'It can't be just your imagination. When was the last time you had phenomenal sex? Have you taken inspiration from previous partners?'
Hecate admitted that she had. Nothing in this book, she'd been single for a while now. But she named a few incidents and characters who bore a passing resemblance to real life.
'Once I thought I had that passion with someone. Like in the book. Foolish to think that we would do anything for each other and the only thing that mattered was just us. In the end, it wasn't enough for either of us.'
'You feel things so deeply when you're young and the world is fresh. In hindsight, you were foolish but it's not a crime in this case. You didn't do anything misguided or dangerous, you just wanted each other to matter more than anything. That's usual. I'm going to guess that your serious research started after that?'
'I wouldn't have known how to' Hecate spluttered. 'Not with each other. We were so innocent, we barely knew a thing back then. I'm glad we didn't. It ended badly enough. We wouldn't have been able to see each other in the same way again.'
'I'd say it was a good thing you've preserved. Most people are only here a short time in our lives. They serve a purpose and usually we're happy for their presence for a time, even if it doesn't end well in the end. In a way, most people you meet, you don't regret. Each of the ones that mattered then, has shown you or taught you something new you take with you to the next phase. Then we spend less time mourning them and living again.'
Hecate admitted that she hadn't thought of it that way.
'I hope you won't be leaving anytime soon.'
It was a bold plea.
'I can't deprive you of your test audience' said Ada playfully. She knew now how much it had cost Hecate to ask. 'You're in your author era, I couldn't not witness that. I'm honoured that you've shared it with me and I hope I'm in your favour for a long time.'
'I think I can manage that' said Hecate seriously. She leaned over to kiss up Ada's neck tantalisingly, lingering over her lips until they gasped for breath.
'Another chapter maybe?'
'Challenge accepted.'