Convincing Julia

One week later you are still looking at archived details on camping when your best friend Julia calls.

"Hey Julia, how did that rowing competition go?" You say, pausing your research.

The muscular blond smiles at you, "It went pretty good, the team got first place but we were off the record by a nanosecond."

"Oh, that sucks. You'll get it next time!" You say cheerfully.

"Ever the optimist, huh, Carla?"

"Well someone's gotta be. Hey, are you in the neighborhood?"

"I could be over in a half hour, need to shower and..."

"Better idea, just grab a change of clothes and come over here. You can use my bathroom."

"Oh? Uh...Are you sure?"

"Y-yeah. Why?"

"Is this about that notion you want to explore the Silfen Paths?"

"How'd you hear about that?" You ask.

"Carla...seriously. I'm your best friend. I really am. I know you've been talking to Rodney about going one a, what'd he call it, oh yeah, training expedition for the Paths. We had four classes together."

"Oh. Right. I totally forgot. Uh...you aren't going to try and talk me out of it are you?" You ask.

"Well...look. I think it would be a great adventure, but I'm in the prime of my rowing career. You know? Why...why not get through our first life, and than you and I can go off on our grand adventure in our second life?"

"Because I don't want to go then, I want to go now. I mean let's face it if that ditz Mellanie can survive the paths we should. Along with the proper training. All she had with her was her husband Orion. We can do this. We're better than that slut."

"Wow, Carla, I've never heard you talk about anyone like that! What brought that on?"

"She worked with that Alessandra Baron. Everyone knows she was getting stories by using her body. It's disgusting!" You say, truthfully.

"Perhaps. What are you a love only girl?"

"Well...sort of. I mean that should be for someone you care about. Not just to make money, she was no better than a prostitute in my opinion. Sure she seems to have turned it around, and according to Uncle Ozzie she regrets how many there have been..."

"I see. Alright, I'll come over and shower and I'll listen to your ideas. I'm not promising anything though, okay? I can't. I have team commitments. And don't take this the wrong way, I love you and all, but I can't rely on my family like you can. I need these sponsorships for my R and R (Rejuvenation and Re-life) account to mature."

"I will say this before we go I'll pay for all of that. There will be no worries. So get you muscular butt over here."

Julia bites her lip at your last sentence. "You want my ass?" she asks playfully.

You inhale sharply. 'Oh, Jesus wept.' You think. "Uh...I...I mean."

"It's okay. I'll be there very shortly."