Page 13 of Love Is…?

To Jayde’s delight, Tessa sat on the tiles, perpendicular so they could see each other without having to peer around a thrilled labradoodle.

Their knees touched.

Jayde stared at Tessa. Well, this was ridiculous. She did not do the whole ‘needing to be in the same space as a person because they were lovely’ and—a crush, she berated herself.It’s called a crush.Good grief. She tried to recall Tessa’s question.

“So, this gig?Culturemagazine decided that they needed more not-awful journalists.”

Jayde met Tessa’s eyes, which were sparkling with laughter.

“No, seriously. Do you pitch or whatever it’s called?”

“Sort of. The topic was set, so all I had to do was apply.”

“That’s so exciting. Does it make it easier that you’re totally into the topic? I love the topic. Love is…” She sighed through a smile, and ran her fingers through Theo’s fur.

Jayde twisted her lips to the side, leant back and fiddled with the dog’s collar.

“Truthfully? Not a huge fan.”

Tessa gasped, and sat up straight. “How? It’s about—” She stopped abruptly. “How are you possibly going to write this essay if you hate the topic?” She looked appalled.

“I can write about shark diving without actually cuddling a shark.”

Tessa narrowed her eyes, and Jayde quirked a smile. “Okay. I focus on the subject, not the topic. I don’t hate love, Tessa. That’s a bit dramatic. I’m…sceptical. I’m assuming from your look of horror that you’re the president of the Love Advocacy Association.”

Tessa’s horrified expression dissolved into a smile. “Absolutely,” she said. “Love’s a wonderful place to rest your heart.”

The way Tessa clutched at her chest made Jayde grin. “A place to rest your heart. I like that. Can I use it?”

That scored a smile. “Sure. Where will you put it? In the profile?”

“No. I’ll use it when I’m chatting up a woman atQueer Beers.”

Tessa stared. “You’re kidding?” Then she squinted. “You’re not kidding. Oh my God, Jayde. That’s…That line is not going to convince any woman to leap into your pants. I couldn’t use it, that’s for sure.” Tessa reddened. “I’d never chat up a woman with that…I mean, I used to go there before I went to Canada, and it’s amazing that the bar is still there but?—”

She snapped her mouth closed and they regarded each other. Despite the stuttering, which was cute and so awkward that Jayde wanted to ignore Theo and bundle Tessa into a hug, that collection of half sentences cleared up one fact. Jayde and Tessa played for the same team.

“Why not? Why wouldn’t you use that line?” Jayde said, confused.

“I just wouldn’t. Ever,” Tessa mumbled. She untangled herself, stood—after giving Theo a quick pat—and walked over to the coffee machine. “Do you want one?” she asked without turning around.

The journalist in Jayde wanted to know more. “Sure. Thanks,” Jayde replied, reclaiming her spot on the stool, which Theo promptly sprawled under. “You couldn’t use a line on someone? Women would be flocking to you. You’re smart, funny, good looking…” Jayde blinked. Soft heat tickled her cheeks. Oops. Competitive blushing. She forced down the heat, and winked.

Tessa caught the gesture, and rolled her eyes as she placed the mugs on the counter. “Okay. That?” She pointed. “The wink? The ring binder of lines? I’m immune to that sort of thing, so stop. And no, I don’t use lines because I’m not into hooking up or one-night stands or anything else less than twenty-four hours.” She took a large gulp of her coffee, and winced, like she’d forgotten that coffee was generally a hot beverage.

The silence grew. “You’ve never had a one night stand. Never ever?” Jayde couldn’t imagine the idea. Hooking up guaranteed a night of pleasure, but it kept women at bay, which was very good because it meant that Jayde didn’t fall. Fall so hard that when that woman walked away, her heart wouldn’t disintegrate into the grey ash left by a flame snuffed out by indifference. Just like her father’s had. She sipped at her drink.

Tessa paused as something flickered in her eyes, then she lifted her mug to cover her mouth. “Never ever. Right. I’m not having this conversation. Grace’ll be down in a minute. She said she’s going shopping so I’ll be joining her.”

Jayde rested her elbow on the counter and leaned her cheek into her palm. “So while you’re waiting…” She couldn’t help it. Investigative journalism meant digging a little, and Tessa intrigued her.

“You’re not going to get my take on what love is or whatever you’re doing.” Tessa crossed her arms. “It sounds like you’re gathering special not-awful journalistic intel.”

Jayde laughed. “No.”Yes. “Just everyday intel. Come on. You know you want to tell me,” she wheedled, a wicked grin on her face, which seemed to do the trick because Tessa narrowed her eyes and laughed. They sipped simultaneously, holding eye contact.

“Fine. I may as well.” She huffed. “I don’t do hook ups because I believe that sex is part of relationship growth.”

“Relationship growth…” Jayde faded off.

---