“I can’t lie; I’m beyond happy.” Jacky’s big butch exterior turned to mush at the mention of her wife.

“So, where is she tonight?”

“Home, planning on a long call with her sister to catch up. So, want to order some food and grab a table?”

“Oh yes, I’m in need of a big burger. With all the trimmings.”

“Mate, you are speaking my language.”

An hour later, stuffed to the gills with a second pint in hand, Jacky sat back in her chair and groaned.

“Overdone it, my friend?” Kath winced as she eased back in her own chair.

“You and me both, by the looks of it,” replied Jacky, grinning.

“Whatever.”

“So, given that things have been tricky with your mum again, I guess there’s still no love life of yours to speak of? No juicy goss you can share with me?”

Kath smiled mysteriously and shifted in her chair a little.

Jacky sat up straighter.

“What?” she asked. “Come on, spill the beans, you bitch!”

Kath laughed but blushed a little too, her gaze darting away from Jacky’s and back again.

“Come on, bud. What’s going on?” Jacky pushed. “Anyone I know?”

“Ah, it’s… Well, it’s not quite what you might imagine.” Kath took another big gulp of beer and then let out a sigh. She leaned forward onto her forearms. “Okay, I’m going to tell you, but I’d really appreciate it if you didn’t get too judgmental on me. Please, just accept that what I’ve found really works for me and I’m in a good place with it, okay?”

“Fuck. Okay. But now I really am wondering what is going on.”

“Well,” began Kath, “I’ve been visiting a club. A private club that caters to very, shall we say, special desires.”

“A club? What, like a nightclub?”

Kath grinned. “Well, it is a club, and it’s open at night, but it certainly isn’t the kind of nightclub you’re thinking about.”

“Oh, come on, stop stringing me along.” Jacky was losing patience.

Kath chuckled. “Okay, okay, I’ll tell you.” She took a deep breath and puffed it out. Then, lowering her voice, she said, “It’s a lesbian sex club.”

Jacky was thankful she wasn’t holding her drink at that moment, as it would surely have ended up all over the floor.

“Say that again?” she said.

“Remember, you agreed not to judge.” Kath’s voice had an edge to it, and Jacky held her hands up in a placating gesture.

“Sorry,” she said softly. “Please, tell me what you mean.”

“Well, like I said, it’s a sex club. I found out about it online—remember you suggested chat rooms?”