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The bag looked unusually heavy for something filled with clothes and gym equipment. How much did those hand weights weigh?

“I’m starting to think your gym uses medieval weaponry.” Sadie took a step closer. “Do you have one of those spiked iron balls on a chain?”

Joan shifted the bag slightly behind her. “We used to, but too many people lost an eye.”

“Seriously?”

“No.” She laughed, but in a kind way. “It’s just some hand weights.”

She wasn’t laughing at Sadie, nor did she seem to be lying. Joan’s whole vibe was very trustworthy. Which wasn’t something Sadie could say for most of the people she’d been attracted to in her adult life.

The doors opened on the seventh floor. Joan held out a hand to let Sadie off first. Sadie gave her a little smile. Everything about Joan Malone radiated kindness. Chivalry. Her sweet soft butch approachability.

Sadie slowed her steps as they neared her door. “How’s your apartment? Have you unpacked?”

“For the most part,” Joan said. “I like it so far.”

“You’re in a two-bedroom, right? All the ones on your side with the good view have two bedrooms.”

“Yeah. It has a nice view of Friendship Park.”

“Do you have vindictive pigeons on your side?”

“Vindictive what?” Joan laughed.

“There’s this pigeon who constantly poops on my balcony. I can’t sit out there or have plants or anything. It pooped so much on my tabletop cherry tomato plant last summer, I couldn’t eat any of them.”

“That’s gross. Sorry. I haven’t seen any, but I’ll keep my eyes open now that I’m aware.”

“You’re probably okay because it’s more open on your side,” Sadie said. “I face the alley and high-rise next door.”

“I’ll consider myself lucky, then.”

Sadie steered the convo away from pigeon droppings. “I love the layout of the kitchens on your side. I wish mine was a little bigger.”

Interest flickered in Joan’s eyes. How did interest cause eyes to flicker? “Do you like to cook?” she asked.

“I guess.” Sadie blinked, then refocused on Joan’s eyes. They looked normal again. Well, normal for her beautiful eyes. “I really love crafting coffee drinks. Experimenting with flavor combinations to try at the café.”

Joan nodded in a non-eye-flickering display of interest.

“Are you a big cook?” Sadie guessed from her neighbor’s enthusiasm.

“Yeah. I’m a bit of a foodie.”

Excitement tingled through her stomach. “Do you like cooking new dishes, or going out to eat? Or both?”

“Both. I’m game for anything.”

“Me, too.” Sadie gave her a look that said she’d be game for anything with Joan.

They paused outside Sadie’s apartment. Joan touched the crepe paper wreath. “This is cool.”

“Thanks. I made it.”

“You did?”

“With my own two hands.” Sadie tucked the coupon under one arm to wiggle both sets of fingers.