Page 57 of Two Hit Wonder

"Inefficient? It’s a big city, Maeve. You could probably have managed it."

Maeve lifted an eyebrow. "Are you asking to be avoided? Because this whole band thing is going to be tough if you are."

"No," Iona said pleasantly. "No, I’m not. But you're trying to pretend that kiss last night didn't happen. How's that working out for you?"

Maeve's jaw tightened. "I was hoping we could discuss the setlist for next week."

"We could. Or we could discuss the fact that you kissed me and then ran away like the building was on fire. Again."

"The building wasn't on fire."

"I'm aware. It’s my building. I think I’d have noticed."

A waitress appeared, young and harried-looking, notepad at the ready. "What can I get you?"

"Black coffee," Maeve said, not looking at her.

"Cappuccino, please," Iona said, with a smile warm enough to make up for Maeve's curtness. "And maybe a scone? Do you have scones?"

"We have artisanal biscotti."

"I'll take two."

The waitress retreated. Maeve was staring at the table.

"You're doing that thing," Iona said.

"What thing?"

"The thing where you go very quiet and very angry and hope I'll get uncomfortable and leave."

"Is it working?"

"Not even slightly." Iona folded her hands on the table. "I've known you since we were kids, Maeve. You can't out-stubborn me. I’m raising a teenager."

Something flickered across Maeve's face. Iona couldn't tell if it was amusement or irritation. Possibly both. "Fine," Maeve said, finally looking up. "You want to talk about the kiss? Let's talk about the kiss. It was a mistake."

"Was it?"

"Yes."

"You didn't seem to think so at the time."

"I wasn't thinking at all at the time. That's the problem." Maeve's voice dropped, some of the defensiveness bleeding out of it. "I don't think when I'm around you. I just feel things, and then I do things, and then everything goes wrong."

"Everything doesn't have to go wrong."

"It does with me." Maeve's laugh was short and humorless. "That's what I do, Iona. I ruin things. I get scared, and I get angry, and I ruin things at the beginning before they have a chance to be ruined properly at the end. It's easier that way. Cleaner."

"That sounds exhausting."

"It is."

"Then stop doing it."

Maeve stared at her. "Just like that?"

"Why not?" Iona shrugged, keeping her voice light even though her heart was hammering. "You've already kissed me. Twice, actually. The damage is done. Might as well see what happens next."