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“Can we keep this between us, please? Let’s not involve Jay.”

“Really?” Imani’s voice drips with disbelief. “You want to keep the fact that you tried to kiss another woman from Juan? Good luck with that, girl.”

“It’s not as if he can read my mind.”

“Maybe not your mind, but the man can readyou. Besides, Mimi might tell Austin.”

Somehow, I’m sure she won’t—although I have no idea on what I’m basing my gut instinct and I could also be very wrong. But Imani’s right. One scrutinizing look from Juan and I’ll give myself away.

“Yeah, okay. I’ll tell Jay when he gets back. Have you heard from him?”

“He sent a couple of pics of the view. It looks gorgeous out there.”

“Hey, um, did I say anything that was too outrageous or out of line?” What I really mean is something I should be ashamed of, but I never phrase it that way.

“You were absolutely fine, Nora, although nobody can deny that you enjoyed that wine a whole damn lot.” Imani chuckles.

“Argh. I know.”

“But you were among friends, so you have nothing to worry about. Okay?”

“Yeah. Although Mimi’s hardly a friend.” I have a text in my phone categorically disputing that statement and the thought of it sends a jolt of something through me.

“But you are attracted to her.”

“Yeah, but I was drunk, so it doesn’t count.”

“Are you saying that if she turned up at your doorstep today and tried to kiss you, you’d stop her?”

“What?” The prospect has me instantly frazzled. “No. I mean, yes. I’m still me. I haven’t magically changed or anything.”

“All right. Just checking, but Nora, just so you know. You are allowed to change. You are allowed to want whatever it is you want on any given day.”

“You know what I want.”

“Sure. Does that include the pleasure of my company this afternoon?”

“Yes, please.”

A few moments after we’ve ended our call, my phone beeps with a message.

Thanks for the flowers, Friend. Completely unnecessary, but appreciated nonetheless. Hope you’re feeling okay. M. xo

Something tells me I won’t be forwarding Mimi’s number to anyone else any time soon.

CHAPTER14

MIMI

“Nora Levine came to dinner?” Heather sounds particularly miffed. “You just called her up and she came over?”

She did much more than that, I think, but I don’t want my daughter’s brain to explode.

“She and her friend Imani, and Stella Flack and her wife Kate.”

“Come on, Mom. You can’t keep on teasing us like that.”

“Teasing?” Jennifer backs up her sister. “Holding out, more like.”