Val and Kiara look at each other and burst into giggles. I’m confused, but I’m mostly relieved. Laughter is much better than the alternative.

“Gemma, you’re fine,” Kiara says. “I mean, it was a bit of a shock for sure, but it’s not like you guys were flat out having sex in our living room or anything.”

But it could have easily gone there. My face heats up, and I’m not sure from what. Shame? Arousal? All of the above?

“Still,” I say. “Sorry. I lost control. It was the first time we’ve been that physical since college.”

Val raises her eyebrows. “I wouldn’t expect any less. She’s the girl that made you realize you’re bi, right?”

“Yeah.”

My friends laugh again, and this time, I join in. From an outsider’s point of view, I guess my current situation is funny. I can see that now that some of the embarrassment has faded away.

“So… what are you going to do now, Gemma?” Kiara asks, her voice gentle and careful.

I check my phone. Celeste and I don’t text regularly. Or at least, not anymore. After what happened today, though, it feels like I should get some kind of message from her. But there’s nothing. Not even a “Hey, do you have my shirt?”

“Well, if what happened today doesn’t scare her off, I’ll just have to keep working with her,” I reply. “It’s way too late to get someone else, and also, she’s really good at her job.”

Kiara smiles, and Val declares, “You know, I think this will be good for you. This project will help your career and be the perfect, hot distraction after your traumatizing breakup with James. What more can you want?”

Kiara and I make a face at her.

“Babe!” Kiara exclaims, at the same time I say, “I don’t know, an actually healthy and happy relationship? A job assignment that doesn’t involve working with my unfortunately sexy ex?”

Val holds out a hand. “Wait, hear me out. Are you even ready to get into another serious relationship, though? After what happened with James? I mean, come on, Gemma. It’s been barely over a month, and you dated him for seven years.”

Just the sound of James’s name makes my jaw clench. But I see Val’s point.

She takes one long good look at my thoughtful expression. “It’s like what we talked about yesterday. Just have fun with it and go with the flow. Is she the type to get attached easily?”

I think back to what Celeste told Gretchen. “No, from what I’ve heard, she’s the opposite. She doesn’t do relationships anymore, apparently.”

“Then that’s perfect!” Val exclaims. “Come on, if James already has a sexy rebound, why can’t you have one, too?”