Fate Cuts Both Ways

"Jayani." Becca was getting irritated now. "I think I'm allowed to have a life. If you will calm down, I'll even tell you about it. Some of it. But please stop trying to guilt me just because. . . ." She paused, and softened her voice as she moved closer and touched her friend's shoulder. "Just because you didn't know about something right from the beginning," she said quietly, "like you usually do."

Jay frowned at her, but Becca could feel her friend's shoulder relax a little under her hand. "I was worried, you know. When was the last time I didn't know where you were at any given moment, and what you were doing?" She finally smiled, rather sheepishly. "Maybe ten years ago, when we were teenagers?"

Becca gave her a big hug. "I'm all right, Jay. More than all right. Now—could you please say hello to Jon properly?"

Jay sniffed, but she turned to Jon, who was still looking a little taken aback. "Hello, Jon—nice to meet you. I hope you're going to treat Becca well."

"JAY!" Becca smacked her friend on the arm. Jon laughed out loud, and offered his hand again.

"Jayani, that is my intention, I promise you."

"Hmm." Jay looked at him appraisingly, shook hands again quickly, and then turned back to Becca. "So—details. Now."

Jon choked again. Becca glared at Jay.

"Are you always this . . . blunt?" he asked.

"Yes, she is," Becca answered. "I'm afraid you'll just have to get used to her."