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“Yes, that’ll be good. And in the meantime, what changes will you make to stay up with her changes?”

“Oh boy.” Ann took a sharp breath. “I need to let go of some things, too, I suppose.”

“Which things?”

Ann rolled her eyes. “Shame.”

“You went straight for the noose on that one.” Lila pointed at Ann with her fork. “But you’re probably right. And you need to work on your overthinking. Your desire to put your needs first. Make space for her.”

“All right! All right. I get it.” Ann went back to eating, knowing she was going to need the energy to keep up the rest of the day.

Lila chuckled lightly. “I’ll be here when you need to figure out how to do that.”

Ann shook her head. “Why do you act like you’re fifty?”

“Because I lived fifty years in my twenty-six.”

“Don’t remind me how young you are. Makes me feel like a cradle robber.”

“You just like that I can keep up with you.” Lila winked, boldly.

Ann’s cheeks heated. She hadn’t meant to have lunch with Lila to flirt, but that was the turn it took. Shifting in her chair, Ann focused on her food and ignored Lila’s comment. They were in public, at the place where they both worked, and Ann needed to make sure they maintained their distance. They couldn’t be caught doing anything unsavory where someone might run back and tell Heidi, not that Heidi would care—she knew—but because of the internal drama it would cause in the hospital. That was something Ann wanted to live without.

“And are you busy Saturday night?” Ann asked.

“You know, I am, actually.”

“Wonderful.” Ann pouted. “And I’m busy Sunday.”

“Monday?”

“I guess that’s what we get. Your place?”

“If you want, or we can go out.” Lila’s bright eyes locked on hers.

“Go out? Where would we go?”

“Anywhere you want. We don’t always have to go to my apartment.”

Ann pursed her lips. Lila’s apartment meant they were free to touch. Being out in the public meant Ann had to hold back and maintain a reasonable distance. That would not be as much fun as fucking Lila senseless against a wall, or the couch, or the bed, or maybe even the shower. Yes, she could definitely go for that on Monday.

“Ann—” Lila interrupted her thoughts. When Ann looked up, Lila raised an eyebrow in her direction. “I know exactly what you’re thinking, and that is perfectly reasonable if you want, but also consider going out. We can make a night of it and then dothatafterward.”

“I’d have to stay later than normal.”

“Can you not manage it?”

“I might be able to. Let me talk to my partner about it.”

“Okay.” Lila grinned, and Ann caught the unexpected blush in her cheeks. It pleased her to see it, and she wondered if she’d be able to get the red to deepen in color.

Ann’s mind moved quick as she worked out how to have the conversation she wanted. “What do you think we should do on Monday?”

“I don’t know. Movie?”

“Dark rooms and you think I’m going to be quiet?” Ann lowered her tone.

Lila’s gaze jerked to Ann’s face. “Maybe that’s not the best idea.”