Page 38 of In The Dark

“How was dinner?”

“It was great. Most of it felt no different than usual when I’m over at Amelia’s.” Jo smiled up at the ceiling, remembering the gorgeous blouse Amelia had worn. “She looked amazing. I felt like a slob compared to her.”

“At least she made an effort,” Ada said as the kettle whistled in the background. “And I’m sure you looked gorgeous, too.”

Jo didn’t think she had, but Amelia had said so as they were leaving the restaurant, and that was enough. “Anyway, um…I don’t want you to think I’m letting you down tonight. I was already going to cancel with you before I got the text, but Amelia’s invited me to Satin with a few friends.”

“Oh?”

Jo rolled her eyes. She had yet to inform Ada of what had happened on Saturday night, but she wasn’t ready to discuss it all yet. Ada would put thoughts and ideas into her head that she couldn’t deal with right now. So, as far as her best friend was aware,nothinghad happened, and nothing would ever happen. “It doesn’t mean anything. She’s only invited me for a couple of drinks.”

“And…you’re going, I assume?”

“I don’t know. I’d love to spend a few hours with her, but is it a good idea?”

“Well, you already know how I feel about you and Amelia, so I doubt I’m going to talk you out of it the way you’re expecting me to.”

Jo sighed. “Do people go therejustto drink on occasion, or am I being completely oblivious?”

“No, they do. Not everyone wants to have sex. Some just go to unwind with like-minded people. And I know I don’t really know Amelia, but she doesn’t strike me as someone who would want to fuck you in a club, Jo. If she’s into you the way you’re into her, I think she’d be much more comfortable with a moment like that at home…in her bed. Or yours.”

Jo sat up and groaned. “Thanks for putting those thoughts in my head!”

Ada snorted. “Yeah, because they weren’talreadythere before I mentioned it.”

“I’m not making a mistake going tonight, am I?”

“You’re just living your life, Jo. Whatever it results in, embrace it. I hate knowing you sit home alone night after night.”

“Don’t be ridiculous.” Jo was lying to herself and to Ada, but she didn’t have the headspace for an intense or emotional conversation tonight. Not if she was meeting with Amelia at the club. Everything blurred together when she was in that kind of mood. “I’m quite happy sitting at home.”

“Correction. Youwerehappy sitting at home. But since you started going to Satin, you’ve changed. That light is back in your eyes.”

Jo smiled. She was glad Ada had noticed, even if it didn’t alwaysfeellike she was doing any better. “You can thank Lia and her insane orgasms for that.”

“Mmhmm.”

“What does that mean?” Jo narrowed her eyes, already sensing a shift in Ada’s tone. “Ada?”

“You’re sure you’re happier because of Lia?”

“Of course I am. If you knew what she was like in that room, you’d understand why I’m happier.”

“That’s…not what I’m saying.”

Jo frowned. “Then just say whatever it is you’re not trying to say. I know I’m lying on the couch doing fuck all, but I can think of other things to do instead of deciphering cryptic Ada tonight.”

“I don’t think Lia’s the reason you’re happier. I thinkAmeliais.” Jo stilled, but Ada continued. “And I want you to know that if thatiswhat’s happening, you’ve got my full support. You’re my best friend. I want you to grab life…and Amelia, if that’s what you need.”

Jo’s throat constricted. “I wish I could.”

“You can.”

“I appreciate that you’ve got my back, but she’s the one who said it wasn’t a good idea in the first place.”

“And yet here we are.” Ada laughed. “Discussing whether you should go and meet her tonight.”

Jo closed her eyes as her shoulders sagged. “I shouldn’t go, I know that, but the last time I blew her off, I think it hurt her.”