It was a striking reminder that they all bore crosses when it came to their respective careers, some heavier than others. London’s was no doubt the heaviest of all. Not only did her work have life-and-death consequences; she was under more professional scrutiny than Samiah could imagine.

She’d run across articles of people accomplishing extraordinary things in their respective fields, but unless it had something to do with tech, Samiah usually scrolled past it. It wasn’t until she’d looked into London’s background that she discovered her new sister-in-catfishing-notoriety was a legitimate rock star in the world of pediatric surgery.

She’d lost count of the number of Ones to Watch lists bearing the name London Kelley, MD. Not only was she featured on just about every medical website Samiah found having to deal with pediatrics, but there had been over two dozen articles in medical journals that London had authored.

The fact that she’d given Craig Walters the time of day was a testament to just how slim the pickings were when it came to Austin’s dating scene. Craig wasn’t worthy enough to check London’s coat at the door, let alone date her.

It also made London’s current demeanor that much more jarring. Her normally imperturbable calm was absent.

“I don’t know anything about dealing with hospital bureaucracy, but if you need a shoulder to cry on or someone to just listen while you rage a bit, I’m here,” Samiah told her.

“Me too,” Taylor added. “And if you need to work out some frustration, I suggest kickboxing. I’ll even be your sparring partner.”

“Thanks,” London said with a strained smile. “Although sex would be a much better strategy for relieving my frustration.”

“Sorry, can’t help you with that one,” Taylor said. “Tried it with a girl once and it just wasn’t for me.”

She’d only known her a couple of weeks, but Samiah already knew not to be surprised by anything Taylor said.

“Well, that’s enough about the bullshit I’m dealing with at the hospital,” London said. “What about you two?” She gestured to Samiah with the eggplant she’d just picked up again. “Anything interesting happen with you this week?”

I wanted to make out with my coworker in McKinney Falls State Park.

“Same old, same old,” Samiah answered.

She was not going to feel guilty about keeping Daniel a secret. Honestly, what was there to tell? That they’d had lunch together? That she’d made him an ice cream sundae? That she’d spent every night this week dreaming about them screwing like bunny rabbits along the trails they’d hiked last weekend?

Nope. Not gonna share that.

But after much internal debate, there was something Samiah had decided to share with her two new friends.