Page 48 of Hot Tea & Bird Calls

“Dragonfruit.” Skye sighed. Affected by the code word like a prayer, her stomach stopped flip-flopping. Well, for the five seconds until Celene scooted against her more, avoiding a guy in the college group throwing his arms in dramatic, boisterous storytelling.

“How are you, really?” she asked, elbow on the table behind Skye’s shoulders. Intimate, but not as daunting.

“It’s nice seeing her so happy. Just not used to dishonesty with her.”

“We can stop whenever you want.”

Was that what Skye wanted? It would placate her and her conscience. But it’d let Celene out of this ridiculous commitment. Celene didn’t seem like the type who could be forced to do anything, however. So confusing. “Only if you want to stop.”

Celene absently brushed fingertips through the back of Skye’s hair, activating every nerve in her body. “I’m having a good time.”

“Then, we continue.”

“We’re meeting with your friends soon.”

“Mmhm. June and Zini can serve as backup in case anything gets dicey. Fingers crossed they won’t need to.”

In a quick, unexpected move, Celene took an overt peek into the front gap of Skye’s loose blouse. “You’re wearing a bra today.”

What in the random? All Skye could do was laugh. “As opposed to...”

“Our last hammock date.”

Well. Interesting. “I didn’t think you’d notice.”

“Skye,” Celene dragged out, her dark brow twitching upward. “I’ve been single for three years. My eyes are nipple homing devices.”

At her carry-on bag’s persistent buzzing, Skye collected herself enough to find her phone. It was Thalia.

Thalia – 1:11 pm

My stars, you’re dating Celine!

Skye – 1:12 pm

It’s **Celene.

How did you know?

Thalia – 1:14 pm

Zini just told me & you look a second away from devouring each other

Skye searched the festival grounds until she caught Thalia near a croissant booth with June, Zinnia, and their other friend, Larkin. This would be the first time they’d see Skye with a girlfriend in a while. “My friends are over there. You ready?”

“Lead the way.” Celene had been people watching, fingers never leaving Skye’s hair. “I want one of those breads on a stick.”

“I believe they cost three tickets.”

“Then, I’ll get you one, too. Whose are the best?”

They headed toward Skye’s friend group; their excitement couldn’t be contained. Skye shook her head. “You don’t have to spend your tickets on me. Enjoy yourself.”

Celene responded directly, even insulted. “I don’t care what the arrangement is; I’ll buy anything for my girlfriend.”

“Okay, sorry.”

After introductions and the anticipated squealing at a living, breathing real woman hooked onto Skye’s arm, they strolled past booth after booth. They browsed thematically breadish goods and initiated an indecisive conversation about where to spend their tickets.