Mack ran her fingers through Flora’s hair. “Nothing could.”

“It could. There was something else Dr. Carrson said today that might make you feel differently.”

“I don’t think so, but if you think it’s important, then tell me.”

“It’s something that I’ve always suspected, and Dr. Carrson still has to give me the official test next week, but from what I told her, she thinks it’s a pretty safe bet that I’m on the autistic spectrum. High functioning autism some call it.”

Mack was only somewhat aware of the autistic spectrum. Up until recently, she thought only some children were deeply affected by autism. That was until Isla had been assessed for various disorders as she went through phycological evaluation, after her friend died.

Isla turned out not to be on the spectrum, but Nikki and her aunt explained that someone could have some of the symptoms and not be so severely affected by it.

“What exactly does that mean? I want to understand.”

“Dr. Carrson went through some of the difficulties. Emotional sensitivity, fixation on particular subjects, social difficulties, devotion to routines, dislike of change, repetitive habits—apparently OCD symptoms go hand in hand with it.”

“That definitely sounds like you. Why do you think that changes anything?” Mack asked. She honestly didn’t know what that would change about her feelings for Flora.

“Because a lot of people wouldn’t want to take that on.”

Mack scrunched up her eyes. “Why would I be taking it on? You had the same symptoms yesterday, and the day before, and the first moment I met you. The only difference is you have a title for it now.”

“A title for my craziness?” Flora shook her head.

“No, you are just you.” Mack cupped her cheek. “The same woman I’ve felt connected to from the first moment I set eyes on you.”

Flora pulled away from her caress. “No, you can’t be involved with me. I’m not going to change the fact that I have autism or OCD by seeing Dr. Carrson. She can help me learn techniques to cope with the symptoms. You could go out to The Deep and meet a roomful of beautiful, nicely dressed women, who wouldn’t give you half the trouble I would and will.”

“You don’t need to dress a certain way, behave in a certain way. To me you are perfect as you are, and I’ve been falling for you ever since that first night we met,” Mack said passionately.