“No way,” I argued. “You weren’t unloading. I asked how things have been.”
“It’s just nice to talk to someone about it that doesn’t have a vested interest in whether or not Rumi and I procreate,” she said with a little laugh. “My grandma and Heather both get these sad looks on their faces, and I always feel like I’m guilting my sisters-in-law when I bring it up since they’ve never had any issues getting pregnant.”
“Well, I’m happy to listen any time you want to talk about it. I don’t have any experience, because preventing pregnancy has always been my goal—but any time you want to vent, I’m here.”
“Thanks, Harp.”
“You guys’ll figure it out. Whatever you decide to do is the right choice.”
“Yeah, you’re right.” She nodded firmly. “Now, let’s change the subject. It’s your turn to spill your guts.”
I laughed.
“Come on, you must have something that you can’t talk to anyone else about. Some torrid affair that ended because you had to move across the country?” she asked hopefully.
“I haven’t had any torrid affairs,” I replied apologetically. “All of my relationships have ended amicably, and none of them could be considered torrid.”
“None of them? Oh, doll, you’re missing out.”
“I did kiss Bas.”
“I knew that already.”
“Again,” I added with a snort.
“Oh, shit, really?”
“He kissed me, honestly.”
“Oh, and you just allowed it, I’m sure.”
“I was an enthusiastic partner,” I confessed. “And then I told him it wasn’t going to happen again.”
“What did he say?”
“He wasn’t happy about it. Asked why. Looked at me like I was nuts.”
“What did you tell him?”
“That everyone knew he was in love with Lou, and I didn’t want to get in the middle of any drama.”
Nova gaped at me.
“What? It’s the truth. Was I supposed to lie?”
“I don’t think you needed to lay it out quite so succinctly. What did he say?”
“That he wasn’t in love with Lou. He seemed pretty pissed.”
“He said that flat out?”
“No hesitation.”
“Huh,” she replied thoughtfully.
“What? What was that noise?”
“Ballsy move to call him out on it.” She tilted her head back and forth. “If he says he’s not in love with her, then what’s stopping you?”
