Page 110 of Semantics

“Oh,” she said this time.

“Oh, good? Or, oh, bad?” Violet teased.

“Oh, definitely good. Are you sure we can’t…”

“We’re on a date now, aren’t we?”

“Yes.”

“Because we’re trying to see if we’re compatible outside of the bedroom.” Violet let go of the suspenders, tucked the tie back in, and buttoned up the vest. “We already know how good we are in the bedroom.”

“So, that’s a no?”

Violet chuckled and said, “I know you’re on break right now, but any chance I can convince you to make me a drink?”

“It won’t be for free. I’d need some form of payment, or I’ll get in trouble with the boss.

Stella tapped her lips with her index finger.

“Oh, I thought you were the owner. I feel like there’s a continuity issue in your fake bar.”

“You think too much,” Stella said and pulled Violet in for a kiss.

They sat there on two barstools, with their legs entwined, and kissed slowly. It had been a long time since their lips had been connected for more than an instant, and usually, when they kissed, it had always been with the intention of something more, but Stella just got to kiss her now. She got to sit there and enjoy how good it felt for long minutes until Violet eventually pulled back, looking a little dazed.

“You’re beautiful,” Stella said. “I don’t think I said that when you got here.”

“Thank you?” Violet asked more than said.

It made Stella laugh, and then she stood up and nodded toward the menu still sitting on the bar.

“Pick your poison, babe,” she said.

“Um… Can I have the Hemingway daiquiri?”

“Sure. That’s the first one I learned this week.”

“Stella, how much time did all of this take?”

“Oh, not long,” she lied and walked over to the shelf where she pulled down her ingredients.

“Are you lying right now?”

“Yes. It took several hours.”

“Stella!”

“What? I told you, I wanted it to be special.”

“It is. You didn’t have to do all this. I would’ve just gone to dinner with you somewhere.”

“Dinner is in the oven.”

“You cooked, too?”

“Yes. I didn’t think you’d fill up on sesame pretzels and peanuts. You’re not allergic to nuts, are you? I should have asked.”

“I don’t have any food allergies.” Violet took a handful of the nuts and ate them. “You?”