“I should get back soon,” Ann muttered. “I need actual food to keep going for the rest of my shift.”
Lila grinned. “And I have orders to fill and supplies to deliver.”
“My little delivery girl.” Ann blushed as she started back toward the hospital. “Who knows what would have happened to me if I hadn’t met you.”
“What do you mean?” Lila followed, skipping a step to catch up to Ann’s rapid pace.
“Just that. I’m not sure I’d be where I am today if you hadn’t shown up working at the hospital when you did. I desperately needed someone exactly like you.”
“I’m still confused.”
Ann stopped. “I needed someone who can keep up with me, sexually. My partner…I love her, but it’s not a relationship built with rainbows and warm fuzzies.”
“No relationship is just that, Ann.”
“I know, but…this one is hard. And you showed up exactly when I needed you.”
“Ann…”
“Just take it for what it is. We can talk about it later when we’re in a little more of a private space.” Ann pointedly looked at the looming white hospital.
“Right.” Lila nodded. “But do know that you have also fulfilled some of my needs.”
“Only some?” Ann winked. “And here I thought I was the grand goddess able to fill everyone’s needs.”
Chuckling, Lila shook her head. “You’re a dork sometimes.”
“Yes, I am. I fully own up to that.”
They stepped through the front doors of the hospital. Lila nodded toward Ann. “I’ll see you around.”
“See you later.”
As Lila walked away, her step was light. Now all she had to do was make a date with Heidi and find time to finish that conversation with Ann—one she definitely wanted to see played out.
* * *
Lila had forgone dinner, deciding finding a vegan restaurant in western Kansas was going to be difficult enough, and she wanted to plan everything and give Heidi a break from thinking. Instead, she asked Heidi to meet her after dinner downtown. It was right early-November, and she knew the Christmas decorations down Main Street were going up before the winter moved into full swing. It would be gorgeous just after sunset.
She parked in front of the little bar she knew and loved. It was one of the few places where they were welcomed in their town, openly. She hoped Heidi hadn’t spent too much time there with her partner before, and she had a sinking suspicion she hadn’t. As she stepped out of her car, pocketing her keys, her gaze lit on Heidi.
Heidi was stunning. The street lamps were just the right angle to accentuate her slight curves as she shoved her hands in the pockets of her jacket, which was open in the front. She wore dark blue jeans that were tight fitting, a loose top that billowed around her waist in a dark green. Lila’s mouth went dry.
“Well, how-dee.”
Heidi’s cheeks moved as she smiled. “Hey.”
“You’re looking good tonight.”
“Thank you.” Heidi glanced toward the ground, and Lila suspected she’d made her uncomfortable with the compliment. “I’ve never been here before.”
“Really? It’s the only gay bar in town so I figured you might have.”
Heidi shook her head. “No, I’d thought about it, but I’m not much of one for going out. Run into too many clients sometimes.”
“Understandable. Well, I hope tonight we don’t, but if we do, we can leave whenever you want.”
“Thanks.”