Page 101

But it wasn’t just that Erica had brought up her past relationships in that snarky way. Or that what she said about Taylor had felt pointed this time. It was also that Erica had barely asked her anything about her and Avery, and then had changed the subject right back to the shower. Like, okay, yes, she was bad at relationships, everyone knew that, it’s not like she thought this thing with Avery would last, but still, she’d been looking forward to talking to Erica about Avery! About how when she thought about her, she had that fluttery, warm feeling in her chest; about when she was on her way to see her, she couldn’t stop smiling; about when she woke up next to her, she didn’t want to leave. About whenever she spent time with her, she discovered something new that she liked about her, whether it was the way she’d carefully picked the enormous spider up out of her sink with the edge of a magazine and deposited it outside, or the way she’d cackled when Taylor had told her the story of the one time she’d tried to ride a motorcycle, or the sharp tone in her voice on the phone when a vendor had tried to overcharge one of her clients.

Taylor grinned when she thought of the satisfied look on Avery’s face when she’d gotten off that phone call. Erica nudged her.

“What are you smiling about?” Erica asked as Avery and Sloane chatted with their server as they paid the check.

“Oh, I was just thinking about the other day. Avery was—”

Erica smiled wider and shook her head.

“Taylor. Keep it PG, my child is listening.”

Seriously?

“It’s not that kind of a story. I wouldn’t even start to tell that kind of a story with her right across the table from me, come on.”

Was this how Erica was going to be forever now? Sure, she’dbeen kidding, but was she going to cut Taylor off every time she thought something might be about sex because her child was listening? Her child was still months from being born!

Taylor glanced at her phone and stood up.

“As much as I would love to stay longer, duty calls. I have to be at work in twenty minutes.” She nodded at Sloane, and then made herself smile. “We’ll text about details, okay? And let me know if you want to come by the winery so you can see the lay of the land.” She kissed Erica on the top of her head. “See you soon.”

Erica smiled up at her.

“See you soon. Love you.” She turned to Avery, who’d also stood up, and was talking to Sloane. “So nice to finally meet you. See you soon, I hope.”

Avery smiled at her, a very sweet, slightly shy smile.

“I hope so, too. Excited for the shower.”

Taylor slid her hand into Avery’s as soon as they walked out of the restaurant. Taylor liked her job, a lot, but she wished that instead of going to work, she was heading back home with Avery.

“I think she was happy with all those plans—your plans, obviously,” she said to Avery as they walked down the street to their cars. “Thanks for making those lists and stuff. She liked you, FYI. I know that was going to be your next question.”

Avery laughed.

“God, am I that transparent? How embarrassing.”

Taylor shook her head.

“No. I just know you, that’s all.”

Avery squeezed her hand.

“To be fair, I wasn’t going to ask if she liked me, though of course, that’s what I wanted to know. Iwasgoing to ask what you two were talking about when Sloane and I went to the bathroom,and then I was going to say, ‘Was it about me?’ but I think I just got my answer.”

“You did, and really, yes, she liked you, a lot. Honestly, I think she’s wondering what a together, accomplished smoke show like you is doing with someone like me.”

Avery stopped at her car and pulled Taylor to a stop along with her.

“You can’t be serious. I’m with you because you’re kind, straightforward, smart, funny, and very, very hot.”

Avery didn’t usually say things like that. She wasn’t a person who gave compliments easily or often, so from her, those felt huge. Taylor raised a hand to Avery’s cheek.

“Um, wow, thank you.” She leaned forward and dropped a kiss on Avery’s lips. “I wish I didn’t have to go to work right now.”

Avery smiled and kissed her back.

“Me, too. You coming over tonight?”