I merely sigh.
“It’s because my brother was there, right? So you don’t want to get into it, and I understand. Trust me, I don’t want to think about Justin naked because it’s gross,” I acknowledge. “But yeah, my love life’s been nonexistent so I need the excitement. I’d love to go to a Sanctum party myself,” I say in a devilish tone.
Corrie snorts and doesn’t take the bait, instead continuing to bobble Nora on her knee.
“Yes, but I don’t think it’s the kind of excitement you’re looking for. I literally got abducted at the party, remember? I know I didn’t leave out that part.”
I merely wave my hand in the air in a dismissive gesture.
“Oh that! What happened to you was terrible, but it was just an outlier. I mean, they found out that your abductor lied his way into the club, right? He was a relative of one of the new security guards, and there was no background check. So I’m sure it won’t happen again.”
My friend shoots me a pointed look.
“You’re probably the only person who talks about an abduction that way,” Corrie says in a dry tone. “Seriously, Jem.”
But then I go solemn.
“I am glad you’re okay, Corrie. I’m so thankful Justin and Cameron were there to save you because I could kill that guy for hurting you. But now, we have Nora as a result.”
It’s true too because experiencing that trauma cemented the bond between Justin, Cameron, and Corrie, and pushed them formalize their relationship. Now, the baby is the best thing that’s happened to my family in a long time, and my buddy nods.
“Yes, but I don’t know about Sanctum anymore. I guess it’s not just about what happened. I guess I have a family now, and maybe I’ve moved past the need for that kind of excitement.”
I laugh. “Have Justin and Cameron moved on too?”
Corrie shrugs. “In some ways, yes. In some ways, no. I mean, we’re certainly inventive in bed, if that’s what you’re asking.”
I shush her immediately.
“Ugh! I don’t need to know about my brother’s sex life, so don’t tell me. But I’m happy for you, girl. You look better than ever as a new mom, and you’re practically glowing.”
Corrie giggles, her cheeks going pink.
“Thanks Jem. And trust me, you’ll find what I have someday. Plus, you don’t have to go to one of those parties to get it, I promise.”
I nod.
“I know, and I appreciate that you care about me and you want me to be safe. But still, it sounds fun!”
Corrie rolls her eyes again as Nora starts to fuss. “Okay, I know you’re not going to listen. Besides, I should go put my daughter down for her nap because gets grumpy if she doesn’t sleep midday.”
“Same, Nora. Same,” I coo into the camera while waving once more at the baby. My buddy smiles down tenderly at her little girl.
“You know, I might lie down with the baby. Raising a child is difficult. Seriously, it takes a village.”
I smirk.
“And that’s why you have two men by your side. It’s not a village, but we’re getting there, right? Have you thought of taking on more husbands? That way you could be like one of those Mormon families, but with one woman and a bunch of guys. Ooooh! Reality TV, here we come.”
Corrie rolls her eyes again.
“Seriously, Jem, you are so crazy. And Mormons have disavowed polygamy, so polygamy is the exception and not the rule.”
I shrug sassily.
“Well, then you could start your own religion and take ten husbands just for the heck of it. We’d call it The Church of the Latter-Day Corries.”
My buddy laughs while slinging the baby over her shoulder.
“Okay, okay, you crazy girl. I have to go. Besides, I know you’re not going to listen to me. You’re going to find your way to a Sanctum event no matter what I say.”
I smile breezily.
“Maybe. Maybe not. But I do have some vacation time saved up and airline miles on my credit card. Why not give it a shot?”
“Just be careful,” Corrie says, suddenly going serious. “Let me know if you do go. Don’t hide because we won’t judge you. And always remember to use protection and be safe.”
I giggle. “Thanks, Mom.”
She smiles, but it’s a serious smile.
“I love you, Jem, and I care about you. I should probably go, though.”
“Love you, too. Tell Justin I’ll call him later, and tell Cameron that I said hi.”
“Will do,” my friend waves before blowing me a kiss. “Bye now.”
We hang up and I let out a happy sigh. It always puts me in a good mood to talk with my buddy, even if Corrie’s a busy mom now. In the meantime, Sanctum. She was right because I do want to attend a party desperately, and there’s nothing to stop me.
With that, I find my laptop next to my bed and adjust myself so I’m leaning against the headboard. Hmm. Typing in the name, I see that Sanctum has a fancy website with a black background and elegant script font. There aren’t any photos of course, because they’re very discreet, but overall, the impression is one of exclusivity. However, they do have a calendar that shows upcoming events. Quickly, I scroll through. There’s a party on a Thursday this week, which is out of the question, and then another one the Saturday a little over two weeks from now. I check my schedule. Perfect. I have nothing planned, so I search for a flight online and then press “purchase.”