Several of our discussions, however, were simply attempts to exert his will over mine. And I confess that on more than one occasion, I was unnecessari...y disrespectful.When we discussed my personal staff for the fifth time, I snidely thanked him for Bakura. "Since he has no discernable skills, I presume you have provided him as a gift for my personal entertainment. I guess you have come to accept my 'lifestyle' choice."He slapped me hard enough to split my lip and push me back a step. But then. There was something about that lightweight squeaky voice. Servile. Cowering. Deferential to power. Oh, my sweet little five foot two princess, you didn’t know it, but you were going to endure one of the most intense and humiliating episodes of your life. And I’ll bet you’ll love ever second and you’ll be my best one yet.It took me several weeks to get to this point, with us both sitting at opposite sides of a little round table in the mall coffee shop. She worked a mere three shops away, and. Auntie Pru gave me a gentle reminder, “Keep your fucking hands to yourself, Birdie.”My sainted mother, “Keep it in your pants, Birdie.”Being on Triple A best Behavior did not preclude me from overhearing a nice compliment from our Receptionist, Missy Banks, “I don’t think that Birdie is all that fatuous, Bonnie.”I should say not. Haven’t gained a pound since college.Ms. Sloane, The McGovern, and I were sipping cocktails in Manifesto, a trendy spot in the trendy Crossroads section of town.Ms.. "So give already!"Mark giggled. "Okay, okay."He kicked at the ground and began swinging. When he came back I shovedoff with both feet and matched his swing. "So, what's the storyabout?"He looked up and stared at the sky. "Actually it's about this swingset. She said it was magic."I chuckled and swung harder. Mark pumped his legs until he wasswinging next to me again. "What's so funny?" Well, after all the years we've been going to this playground andswinging on these swings, I'd think we woulda.