Morgan bit back a snarky comment. She didn’t mind Brian. He was nice, and even though she didn’t fully understand the obscure branch of geology that took up so much of his time, she did understand the singlemindedness that graduate work required. She did not, however, like seeing Lillian upset.

“Can’t he do the research here?” she asked.

“Apparently not. He’s going back to Brazil.”

Morgan heard the repressed pain in her voice. “I’m sorry, Lil.”

“It’s fine. The house is full anyway.”

“This is why I keep telling you to find a man muffin here,” said Stevie.

“A man muffin?”

“Yeah. Big and muscly on top, maybe sprinkled with sugar, and the bottom is fun to unwrap.”

“Thank you for that image,” said Lillian.

“Is he at least coming to stay for a few days?” asked Morgan.

“Maybe.”

The defeat in Lillian’s slumped shoulders reminded Morgan of Kate. Guilt and heartache soured her mouth. “Are you guys okay?”

“No? Yes? I don’t know. Career first, right?”

That had been their motto in vet school when it came to relationships. Morgan hoped it would work out better for Lillian than it had for her.

“At least you have Circe. She’ll be with you forever.”

“Thanks, Stevie. Everlasting love with my tortoise.”

Stevie scooted onto the counter. “Maybe this house is cursed. Morgan’s single, I’m single, you might as well be single, and Angie is at least getting laid, but she doesn’t date.”

“The ghost of spinsters past.” Lillian perked up and looked at Morgan. “Wait, isn’t your new friend coming over?”

“She said she was.”

“The one you rescued?”

“Yeah, maybe don’t mention that, though.”

“Why not?”

“She’s not into damsels in distress,” said Stevie.

“Morgan? Not into damsels?”

“No, I mean Emilia didn’t appreciate the rescue.” Stevie gave Morgan a sidelong glance. “Which is a first for you, isn’t it?”

“Shut up. I save lives every day.”

“You also stick your hands up assholes. Oh my god. Asses’ assholes. Get it?”

“That’s a new low for you,” said Angie. Her wet hair was wrapped in a towel and piled on her head, and another towel did its admirable best to cover the rest of her body.

“Nice outfit,” said Stevie.

“My clothes are in the dryer.”

“You do realize people will be here any minute?” said Lillian.

Angie smiled sweetly. “Yes. I thought I would wear my birthday suit. . .” She let her towel slip a few inches. Stevie’s cheeks pinked, and Lillian and Morgan met each other’s eyes.

“Angie,” said Morgan, “as much as we all appreciate the female form, I can’t let you near the fire pit naked, and I definitely saw mosquitoes. So, unless you want your ass bitten, clothes might be a good idea.”

“She might be into the ass biting,” Lillian said under her breath.

Angie and an armful of dry clothing reappeared, then vanished.

“Beers for queers?” called a voice from the front hall.

“Stormy!” Stevie pushed herself off the counter as Stormy arrived bearing a growler of Angie’s favorite beer and a kiss on the cheek for the three of them.