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“I spend enough time telling them about you. They’re excited to meet my girlfriend.”

“Girlfriend?”

Her smile faltered. “Sorry, I guess we haven't really talked about that yet. I shouldn’t just call you that without?—”

Adaze cut her off with a kiss. “No, it's fine. Better than fine. I like it. I was just surprised is all.”

Leilani lit up. “Then let’s go. I can’t wait to show off my girlfriend.”

She took her hand and the pair headed into the restaurant. Adaze recognized some of the faces from her dramatic ocean rescue, but still struggled to keep track of the flurry of people she met.

Every second she sat at the table, she found herself feeling more and more out of place. The more she saw just how close Leilani was with the other women, something dark bloomed in her chest.

It wasn’t until they were back in the car that Leilani confronted her.

“What was up with you back there?” she asked, concern in her voice.

“I’m not sure what you mean,” she pouted, crossing her arms.

Leilani sighed. “I can’t make you talk, but I wish you would talk to me.”

Adaze felt a cutting remark on the tip of her tongue. I’m surprised she had time to notice anything with how much attention she was giving the other women. She sighed. “Fine, I might have been a little jealous.”

“Jealous? But why?”

She shrugged. “I just was. You seem so close with everyone. How could I not be?”

“And you were having a hard time seeing how you fit into all that?”

Adaze hesitated. It wasn’t anything like that. It was more she wasn’t comfortable with how close she was with everyone, but how could she say that?

Hey, Leilani, I know we’ve only been dating for a week and you just called me your girlfriend for the first time hours ago, but I’m wildly jealous because you hug your friends so much?

She couldn’t say that. It sounded crazy. It was crazy.

So she held her tongue.

Leilani gave her a gentle smile. “You don’t need to worry. I know we haven’t known each other long, but I really care about you, and I want to do everything I can to make you feel like a part of my life.”

She didn’t know what to say for a moment. Finally, she forced a smile. “And I appreciate that.”

“Of course.” Leilani parked in front of Adaze’s building. “Do you want me to come in?”

She hesitated before shaking her head. “I think I need some time to myself. Sorry.”

“Don’t be sorry. I understand. Can I call you before bed tonight?”

“Of course. I look forward to it.”

They shared a quick kiss then Adaze headed inside.

She spent the evening pacing her penthouse before falling into bed.

Her dream was vivid. It was a memory.

It had been a long day at the office. They always were leading up to a board meeting, but it was over.

For the first time that month, she was home before eight pm. Adaze just knew her wife would be over the moon.