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But was that really fair?

As it was, her own feelings for Piper were just one of the many feelings caught up in the dust storm.

But they weren’t together. Sure, Piper’s kisses had made Jo’s head dizzy and her body reacted faster than it ever had. But they were friends, and neither of them had said anything about commitment or even going further than a grope here and there. It had simply been an experiment anyway. Piper had bragged about a technique, and Jo wanted to know what it was.

Well, it was amazing. That’s what.

Jo wasn’t even sure she wanted to get involved with Piper that way, did she?

“Ugh!” Jo screamed up at the ceiling, stopping her pacing only because she knew she’d trip and break something if she didn’t. “God damn it.”

Before she could talk herself out of it, Jo hit the call button on Piper’s number.

“Hey, long time no hear.” Piper’s energy filled Jo’s chest, and the emotions she’d been holding back burst free.

“Hey,” Jo sobbed out.

“Oh my God. What happened?” Worry filled Piper’s voice.

“I…” But she didn’t even know how to say it. How to start with the whole entire mess that three stupid text messages had created.

“Text me your address, and I’ll be over as soon as I can.”

Jo spluttered out some sounds that didn’t even remotely resemble words.

“Jo?” Piper’s soft voice calmed her enough to find words.

“Are you sure?” Jo hated this. She should have just called Bea. Bea would understand everything, and she wouldn’t have to explain it all from the beginning. She wouldn’t have to go through the embarrassment of her past relationship.

“Yes.” There was no hesitation in Piper’s voice. “Now text me your address, and I’ll be there soon. Okay?”

“Okay.” Jo smiled though she sniffled, and the tears wouldn’t stop.

“Good. I’ll see you soon. Wait. Do I need to stay on the phone with you while I get there?”

Jo shook her head before she spoke. She didn’t need to be more embarrassed than she already was. “No, I’ll be fine. I promise.”

“Okay. I’m trusting you on that.”

“See you soon.” Jo hung up as soon as she could. Her tears slowed as she typed her address in a text to Piper.

Once she heard the whoosh that let her know the message had been sent, panic washed over her in a different way.

What the hell was she doing?

She should have just messaged Bea, but she hadn’t been able to bring herself to do it. She paced her small apartment, unable to settle the energy that seemed to be erupting from her every few seconds. It wasn’t long before Piper arrived. And Jo couldn’t deny how her heart beat a little faster when she opened the doorto Piper with a box of donuts from Zena’s and a bag hanging from her wrist. A bag that looked suspiciously like it carried ice cream and alcohol.

“I’m sorry,” Jo said immediately.

“Never be sorry for giving me an excuse to enjoy great company and naughty food.”

“I’m not sure I’ll be the best company.”

“You don’t have to be,” Piper said as she followed Jo inside. “I have donuts, ice cream, and non-alcoholic beer.”

“Non-alcoholic?” Jo raised her eyes.

“It sounded like actual alcohol might have a negative effect, and friends don’t let friends text drunk.”