Page 41 of Hidden Desire

Stassi

Not sure. I thought great, but I think Sage just really doesn’t know how to fit into this world. That makes me sad.

Ariel

Give her time. It’s new to her, right? But I’m starting to see this great girl, Natalia, and we wanted to invite you two to brunch tomorrow. I would love to meet Sage and really want you to meet Natalia.

Stassi looked up as Sage reclaimed her seat at the counter. “So, my friend Ariel has a new girlfriend, and she would like us to go to brunch tomorrow. No pressure, but if you’re up for it, I thought it could be fun. I haven’t responded, so it’s truly your decision.”

Sage considered it and there was a moment when Stassi felt like maybe Sage would disregard Stassi and say it wasn’t happening. However, Sage finally nodded. “If you want to, sounds like fun.”

Stassi

Yep, sounds good. Text me place and time and we’ll be there.

“The food has been ordered and should be here in twenty minutes. Want to go find us a movie to watch?”

“Sure.” Stassi and Sage headed into the living room and had just reached the cabinet of movies, when Sage cleared her throat. “Girlfriend, huh?”

Stassi turned and her cheeks felt warm as she stared at Sage. “I, well I really wasn’t sure what to say and didn’t think Kelly believing you were my assistant was really going to work for me. Or you.” She shrugged. “I guess I should have come up with something better to say.”

“It’s fine.” Sage knelt at the cabinet and Stassi stood back and watched her. There wasn’t one sign that secured Stassi’s feelings on the remark, but at least it wasn’t something that started another fight. Maybe brunch with friends was just what they needed.

Sage

From the corner of her eye, Sage caught Stassi repeatedly looking in her direction. She had agreed to the brunch, but then spent the rest of the night trying to convince herself it wasn’t the worst idea in the world. What if she clashed with Stassi’s friends? That would be just another reason why Stassi and her weren’t meant to be. It was disheartening, but at the time same it was good to know before they put any more effort into it.

“Are you excited?” Stassi asked when they reached the café.

Sage sighed. “Excited isn’t quite the expression I would use.” Stassi opened her mouth and turned to look straight ahead. Her eyes narrowed in, and Sage feared she would start crying. “It’s not that I’m not looking forward to meeting your friends. But…” She shrugged. “I don’t know. Let’s just hope for a good day.” She quirked up her lips into a faint smile and reached for the door. “We’re a few minutes late, I don’t want to keep them waiting.”

They got out of the car and headed up to the café. A woman waved from an outdoor table, before they could even reach the door. “That’s Ariel,” Stassi replied.

Ariel was beautiful. Sage stared, suddenly feeling that sensation in her mind again. Maybe Sage wasn’t the woman for Stassi. She had a different lifestyle than Sage was used to, and Sage didn’t want to muck that up for her just because it wasn’t her thing.

Stassi reached for Sage’s hand and Sage knew her hands were clammy. Yet, Stassi didn’t jerk to get away. She released a slow breath. She just needed to take it one minute at a time and do her best to breathe.

“Hey, Girly.” Ariel jumped up and wrapped her arms around Stassi, greeting her with a more than generous embrace. Sage stood back and watched the encounter. Was this really someone that had moved on and no longer had feelings for Stassi? Stassi had mentioned they were once a couple, but this didn’t seem like that was too far away. Ariel pulled back from Stassi. “This is Natalia the love of my life,” Ariel quickly introduced her.

Natalia laughed and shook Stassi’s hand. “She used to say that about me. Don’t get too comfortable.” Stassi made the comment with an easy laugh, but Sage quickly looked away. Stassi shot a look to Sage. “I’m absolutely kidding. We lasted about two seconds.”

Ariel continued to laugh. “Yeah, I couldn’t deal with her drama.” She shot a look at Sage. “Good luck to you.”

Sage wanted to bolt, but she was stuck standing there, gawking aimlessly, and wondering when they could get out of there. “Well, as I’m sure you figured,” Stassi cleared her throat. “This is Sage.”

“Is it?” Ariel asked. “I thought you just picked up some random Jane on the street.” She laughed. “Wouldn’t be the first time.”

Natalia nudged Ariel in the side and glared in her direction. Stassi shook her head. “And on that note…” She motioned to the table. “Let’s have a seat and get this brunch going.”

“Works for me,” Natalia commented. She shot a knowing look to Sage, a look that seemed to say her apologies for the way Ariel behaved.

Sage grabbed a menu and looked at it but saw that there weren’t any prices listed next to the food items. She checked the other side of the menu, but nothing. How did you know what you wanted to order if you couldn’t see how much it cost? Another sign that she was way out of her comfort zone. When the waitress arrived to take their orders, Sage was worried she would say the wrong thing. When Stassi ordered, she smiled and nodded.

“I’ll take the same.” It was easier that way, and she could just hope that she had enough money to take care of their orders.

“So, Sage,” Ariel started. She glanced over Sage, and then looked up and met her gaze. “What makes you think that you’re good enough for my BFF here? Ouch!” Ariel shot Stassi a look when Stassi kicked her. The whole table saw it, especially Sage. Deep down she was relieved that someone had done it, so she wouldn’t be the one that was expected to defend her honor. “I’m only teasing,” Ariel commented. “Some people can be so touchy.” Ariel rolled her eyes and smirked as she turned to Sage. “Do you enjoy your job?”

“Love it,” Sage replied. Her words came just above a whisper, and she hoped she didn’t sound unsure.

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