I take a moment to think about this. It’s been so long since I had a conversation about having children. “Before I was with Rebecca, I was alone for a few years. I thought about it a couple of times then. Most of my lesbian friends who had children had them from a previous heterosexual relationship. I know things have changed a lot in the past decade and a half, but back when I was questioning whether I wanted kids or not, times were different. I’m not saying it’s easy now. And far from cheap either. But back in the day—when it was my time, so to speak—it seemed too much of an impossibility. And I guess my maternal instincts never developed that much. I never had that ache I’ve heard some women talk about. Like their life could not possibly be complete if they didn’t have a child. I think I’m just part of the strain of genes who don’t feel their life is a failure because they haven’t procreated. And who knows, if my circumstances had been different, or if Rebecca had really wanted children, but it wasn’t the case, so…”

“I was a year younger than Flo is now when I had her, so suffice it to say I never gave it much thought. It was just how things were. I’m racking my brain trying to think of someone I know from my generation who didn’t have children.”

“It just goes to show the implicit demands society makes of us. Most people never question the status quo.”

“They just breed.” Camille bumps her arm into mine.

She’s so easy to talk to. Not just flirt with, but have an actual conversation with. It gives me an idea.

“This is completely off topic…”

“That’s fine.” She stops and pulls me toward her. “I love a good meandering conversation. That’s how you find out the most.”

“That’s what I wanted to talk to you about.” This is just a hunch, a fleeting thought I probably shouldn’t have paid attention to. “You know what I do for a living.”

“Yes. Which reminds me. Is there a way I can download all of your shows and put them on my laptop so I can watch them on the plane?”

My lips break into a spontaneous smile again. “My show isn’t really about me. My role is to fade into the background and let others shine.”

“For the life of me, I can’t imagine you fading into any background.”

“You’re such a flatterer.” I throw my arms around her neck. The day is chilly and I’m glad to feel Camille’s body near.

“What did you want to ask me?” She nuzzles my neck with her nose.