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“But I’m busy!” Sophie protested. It’s not like she didn’t want to date before, she just didn’t have time.

“Do you think you are any less busy than any of your co-workers?”

“I don’t know… no, probably not.”

“And are they all single?” Maya continued.

Sophie paused. She could clearly see the point that Maya was making, but Sophie’s life differed from her co-workers’. She didn’t have a degree to fall back on, or a family with money and connections. She pushed herself because she had no other choice.

“I love you so much. But you crack through certain barriers, and shield yourself behind others. You deserve to be happy.” Several long moments followed. “Do something spontaneous. Something absurd. Justdo something, for you and only you.”

The words sunk in, uncomfortable and squirmy in her chest, before her spirits lifted. She did deserve happiness, dammit, and being with Ella made her happy. All she needed was to take the plunge.

Maya sat with her in silence. The only sound coming through the phone was the faint sounds of breathing. Sophie mulled the words in her head, broke down her dating life, and soon, a smile spread. She had an idea. “Hey, is Remi there?”

“Ah, yeah. Why?”

Sophie hopped off the bed and paced the bedroom. “Can I talk to her?”

“Hmmm. Suspicious. I love it. Yes, let me get her.”

Ten minutes later, Sophie hung up with a satisfied grin. She could not wait for tomorrow.

TWENTY

ELLA

Ella grinned into the mirror as she flat ironed her bangs the fifth and final time for the morning. She tugged on the bottom of her shirt and frowned. The lace-panel sleeveless top was not giving the right vibe. Four shirts later, she settled on a cotton short-sleeve top that carried the message she intended—I’m ready for our not-quite-sure-if-this-is-a-date day together.

This was a date, right? She reread her text exchange with Sophie from the previous evening.

Sophie:

I had so much fun today! So… how about we do something totally wild. Let’s ditch work and go out.

She used the wordsgo out. That was what one used to articulate a date. Most likely.

Ella:

Ditch work? Ugh. Sounds amazing, but makes me a little nervous. I don’t want to let anyone down. Nor do I want to get fired.

Sophie:

Um, isn’t your dad the boss?

Ella:

Stop! Yes, obviously, but…

Sophie:

I’m kind of teasing. I talked to Malcolm. Client said it would be Tuesday at the earliest before we hear from them. So as long as we have our phones on us for urgent questions, we don’t need to come in.

Ella:

So, what I am hearing is…

Sophie: