    “Where?”
    “Where else? The ladies’.”
    “Oh. Excuse me.”
    Julie hooked arms with her as much for balance as solidarity. “Oh my God. Can you believe it? We like got the hottest guys in the club. Jesus, they’re so sexy. And yours has that accent. I wish mine had the accent, but he kisses so much better than Darryl. He practically owns the club, you know, and like has this house on the lake. We’re all going to get out of here and go there.”
    “To his house? Do you think we should?”
    “Oh, we should.” Julie shoved open the bathroom door, took a look at the line for the stalls. “Typical, and I really have to pee! I’ve got such a buzz! How’s your guy—does he kiss good? What’s his name again?”
    “Ilya. Yes, he’s very good. I like him, very much, but I’m not sure we should go with them to Alex’s house.”
    “Oh, loosen up, Liz. You can’t let me down now. I’m totally going to do it with Alex, and I can’t go over there with him alone—not on the first date. You don’t have to do it with Ilya if you’re all virginal.”
    “Sex is a natural and necessary act, not only for procreation but, certainly in humans, for pleasure and the release of stress.”
    “Get you.” Julie elbowed her. “So you don’t like think I’m a slut for doing it with Alex?”
    “It’s an unfortunate by-product of a patriarchal society that women are deemed sluttish or cheap for engaging in sex for pleasure while men are considered vital. Virginity shouldn’t be a prize to be won, or withheld. The hymen has no rewarding properties, grants no powers. Women should—no, must—be allowed to pursue their own sexual gratification, whether or not procreation is the goal or the relationship a monogamous one, just as a man is free to do so.”
    A lanky redhead fluffed her hair, then gave Elizabeth a dazzling smile as she walked by. “Sing it, sister.”
    Elizabeth leaned close to Julie as the woman continued out. “Why would I sing?” she whispered.
    “It’s just an expression. You know, Liz, I figured you for a cross your legs, no touching below the waist and only over the clothes sort.”
    “A lack of experience doesn’t make me a prude.”
    “Got it. You know I sort of thought I’d ditch you once we were in and I hooked up, but you’re fun—even if you talk like a teacher half the time. So, you know, sorry for sort of thinking it.”
    “It’s all right. You didn’t. And I know I’m not like your friends.”
    “Hey.” Julie wrapped an arm around Elizabeth’s shoulders for a squeeze. “You are my friend now, right?”
    “I hope so. I’ve never—”
    “Oh, thank God.” On that fervent call, Julie made a staggering dash as a stall opened. “So we’re going to Alex’s, right?”
    Elizabeth looked around the crowded restroom. All the women freshening makeup and hair, waiting in line, laughing, talking. She was probably the only virgin in the room.
    Virginity wasn’t a prize, she reminded herself. So it wasn’t a burden, either. It was hers to keep or lose. Her choice. Her life.
    “Liz?”
    “Yes.” On a steadying breath, Liz walked toward the next open stall. “Yes,” she said again. Closing the door, and her eyes. “We’ll go.