Page 75 of February

“Sorry, I can’t find my wineglasses,” she said when she reentered the living room.

“Oh, it’s okay,” Monica replied as she turned around to see Bridgette holding red wine in two glasses.

“I swear, I do have them. I–”

“Bridge, I do not care about wineglasses.”

“But you probably haveallthe glasses,” she noted as she handed a glass to Monica. “Like, all the specialty alcohol glasses that make it taste how it’s supposed to taste.”

Monica laughed and said, “I have some, yes, but they’re usually given to me as gifts, honestly. I don’t go out and buy them myself.”

Bridgette nodded and walked over to the sliding glass door, which she opened and motioned for Monica to walk through. Then, she followed behind Monica and closed the door to make sure no bugs would get in.

“It’s a nice night,” Monica said as she leaned over the railing.

“You can sit.” Bridgette nodded toward the two chairs and the small table between them.

Monica sat down, and Bridgette followed. They didn’t talk for several minutes, and Bridgette kept finding herself looking over at Monica to try to guess what the woman was thinking. Monica looked at ease. She seemed calm and had a small, almost hidden smile on her face.

“How is it?” Bridgette asked after Monica took a drink of her wine. “You can be honest.”

“On a scale of vinegar to the best wine I’ve ever had, I’d say this is about a three.”

Bridgette laughed and said, “Out of ten? I’ll take it.”

“You buy your wine at the grocery store?”

“I’m there a lot.”

“Why?”

“I’m doing the replenishments now, remember?”

“Right,” Monica said as she took another drink.

“Are you really okay?” When Monica turned to her and looked confused, Bridgette added, “You’re just really quiet.”

“Oh,” Monica let out. “I get quiet when I’m content.”

“Content?”

“Those moments when you can sit back and think that everything is okay right now and just enjoy them.”

“And you’re having one of those right now?” Bridgette asked before she took a sip of her own wine.

“I am.” Monica smiled.

“I see,” she teased.

Monica laughed quietly and shook her head at her.

“You have taken me by surprise, Bridgette.”

“Me?”

“Yes, you.”

“How?”

---