Page 63 of September

Gwen turned to her and asked, “Women want to date me?”

“Yes,” Juliet said, turning toward her, too.

“Well, I don’t want to date them.”

“Did you turn straight suddenly somehow?”

“No.” Gwen chuckled. “I just meant that I don’t want to datewomen. I want to date awoman.”

“So, you’re a one-woman woman?”

“I am, yes. Haven’t been in a while, but I’ve been thinking about it a lot recently.”

“Recently?” Juliet smiled at her. “Any reason why?”

“No, I don’t think so,” Gwen teased her. “It just hit me that I might want to start dating again.”

“I see.” Juliet took a step toward her. “And do you have any thoughts on thetypeof woman you might want to date?”

“Oh, a lot of thoughts,” Gwen replied and took a step toward Juliet. “For one, she has to have blonde hair, preferably with a few waves in it.” Gwen tilted her head to take in Juliet’s wavy blonde hair. “I think green eyes are a must, but it’s tricky because they’re so rare, so I don’t know where I’ll be able to find them. Also, she has to have a dog. I don’t know if you know this, but I love animals. I love taking care of them and making them happy. I think I’d prefer it if her dog was of the all-white variety and maybe a little hyper at times.” Gwen turned to look at Carly and Buster, who were lying next to each other in the grass, panting. “I’d love it if she knows how to cook because I’m pretty bad at that, but I don’t think I’d want her spending hours upon hours in the kitchen, so if she cooks with recipes and some help, like say with a kit of some kind, that would be the best compromise. Oh, I almost forgot: she has to be a coffee fan. Imean, a big fan, who knows just how to make the perfect cup of coffee every time.”

“Do you know that I work at a coffee company?” Juliet asked, pointing at herself with a smile.

“What? You do? I had no idea,” Gwen joked.

“I’m also blonde, got those waves you’ve requested, and I happen to have green eyes.”

“I know. I’ve noticed,” Gwen said, taking another step closer to her and moving a strand of Juliet’s hair behind her ear. “You’re beautiful.”

“Do you want to go out with me tonight?” Juliet asked.

“I’d love to go out with you tonight,” Gwen replied.

“Yeah?”

“Are you sure you’re not too tired for it? You’ve driven all day, and I know you–”

“I’m not too tired,” Juliet interrupted. “I’ve been wanting to ask you out pretty much since we met, but definitely since the bar. I just didn’t know if I should since you’re taking care of Carly, and I don’t even know when I’ll be home.”

“Why don’t we start with a date tonight and see how it goes? Can I make one request, though?”

“Sure. What?”

“No Carly,” Gwen said, taking one of Juliet’s hands in her own and entwining their fingers. “Just you and me this time. Dinner somewhere and whatever after, but no dog talk or work schedule talk.”

“Deal,” she replied, smiling down at their linked hands. “Can we go get the dogs now? Because I need to get home soon and shower so that I can get ready for a date with this really pretty girl I know.”

Gwen laughed and said, “Yeah, let’s get the lovebirds over there.”

CHAPTER 18

“She asked me out,” Gwen said.

“Good,” Jill replied. “When are you going?”

“Now. Well, soon. She’s on her way here, probably.”

“Then, why are we on the phone? Shouldn’t you be getting ready?”