"So," Laura began, setting down her glass with purpose, "catch me up. And I swear to God, if you start talking about science, I will attack you."
Elena laughed. "Fine. Miguel's doing well in calculus. He's still giving me the teenage attitude, but we’ve been getting along well."
"That's because he's a mini-you," Laura said, smiling. "How's the yoga class? Still going?"
Elena shook her head. "I haven't gone in a while. I was busy before. Now, with this deadline... there's even less time."
Laura raised an eyebrow. "Maybe with the right hot young instructor..."
The food arrived, saving her from that conversation. Laura dove into distributing portions with the efficiency of someone who'd hosted many dinner parties.
"So, my news," Laura said, spearing a piece of cheese. "Remember that campaign I was pitching to the athletic wear company?”
Elena nodded, recalling the passionate text messages Laura had sent at midnight three weeks ago, outlining her vision.
"They loved it. Signed a two-year contract. I'm hiring two more people next month." Laura's eyes sparkled with genuine joy. "They want me to lead the European expansion next quarter. I’ll spend two weeks in Paris, one in Milan."
"Laura, that's amazing!" Elena reached across the table to squeeze her friend's hand. "You've worked so hard for this."
"I know," Laura said, not bothering with modesty. "I'm fucking terrified and thrilled. Mainly thrilled." She popped an olive into her mouth. "What about you? I will allow you to talk about science now."
Elena tried to talk about neuroscience in a way that wouldn’t bore her friend to tears. "Well, we are trying out a new treatment. It’s… a little risky. Paul has been skeptical.”
Laura seemed pleased. “My little trailblazer. I love that for you.” She scanned Elena with narrowed eyes. “I thought you looked different.”
Elena paused, fork halfway to her mouth. "Different how?"
Laura studied her with the sharp eye of someone who'd known her through two degrees, one marriage, one child, one divorce, and countless professional crises. "You’re glowing, Elena. I haven’t seen you like this since before—" She stopped herself. Laura had almost broken the unwritten rule of this annual ritual. There was to be no talk about Mateo or the divorce.
"It’s probably just the weather. I love this time of year." Elena said, unable to come up with a better lie.
"Nope." Laura pointed her fork accusingly. "You lie like shit, woman." She narrowed her eyes. "I can smell it from here… there's something else. Something you're not telling me."
"There's really not," Elena insisted, but the scene from last night played again in her mind.
"Hmm." Laura took another sip of wine, watching Elena over the rim of her glass. "Secrets, secrets…"
Elena rolled her eyes, deflecting. "I'm just busy, Laura. Between the research and Miguel and trying to occasionally sleep, there's not much room for... whatever you're implying."
"I'm not implying anything," Laura said innocently. "I'mstating outright that you're hiding something. But fine, keep your secrets." She refilled their glasses. "Let's talk about your nonexistent dating life instead."
Elena groaned. "Let's absolutely not."
"Honey, you're forty-one, not dead. When was the last time you went on a date? And don't say that faculty mixer where the anthropology professor talked about his fossil collection for forty-five minutes."
"That was not a date," Elena protested. "That was a professional obligation that turned into a nonconsensual date."
"Exactly my point," Laura said triumphantly. "You need to go on an actual date. With a man who doesn't study things that have been buried for millennia."
Elena sighed, pushing her food around her plate. "I don't have time to date, Laura. The grant deadline is getting closer every day, and we're still collecting data. Plus, Miguel needs?—"
"Miguel needs a mother who occasionally smiles because she has a life outside of her lab," Laura cut in, gentle but firm. "And you need someone to remind you that you're more than just Dr. Herrera, brilliant neuroscientist and dedicated mother."
The wine was softening Elena’s usual defenses. She took another sip, letting the warmth spread through her chest. "I wouldn't even know where to start," she admitted. "The dating apps are horrifying, and I don't exactly meet eligible men while running between the lab and Miguel's school."
"What about at work?" Laura asked, her tone casual. "Any interesting colleagues? Attractive janitors with hidden depths?"
Elena's mind conjured Finn again. She thought about his hands on her waist, and the hungry look in his eyes.No. She shut down the thought just as quickly as it came. He was brilliant and interesting and also completelyoff-limits.
