Ход королевы
Chapter 7
Shetookalongswallow,pushedopenthebedroomdoorandfeltforalightswitch.Shecouldnotfindit.Aboxofwoodenmatchessatonthestovebythefryingpan,andshetookitintothebedroom.Shestillcouldnotfindaswitch,butonthedresserwasacollectionofcandlesindifferentshapes.Shelitoneandshookoutthematch.Shestaredforamomentatthecandle.Itwasalavenderuprightwaxpeniswithapairofglossytesticlesatitsbase.Thewickcamefromtheglans,andmostoftheglanshadalreadymeltedaway.Somethinginherwasshocked.
Thetelephonewasonatablebytheunmadebed.Shecarriedthecandlewithher,satontheedgeofthebed,anddialed.
Mrs.Wheatleywasabitconfusedatfirst;shewasdazedfromeitherTVorbeer.“Yougoontobed,”Bethsaid.“I’vegotakey.”
“Didyousayyouwerepartyingwithcollegestudents?”Mrs.Wheatleysaid.“Fromtheuniversity?”
“Yes.”
“Well,becarefulwhatyousmoke,honey.”
TherewasamarvelousfeelingacrossBeth’sshouldersandonthebackofherneck.ForamomentshewantedtorushhomeandembraceMrs.Wheatleyandholdhertight.Butallshesaidwas,“Okay.”
“Seeyouinthemorning,”Mrs.Wheatleysaid.
Bethsatontheedgeofthebed,listeningtothemusicfromthelivingroom,andfinishedherbeer.Shehardlyeverlistenedtomusicandhadneverbeentoaschooldance.Ifyoudidn’tcounttheApplePi’s,thiswasthefirstpartyshehadeverbeento.Inthelivingroomthesongended.Amomentlater,Timsatonthebedbesideher.
