Page 2 of Touch of Class

“Aw thanks, boss.” Robin accepted the comment as if it had been a compliment. “We do have a plan B. We’d like to get tickets for the whole crew to go to a Cornell women’s basketball game and let you show us the site of your former glory.”

Gillian needed only a few seconds to mull that offer and noted the warmth it sparked at her core. “Now you’re talking, except for the ‘former glory’ part. I’m not that far removed from triumph. Thank you. That would give me something to really look forward to.”

“Good, and you can bring a date if you want,” Sawyer added.

“Very funny.” She took another bite of cake.

“If you’re looking for options, we have ideas,” Robin piled on.

“The waitress from Cornelia looked like she’d like to serve you on a plate,” Tegan suggested.

“Or the woman who delivers packages from UPS and always lingers to get your signature?” Brooke offered.

Gillian rolled her eyes. “That is literally her job.”

“What about the woman from the gym who waits until you pick your treadmill every morning, then chooses the one right next to you?” Brooke prodded.

“So annoying.” Exasperation crept into her tone once more. “It’s 6 a.m. There are plenty of open treadmills. Spread out. What is wrong with people?”

“Not really the point.” Sawyer tried to pull her back. “Aren’t you ready to finally lean into your fabulous forties? Play the field, knock some boots—”

“Stop.” Gillian held up a hand, staring at her friends and colleagues who had been almost militantly single themselves until a few months ago. “Not everyone needs to pair up, and I can’t believe I have to explain that to Sawyer and Robin of all people.”

Robin conceded the point. “It’s still super weird to me, too.”

“So weird,” Sawyer agreed, then locked eyes with Robin and smiled as if she were the only woman who’d ever existed for them, a sight Gillian still found slightly disconcerting.

It wasn’t that she was anti-relationship. She’d always intended to get around to fostering one of her own, but seeing her friends fall into the chaos of their own romances hadn’t exactly done anything to create urgency around the desire. Brooke and Tegan’s origin story as a couple had nearly sent the whole practice into an ethics crisis, while Robin and Sawyer’s wild collision had nearly broken them both. Gillian had too much going on to risk becoming some sappy, lovestruck stereotype, like the former, or a sex-driven dopamine chaser, like the latter.

As if to prove her point, Sawyer leaned in like they intended to make out with Robin right there, but Tegan cleared her throat, and they stopped.

“Sorry,” Robin said quickly. “We’re not trying to get you wifed up. I’d just enjoy seeing you go out and rock those cougar vibes.”

“Yeah,” Sawyer piled on. “Maybe pounce on some hot young thing looking to learn the ropes. Brookesy, wanna give her the pointers in that department?”

Brooke shook her head as her cheeks flushed, and she steadfastly refused to look at Tegan. “Not even a little bit, but I do want to give her a birthday present that I hope everyone’s happy about.”

Gillian’s interest piqued, and not just in gratitude for the subject change. “What’s that?”

“With the new semester underway, and Tegan settled in, I think it might be time for me to return to the practice, slowly.”

Gillian about jumped out of her chair. “Are you serious?”

Brooke nodded, and Tegan beamed at her.

The relief nearly overwhelmed Gillian as the idea sank in. Her best friend had been gone from her work world for a year, and now she’d be right down the hall again. All Gillian’s people together, daily, in a safe place, one she’d built and managed herself. The news felt akin to wrestling a runaway train back onto the right track. “I can’t even tell you how much I needed to hear that.”

“There are still details to work out,” Brooke said. “I’m teaching two classes, and I want to stay connected to the program going forward, but I’ve really missed working one-on-one with clients. I thought I might build my base back up over the next couple of months and return full-time in January, if that’s okay.”

Gillian hugged her tightly. “Of course. More than okay!”

Robin hopped in, wrapping her arms around them both and squeezing. “We’re getting the band back together.”

“Damn,” Sawyer said. “Now I’m extra glad I stuck around.”

Gillian sighed. “I’m glad we have our crew all together. It feels like a real righting of the ship.”

“I agree.” Tegan reached for Brooke’s hand. “We’re ready to get back to the good stuff.”