'Did I make you feel uncomfortable? I hope not.'

Hecate had been distant with her for the past week.

'I suppose I am not used to that kind of discussion. It is not a topic I discuss.'

'At my age, it's a waste of time not to discuss it.'

How could Hecate explain? That she was close to confessing who she really was? She didn't think her neighbours would have read one of her books let alone possess the series. She would be mortified if Ada had brought that to the book club. She poured her lusts and desires into it, her experience, certainly but being prone to solitary living, found it hard to maintain a relationship. She wrote her diary in her fiction and that had proved popular. She refused all book signings and headshots and lived a social media free life. Her agent had given up trying to persuade her. But if she had to confess to someone, it would be Ada. It was a sign, that she'd brought a book of sapphic persuasion for the club to read. She was open minded about sex and should Hecate dare to dream, a fellow sapphic? She'd rung the doorbell with some cat supplies. Hecate had accepted it gratefully, feeling awkward that she'd taken liberties in inventing an excuse to visit her. She looked over, hoping that Ada hadn't realised. Her guest was exclaiming over her cat.

'What a handsome beast. What is their name?'

'Morgana.'

'Wonderful choice. She's gorgeous.'

Morgana looked at this new human and edged forward to sniff. Her reward was a satisfying chin tickle. She curled her tail with pleasure. Hecate was pleased to see it. Morgana could be a bit standoffish. She didn't see the realisation that dawned on Ada's face until it was too late. The dots started to add up and Ada had come up with the right answer.

'It's you. You're Indigo Morgana. You write porn.'

Hecate winced at that. She hated that word.

'Sorry, erotica. I sometimes forget not everyone talks about it so frankly. Now I know why you were so evasive. It must have been a shock to see it on my shelf.'

'I assume most people would put it somewhere a little more hidden.'

'Maybe you write for a guilty pleasure audience but it's just romance and sex. It doesn't have to be concealed. I love that you write stories about women. Most romantic fiction is formulaic which is fine but it does get a bit boring with the same old protagonists, heavily chiselled men that women fall in love with at first sight, all this nonsense about dilated pupils all the time, women whose personality is endearingly clumsy, the usual tripe. Much of it is terribly written. Your books are not. I suppose I mean to tell you that I enjoy what you write very much.'

Hecate looked stricken.

'I realise that this is mortifying for you, me knowing what a splendid imagination you have. I hope it doesn't make it awkward between us.'

Hecate's usual response wouldn't work this time.

'Have you read the new one yet?'

'Not yet. The first few books I enjoyed with my previous partner. I'd read them while she'd curl up with me and read along and she'd pleasure me when it got to the racy chapters. We'd switch when she found a book she liked.'

Hecate blinked.

'Sorry, too much information again. I keep doing that. I shouldn't. You can imagine what the others would have to say about that. Maybe we should play never have I ever and find out a bit more about the group.'

Hecate raised her eyebrows.

'Sorry. I keep talking again. Maybe I should go.'

Ada hesitated. They both had the same thought; Ada would read the book soon and their friendship could be ruined by awkwardness.

'I'll leave you be.'

Ada turned to go. A quiet voice cut through the rippling atmosphere.

'Don't.'

Ada looked down at the slender hand grasping her wrist.

'Go?'

'I mean, don't read it yet' Hecate pleaded. 'Wait.'

'How long do you want me to wait?' Ada asked curiously.

Hecate considered her answer.

'Until after the next book club meeting. I can't concentrate enough already, knowing that you are one of my readers. Please. I'll read it with you.'

'Over the phone or in bed?'

Hecate glanced at her curiously.

'I'll let you know.'