“So,” Sheryl locked her gaze on Jane’s. “Please tell me you’re ready to make me an even happier woman slash Jane Quinn fan by coming to speak at the university. It wouldn’t be in my department, but a lot of gender studies students might be interested in it nonetheless. And I wouldn’t miss it, of course.” She flashed a wide smile. Jane could definitely see why Kristin—or anyone else for that matter—would be attracted to Sheryl. She had such an easy, persuasive way about her—a bit like Mia—that Jane almost wanted to say yes just so that smile wouldn’t disappear from Sheryl’s face.

She and Annie had had a brief discussion about it last night. Annie knew not to push. Great honor or not, this was simply not the sort of thing Jane did. Jane had mainly asked her wife for advice on how to let Sheryl down gently.

“I’m very sorry, Sheryl. I’m truly flattered that you would ask me. That you would even consider me, frankly, but I’m a writer. Having to give a lecture would take away so much from my writing time, not to mention the energy it would take to get the job done. And I’m really not that fond of the spotlight.” Jane wanted to make a joke about needing at least three gin and tonics before she could address a crowd, but thought it a bit tasteless seeing who she was speaking to.

“Oh.” Only a hint remained of Sheryl’s smile. “I understand.”

“Not everyone’s a teacher,” Kristin said.

“Least of all me,” Jane said. “I wish I was, but I’m really not. I’m rubbish at explaining the simplest thing.”

“Is there any way I could convince you otherwise?” Sheryl was obviously used to getting what she wanted.

“You’re just after another feather in your cap after getting Caitlin James to do a few lectures,” Kristin said. “Besides, this dinner is not about work.”

“Fair enough.” Sheryl narrowed her eyes and gave Jane one last intense look, as though she wanted one more chance to try to sway her—and a single look could hold that kind of power. “Apologies if I was being too pushy.” She leaned back in her chair and focused her attention on Annie. “How about Caitlin doing a book signing and reading in your shop? She loves that kind of stuff. Especially now that Josephine is much more popular than her.” She chuckled. “It’s been a hard transition.”

“That would be tremendous,” Annie said. “I didn’t even consider that a possibility.”

“I’ll make it happen,” Sheryl said.

Chapter Seven

“I’m going to get dinner ready,” Kristin said.

“Do you need a hand?” The words left Annie’s mouth faster than she could even think them.

Kristin cocked her head. “Actually, I could do with another pair of hands.”