Page 51 of February

“It’s a beautiful city. I just don’t get to enjoy it.”

“Seems hectic. I like it down here better.”

“It is.” Monica sighed. “Busy and never stops.”

“You sound like you’re not really a fan of that,” Bridgette noted.

“It has its benefits, but it has drawbacks, too.”

“Like?”

“Well, for some people, there’s never enough.”

“Some people? I assume you have someone in mind?”

“Soy caramel latte,” the waitress said, placing Monica’s mug down in front of her.

“Thank you,” she replied, giving her a smile before she returned her gaze to Bridgette and added, “My ex. There’s never enough work, power, money, young women.”

“I sense a story there,” Bridgette said as she leaned in conspiratorially. “Did he… cheat?”

“She,” Monica corrected. “And yes, but I actually didn’t know that when I filed for divorce.”

“She?” Bridgette sat back abruptly.

“Yeah, she. My ex-wife, Lily. She essentially left me for a woman who’s younger than me, and Lily’s ten years older than me.”

“She?” Bridgette repeated.

Monica laughed and said, “Yes. I thought you knew.”

“How would I know?”

“I told you a woman bought me a drink and asked for my number.”

“Yeah, and you acted like that was the worst thing in the world. I had to get you out of there,” Bridgette reminded.

“Oh,” Monica said in realization. “You thought I had a problem with her being a woman?”

“Yes, Monica.”

“No, I just wasn’t interested,” she explained. “You’ve thought I was straight this whole time?”

“Obviously. Why would I think you weren’t?”

“I don’t know. Maybe your gaydar is broken,” Monica replied.

“My gaydar is fine. It’s just a little wonky on femmes.”

“What makes you think I’m a femme?”

“See designer bag, designer heels, designer–”

“Business suits?”

“Yes.”

“Ever see me wear a skirt instead of pants?”

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