There was also Brenda… or was it Brandi? Whatever the name of the hot waitress she met at Ardor two weeks ago was. That had been a fabulous weekend in bed, but there had been no communication since they parted ways. Jodi had not bothered to get Brandi’s number, and she had no other way of contacting her.

Then there was Peggy, that older woman she had met at that posthumous tribute to Carla Marie Freed’s work only three weeks ago. Peggy had taken her back to her place to show her some of Ms. Freed’s photographs in her private collection. It had been an evening of intelligent conversation, artistic debate, and flirtatious sensual tension. Alas, Peggy was scheduled to flight to Madrid the next day, where she had told Jodi she was to stay for a couple of months.

Aside from the one now in Spain, Jodi couldn’t think of any friends she wanted to have at her opening. Still, she couldn’t help but reply, “Why would I need a date when I have you, Lucia? You are more than I can handle.”

Lucia could barely contain the urge to roll her eyes at the younger woman. “As flattered as I am right now, I asked because… I wanted to introduce you to someone.”

“I don’t do dates,” Jodi’s automatically responded. She had tried her hand at dating and relationships a couple of times. Her experiences had always started as something beautiful, but had always ended like a stay at the ninth circle of hell. Two years ago, she decided to stop trying to have relationships and just enjoy the company of women under a strict no-strings-attached policy.

“Are you absolutely positive?” Lucia pressed, a smile tugging at the corners of her full lips. “This girl is gorgeous, smart, and very dedicated to her work. She reminds so much of you.”

Jodi smiled like the proverbial Cheshire cat. “Does that mean you think I’m gorgeous, Lucia?”

Lucia tried her best to not look amused, but failed. “She also can be a smartass and a brat. That too reminds me of you.”

“Fair enough,” Jodi said with a nod. “Who is she?”

“My sister-in-law,” replied Lucia. Jodi’s eyes immediately searched for the portrait of Lucia and her husband on the desk. They looked to be the same age, about 35. Even though he wasn’t exactly her cup of tea, Jodi had to admit that Lucia’s husband was very handsome. She couldn’t help but think that a woman sharing his genes might look even better.