Wait, was that amusement in Sophie’s voice? “This isn’t funny, Soph. How can I possibly do thisandorganise a festival? I barely know what I’m doing as it is.”
“You’ve done great so far, and the festival was always going to be organised at ground level by each of the committees. Your role is purely as overseer. So if you get voted in, well, I think it would be great if you did it. Think of the publicity for my business. An event planner is very much a background role, normally. But if publicity said the fake couple were Tarryn Harris and Sophie Lane of Sydney firm, Events Done Right, it would be awesome.”
“I hadn’t thought of that.” Allie nibbled her lower lip.
“If you really don’t want to do it, Al, well, of course I won’t ask you to. You’ve done so much for me already.” Sophie’s voice had softened, taken on a concerned tone.
Allie closed her eyes. “Okay. If they draw us, I’ll do it. But Tarryn isn’t keen on this at all.”
Sophie laughed. “If they vote you in, they’ve got the ultimate fake couple: a wedding hater and a straight woman.”
Allie was silent as words beat in her throat. “And another thing. Tarryn kissed me this evening.”
“And?” Sophie asked softly.
“And nothing. It was no grand passion. Just a closed-mouth press of lips.”
“And?”
“And then she withdrew and asked if she should apologise. I said there was no need.”
“And?”
“And what?” Allie passed a hand through her disordered hair.
“What did you feel? This is me, Al, you don’t have to pretend, whatever the answer is.”
“I liked it,” she said in a small voice.
“That’s good, isn’t it?” Sophie said. “Someone you’ve connected with.”
“I don’t know. We seem to disagree as much as anything.”
“There’s no law saying you have to agree with a friend or a partner all the time. Look at me and Bree.”
“I’m not sure Bree is a good example here.”
“You’re changing the subject. Okay, I’ll run with it, but Allie…don’t just blank out that kiss.”
“Like I did the last time?” The knowledge settled in her chest. She hadn’t let herself think about the last kiss after it happened. And now, maybe, she knew why.Not so straight after all.
“Yes. Like last time.”
Allie bit her lip. She needed to think about this herself first before she talked about it more with Sophie. Which she would. Once she’d got it figured out for herself, tucked into orderly columns. And what would the heading be?Bisexual? Pansexual? Straight with a bit of queer?Or no label, just Allie and how she was. She shook her head. Later. She’d think about it later.
“Is Bree still helping you out?” she asked.
A hitch of breath came over the phone. “She is. In fact…she’s moved in with me for a couple of weeks.”
Words jumped into Allie’s throat: snarky, pointed words about previous hurt and heartbreak and did Sophie really want to go there again, but she bit them back.
“I know what you’re thinking,” Sophie said. “And, yes, I’m careful. I’m guarding my heart this time. But she’s different. Considerate, kind. And she’s doing a lot for me.”
“Are you sleeping with her?” Was there a script for these difficult conversations? If there was, she was probably doing it all wrong.
“I can barely move, I’m in fairly constant pain, and if someone touches my leg wrong, I scream. What do you think?”
“I’m sorry. That was a stupid question. And nosy.”
