“I’m going up to Sausalito for another project. Do you want to come with me? It’s gorgeous there, and I think it’d be a nice little trip before…” It’d seemed so easy when she thought it, but out loud, it takes Celeste a moment to go on. “Our last shoot together.”

Gemma stiffens. Avoiding Celeste’s gaze, she checks her own phone and asks, “What time do we have to get there by? I’ll have to take some work home, but I can leave around two, so we can avoid rush hour.”

“Two is perfect, since the shoot starts at three. I’ll drive, and I’ll pick you up from your office. I know a few cafés where you can finish up work. If you want, we could also go on a fancy dinner date by the shore at the end of the day. I’ll pay for all expenses, obviously. Since it’s my work trip.”

“You should have led with that!” Gemma jokes. But her voice grows soft as she continues, “But yeah… that sounds like a good…” With a frown, she abruptly clears her throat. “Anyway, I’m down. Thanks for coming up with this idea. I’ve been needing a little getaway for a while now.”

“It’s no problem. I was thinking we could also stay there overnight if that’s okay with you? Since our first interview the next day isn’t until ten a.m. We should have plenty of time to come back down to SF.”

Gemma lies back onto the bed. “Sounds good. I’ll go to my friends’ apartment tomorrow—or I guess today—after work to pack an overnight bag, then.”

“All right.” Celeste puts her phone away and slowly closes the distance between them. “Now that we’ve taken care of all that, are you ready for your nightcap?”

“Oh, yes, please.”

32: Gemma

When I return to Kiara and Val’s apartment on Thursday night, the lights are off, and the entire apartment is covered with candles. Burrito is nowhere to be seen, and slow, classical music plays from the TV speakers. I’m afraid I’ve walked into some kind of sex thing when the smell of sage wafts to my nose.

“Gemma!” Kiara says, coming out of the bedroom. She closes the door behind her and throws her arms out for a hug.

“Watch your step,” Val cautions. “There are candles all over the place.”

“Were you guys about to have a date night?” I ask warily, just in case. “Where’s Burrito?”

“Burrito’s in the bedroom, underneath our bed,” Kiara answers. “He hates candles. And nah, it’s several days late, I know, but we’re about to do a New Year’s manifestation ritual. Join us!”