Page 101 of Derivation

“Well, we’re not,” Sarai said.

“Sorry. I’m just going to grab a–” Enya pointed to the ice cream. “Are you done with that?”

“Go for it,” Gabi replied. “You should know that we shared that spoon, though.”

“I don’t mind.”

“Get a new spoon, Enya. It’s sort of a thing,” Sarai told her.

“Sharing a spoon is a thing?” Gabi asked.

“When you and I do it on a date, it is.”

“No problem. I’ll get my own spoon and eat this in my room.”

“Hey, you’re up?” Arlowe asked, walking into the room like a woman on a mission. “I could use your help with something. There–” Arlowe turned and noticed Gabi sitting there. “Actually, I could use your help.”

“My help?” Gabi asked.

“Enya can’t code. I’ve got Mitchell working on part of the issue, but I could use a little more help if you can spare twenty minutes.”

“Are you serious, Arlowe?” Sarai asked.

“Sarai, it’s fine,” Gabi said, lifting her head off Sarai’s shoulder. “I don’t mind. I can help out.”

“It’s our first date.”

“Sarai, it’s work,” Arlowe replied. “I promise, I’ll have her back before she turns into a pumpkin.”

“Arlowe, you said it was a minor issue.”

“It is.”

“Then, I’m sorry, but can you just fix it with Mitchell or Clay, the two actual employees?”

“I can, yeah, but it would go faster with Gabi.”

“I don’t mind, Sarai.”

“Gabs, I do. For once, I don’t want my work to come first. So, if the two of you could please just give us, like, an hour to relax on this damn couch before we say good night at our bedroom doors, I would really appreciate it.”

“Is she spinning out?” Arlowe asked.

“No, she’s making a point,” Gabi said, looking at Sarai. “And I think I’m going to stay here.”

“Fine. Enya?”

“I’ll go out there with you, but mainly for moral support because I have no idea how to fix whatever’s wrong.”

“Let’s go,” Arlowe said, and when she and Enya walked out of the living room, Gabi kissed Sarai on the cheek.

“What was that for?”

“You know what it’s for. Now, relax,” Gabi replied, and Sarai let out a deep breath when Gabi moved back into her side.

CHAPTER 27

“Oh, hey.”