Page 78 of No Such Thing as Serendipity

“No, no, no.” Robyn waved her hand. “Best is such a subjective term. Both works are formative texts in the feminist movement, but they focus on such different aspects.”

Thus, our personal conversation ended, as Robyn shared her knowledge with those of us in earshot. I sat back and marveled at her understanding of the feminist movement.

Duh.She owned Lift Our Voices Bookstore. So what did I expect?

After dinner, several women from another villa complained we were being teacher’s pets and dominating Robyn’s time. I thought dominating was overdramatic, but Robyn acquiesced and reluctantly walked with them to the Overture Center.

I supposed it was my interpretation that she was reluctant, but since we’d been having such a stimulating conversation, I couldn’t imagine her being happy with the interruption. Once we’d switched to the topic of feminist theory, the discussion had heated up. It had been a long time since I’d enjoyed such a lively debate.

The waiter had told us it would be a ten-minute walk to the theater, but with our meandering pace, I figured it might take double the time.

“Penny for your thoughts,” Emma said as she walked beside me.

I glanced at the cars driving past. “Do you think we look like a vicious gang wandering the streets of Madison?” Twenty-six of us dawdling down the sidewalk had to be turning heads.

“Yep, I doubt they’ll let all our dresses fool them,” Emma said with a chuckle. “But I’m not buying it. I doubt that’s what you were thinking about.”

Damn.She missed nothing when it came to me. “It’s been an interesting day. Lots of things to think about.”

“And you’re mad because they snagged Robyn from us.” Emma pointed to the group at the front of the pack. Their animated gestures indicated they were having a spirited discussion, but Robyn’s demeanor held its normal calm.

“It’s just been a while since I’ve made a friend.”

Emma smirked. “Yeah, a friend. That’s nice.”

“Hey, hot stuff,” I heard Dana before I felt her hand on my ass.

I jumped and let out a slight squeal.

“Hey, watch yourself,” Emma said.

Emma’s fiery gaze prompted Dana to raise both hands. “Sorry. I was just teasing.”

“Well, keep your hands to yourself,” Emma said.

I didn’t need Emma to defend me, but I wouldn’t undermine her in front of the others, so I remained silent.

“Okay. Okay. Point taken.” Dana turned to me. “I’ve been trying to catch up with you, but it seems you’ve got your nose shoved up the teacher’s ass.” Dana wriggled her eyebrows. “Although she’s looking hot tonight, so I guess I can’t blame you for wanting a piece of that. Who knew?” Dana shrugged.

I bristled at her crudeness. Weeks before, I would’ve said the same; nevertheless, it irked me. “Cut the shit.”

“Wow. I guess it’s true that twins’ periods sync up.”

“We’re not twins,” Emma and I said at the same time.

“Well, that’s my cue.” Dana winked at me. “I’ll catch you later.”

As soon as she faded back into the crowd, Emma sighed. “You know, as long as you keep turning her down, she’s going to pursue you.”

I raised my eyebrows. “Does that mean you’re giving me the go-ahead?”

“Absolutely not!”

The women walking in front of us glanced over their shoulders. Emma gave them an innocent smile.

“I just mean, she seems to like the hunt,” Emma said.

“Yeah, I’m very familiar with women like her, Em. I’m not a shrinking violet that needs taken care of.”