“So you do really like her.” Annie bumped her hip into Jane’s.

“I’ve always been very fond of Lou. When she left for Brisbane she was still so young. Now that she’s a proper adult, it would be great to get to know her better in this stage of her life.”

“We have dinner at the Johnson-Parks tomorrow. Don’t forget.” A frisson of excitement ran up Annie’s spine. She was curious to see the inside of Kristin and Sheryl’s apartment. She expected it to be nothing short of spectacular.

“All these new lesbians in our lives come with so many social obligations,” Jane said.

“True, but we’ll make sure your energy bucket doesn’t empty.” Annie had adopted the way Jane spoke about her energy and buckets, even though the terminology changed often and it was sometimes hard to keep up. But Jane had stuck with the bucket for a while now, and it was an easy way for Annie to understand the differences between their personalities.

“Thanks, babe. It’s still surprisingly full after this afternoon.”

“Maybe Mia is one of those people who naturally fills your bucket with energy, instead of taking away from it.”

“Maybe…”

They both glanced at Mia who was hunched over her phone. Every morning this week, she’d been training a new person to help her in the coffee shop—she and Annie had interviewed Taylor together, even though Kristin and Mia could have ignored Annie’s opinion on their new employee. But this person would spend a lot of time in the shop with Annie, so it was important that Annie had a good feeling about them.

“How do you feel about Taylor?” Annie asked.

“She’s polite and reserved. Two qualities I value a lot,” Jane said.

“Me too.” The door opened and in walked Sheryl. She was the one who had put Taylor forward for the job.

“Your usual, boss?” Mia asked.

“God no, it’s too late in the day for me to be drinking coffee. I’m here to see the book shop ladies.” She headed straight for the counter, where Annie still stood with an arm slung around Jane’s waist. “Jane, I’m here to make you an offer you won’t be able to refuse.”

Uh-oh, Annie thought, you have no idea.

Chapter Six

“We have to be there at seven. Why aren’t you getting ready?” Annie asked, looking at her watch ostentatiously. She seemed very keen to go to this dinner party.

“Just give me a minute.” Jane remained slumped in the couch.

“No, come on, chop-chop. We don’t want to be late and I take it you don’t want to turn up in sweatpants.”