Lou had managed to look away just before she got caught ogling. She’d chastised herself for being so…leery. But God, it had been years since she’d met anyone outside the club who made her look twice, and she couldn’t ever remember talking so freely with another woman. Stephanie today had been the same Stephanie she’d talked to on Wednesday—friendly, a little chatty, smiling, and doing that very cute blushing thing again. Something about Stephanie, or at least this version of Stephanie, just put her totally at ease. Something no one else had ever done.

Tania hadn’t helped, texting her after lunch.

Just seen the lovely Stephanie in the coffee room. Girl, she’s smokin’ today, huh?!

Lou had giggled and blushed and then texted back.

Not helping!!! Trying to be Ms Professional here.

Tania’s reply had been swift.

Fuck professional! I say go with the lust, much more fun! ;-)

Lou hadn’t responded to that one, burying her head in her work for the rest of the day, trying to keep her mind from turning it all over again and again. There were still all those unanswered questions—straight or gay? Involved or not involved? But who was she kidding anyway? Even if she knew all the answers, did she really think she would do anything about it? Of course not. Shit, why couldn’t she just be normal? She wanted to be—oh God, how she wanted to be.

She slumped back against the sofa and ran her hands through her hair and then down over her face. She rubbed at her cheeks in frustration. Don’t be ridiculous. Stick with what you know, what you can handle. Anonymous sex in the club is all you’re capable of, so just get off your arse, get ready, and go and find a woman to take your mind off Stephanie Jackson.

Out of the blue, a thought came to her—a very stupid, crazy thought, but one she couldn’t push away.

Lou leapt to her feet. Time to get changed. She knew what she needed tonight, knew what the plan would be. She smiled ruefully and went to the bathroom to start the ritual. It certainly wasn’t the best plan she’d ever had, but it would fulfill its purpose. She hoped.

* * *

She smiled at Mandy, paid her money, and put her things in the locker. Then she walked through to Green, ordered a beer, and found a seat at the central bar. It would take time tonight, she thought, but she’d arrived a little earlier than usual to allow for that.