“Of course she does. Lou is extremely adorable.” Rita finished the last of her wine. “And I’m not just saying that as her mother.” Some of the intensity had drained from her tone. “I’m sorry I can’t tell you what my doubts are about. Lou has sworn me to secrecy and I would be a bad mother if I told you. In fact, I may have told you too much already. Please keep this conversation between us.”

“Everything disclosed here tonight will forever remain between the two of us,” Annie declared dramatically.

“Good. Now I’d best get back to my husband. Give my love to Jane.”

They hugged goodbye and Annie sat staring in front of her for a while longer, mulling over Rita’s wise words. She had to believe they were wise, if only to absolve herself.

Chapter Twelve

Jane opened her eyes, let the first thoughts of the day flood her brain, realized it was Monday morning, and sank back into the pillow. She always woke up at six, most of the time without the need for an alarm, and today was no different. Even though she and Annie could have a lie-in, snuggle until midday if they so wanted, her body clock woke her.

Jane expelled a deep breath. She didn’t have to write today. Quite often, when she was in the middle of a first draft, she felt a twinge of sadness at not being able to continue the story she was crafting, but today it was a relief. No big sighs in front of her screen, which was only filled with sentences she knew in her gut were not good enough. No feelings of worthlessness because, increasingly so, she was becoming less of a writer. And if she wasn’t a writer, what on earth was she?

She pushed the thought of writing from her brain and considered the day ahead. The shop was closed. If she felt so inclined, she wouldn’t have to see another living soul apart from her wife. The thought rather appealed to Jane. A day to recharge. Read a little. Cook an elaborate dinner. Watch a few episodes of that show on Netflix about all those lesbians in prison. Doing absolutely nothing, guilt-free. She stretched out her limbs like a cat which had just woken from the most satisfying nap and had another one to look forward to not long after.

“Morning, babe.” Annie rolled on her side and reached for Jane. “Please tell me it’s Monday.”

“Nope. Sorry, it’s Tuesday. The start of another six-day work week. But that shouldn’t bother you. You love your job so much it’s not work at all. It’s your life.” Jane turned to face her wife, a big smile plastered across her lips.