Okay, Frazer knew it was. But she wasn’t going to admit to it easily. In so many ways, it made so much sense. No one knew as much as Frazer about the programme except Cora. She was perfect for it, and passionate about it. And she was someone who could share it with Frazer rather than just work for her. It made sense.

“Well…” Meg was clearly speaking for Jemma, who was biting her lip and watching Frazer’s fish swim lazy circles. “You guys were sleeping together.”

“So?”

“And then Cora practically told you she wanted more, and you walked away.” When Frazer opened her mouth, a defence on her tongue, Meg hurried on. “Which makes perfect sense! She was in no place for a relationship, and you worked together, and it was a terrible idea.”

“Exactly.”

“But, well…” Meg didn’t seem to be able to continue.

“What?” Frazer asked.

“Oh, come on, Frazer!” Jemma burst out, throwing her hands up. Meg looked at Frazer as if to say, well, I tried to help you. “As if all of that’s just gone away! It was, like, two months ago, and I know for a fact that she messed with your head and you fell pretty hard.”

“I… I did not fall pretty hard.” Even Frazer knew that was a lie.

Jemma and Meg stared at her, eyebrows raised like they were already starting to merge.

“Stop that, you two. It’s too soon for you to become one person.”

Meg stage-whispered to Jemma, “Oh, look, sweetie, she thinks she can deflect.”

Jemma shook her head. “You fell hard.”

Flopping back against her seat, Frazer shrugged. “Okay. Fine. Yes. I liked her. But look, now we’re, you know, being friends.”

Which was easier and what worked.

Meg and Jemma spoke at the same time. “Friends?”

“Yes.”

“Like the first time?” Jemma asked.

“And the second?” Meg chimed in.

Frazer glared daggers at them.

Meg snapped her fingers. “Oh! I know. Like the third.”

Clearly Frazer needed to be more intimidating. This woman had gotten far too comfortable with her. “You guys are hilarious.”

“Oh, we know.” Jemma grinned. “But really, Sis. She’s been working there for a couple of weeks now—you feel nothing?”

Pressing her lips together, Frazer gave a one-shouldered shrug. That’s not what Frazer had said. But Frazer just didn’t have the energy to put herself out there. She felt happy, good, even, with her clinic and her life. “I feel hungry.” She stood up, walking into the kitchen and calling out behind her, “You guys want some dinner?”

Meg’s voice, clear as a bell, came through. She clearly didn’t even try to keep it down. “See? Deflecting.”

* * *

“So, you’re officially enrolled in TAFE, Jack.”