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“Until nine,” Chloë answered, cradling the mug in her hands, enjoying its warmth. “It’s a Lesbeans night,” she added with a smile.

“Oh, I know how you like those! I’m surprised you haven’t met a lady at one yet, though.”

Chloë shrugged.

The Lesbeans groups tended to draw an older assortment of women; exactly the type Chloë found most attractive: Lipstick lesbians in their thirties or early forties; women with style, substance and experience. The problem was, these women never really paid Chloë any attention. Her boss, Vanessa, had once told her that women in the age bracket Chloë was looking to score in tended to not even consider someone as young as Chloë as proper girlfriend material. It certainly seemed to be the case.

But she didn’t want to explain all this to her mom. Besides, her mother wasn’t aware of Chloë’s penchant for older women. She probably thought Chloë was looking for someone very much like Sienna: not even mid-twenties, still figuring out how to properly do this adulting thing…

Instead, Chloë said, “Most of the women who come for the coffee club are already paired up with somebody.” This was true, as La Vida Mocha’s coffee tasting nights had gained a reputation as a great date-night activity.

“I see,” LeeAnne said. “Well, take my word for it, love has a way of finding you, even when you’re not

necessarily looking for it. I know everybody is into online dating and such but, trust me, the universe has a way of nudging the right person in your direction even without an app.”

Chapter 4

“My word!” Naomi exclaimed when she caught sight of Morgan. “You look hot!”

Morgan smiled as she approached her friend who was waiting outside La Vida Mocha, standing with several other women. Earlier, Morgan had debated what to wear to this coffee tasting thing. Naomi had been no help, answering Morgan’s text about that very subject with Just go with what you feel like.

In the end, she decided that she’d treat this nighttime coffee tasting thing much like she’d treat a nighttime wine tasting thing, by dressing with a touch of elegance. Thus, she was currently outfitted in a cranberry-colored flared party dress with a lace bodice and V-neck, with a simple pair of sling-back heels on her feet. She was even wearing a cranberry-colored face mask from her collection of masks.

Of course, Naomi didn’t look too bad either. Her friend was wearing an amazingly flattering black A-line cocktail dress that made her blonde hair stand out that much more.

“Seriously,” Naomi said when Morgan reached her. She started fingering the material of Morgan’s dress. “Where did you get this? Nordstrom?”

The two women looked at each other a moment and then burst out laughing. They were both private high school teachers and even though this meant they made significantly more in salary than their public high school counterparts, it still wasn’t enough for shopping sprees at Nordstrom.

“Okay, so, introductions,” Naomi said after having her laugh and linking elbows with Morgan’s. There were about fifteen women waiting outside the coffeeshop but Naomi was definitely with one particular group of about that half that number. “You already know Jan and Allyson…”

Morgan shared brief hugs with them, glad that Naomi wasn’t the only friend she had here.

“…and you know Stephanie…” Naomi continued. Another hug for Morgan. “…and Moira.” Yet another hug. Morgan was so relieved there were so many familiar faces. “But you don’t know Amanda and Patty. Amanda, Patty, this is my best friend Morgan.”

Patty, a petite redhead, gave Morgan a mask-hidden smile that reached her eyes and a little wave. Amanda also gave a smile and a wave but Morgan couldn’t help but notice how Amanda also roamed her eyes up and down in a slow survey of her body.

I have an admirer!

It didn’t bother her in the slightest. Morgan had never been one to be disturbed by the occasional woman ogling her or even flirting with her. More than a few had even asked her out on dates. How were they to know she was straight? It wasn’t like she walked around town wearing a t-shirt advertising that fact.

Truth be told, Amanda’s obvious interest in her was making Morgan feel rather pleased. Despite the mask she was wearing, it was fairly obvious that Amanda was a knockout, with gorgeous green eyes and legs that seemed to go on forever and which were clad in skinny jeans that looked painted on.

And, wow, she has a nice figure!

Morgan felt herself redden when she realized that she had been blatantly staring at Amanda, particularly her cleavage, on display thanks to the scoop-necked top she had on. Managing to tear her eyes from Amanda’s breasts, she felt herself redden even more when she realized that Amanda had been watching her and now had an amused glint in her eyes.

Fortunately, a distraction came in the form of Morgan noticing all the women around her suddenly perking up, smoothing their outfits and standing up straighter. There was a new energy in the air, an anticipatory and excited energy.

Naomi touched Morgan’s arm.

“This is my favorite part,” she whispered.

“It’s all our favorite part,” a redhead from the other group said loud enough so that all of the ladies started laughing in agreement.

“I agree with her, and she’s my wife,” another woman said, indicating the redhead. That brought a fresh round of laughter.

Morgan whispered to Naomi, “I don’t underst—”