“That’s multitasking for you. Singing a tune while brewing a cup of joe while thinking about the next chapter in our book and my dissertation.”

“How do you juggle all of that?” Mia was beginning to understand Josephine’s earlier sigh of desperation better.

“Not very well.” She picked up her sandwich but paused before biting into it. “Do you have a girlfriend? I don’t mean to be presumptuous, but I am getting a bit of a vibe off you.”

Mia was really beginning to like her new colleague. “That vibe you got was correct. I’m out and proud and… very much single.”

“I was single for the longest time. Then I met Caitlin, who is quite literally the woman of my dreams, and now that I’m with her I feel like I don’t have nearly enough time to spend with her.”

“At least you’re writing a book together.”

“Oh yes, I get to sit in on a publisher meeting. I hate meetings. Even if they’re about a book I’m co-writing with my partner. I think all meetings should be canceled for all time.”

“I hear you. That’s one of the reasons I’ve been so excited about this job. Big corporations drive me nuts with all their meetings and management structure and hierarchy.”

“You’ll love this place then. Kristin and Sheryl are really great people. Not just as bosses. They’re very kind and will look out for you.” Josephine shot her a grin. “And I see you’ve met some of the regulars already.”

“Yes.” She paused for a second to conjure up their names. “Amber, Micky and Lou.”

“Amber and Micky are best friends and have been coming here for years. Lou is new to the neighborhood.”

“So you don’t know her very well then?” Mia might as well try to get some information about Lou out of Josephine.

“A little. We have the odd conversation as one does at a coffee shop. She’s quite reserved, much more so than Micky and Amber. Which is normal, I guess, since she only just started working for them. I’ve done a couple of her yoga classes and she’s a great teacher. A bit insecure at times, perhaps, but I’m guessing those are just beginner’s nerves. Do you practice yoga?”

Mia hadn’t expected that much information to come her way so swiftly. “Just occasionally in front of my TV, following YouTube videos. I wouldn’t exactly call it a practice. More like having a go at what everyone else is doing these days.”

“I never practiced before, but Amber gave me some private lessons and subsequently won me over. We should go together some time.”

“Give me some time to buy an outfit first,” Mia joked.