"How's Jesus adjusting to Flintwood?" Monte asked as an attempt to engage in casual conversation. She wanted Lena to feel comfortable around her again; things had been awkward for weeks. Had that kiss damaged things between them beyond repair? She wanted to believe otherwise. It had meant nothing; she had just been caught up in the excitement of getting the grant, overcome by Lena's sudden openness about her marriage, about the baby, and she had been slightly buzzed, definitely buzzed. There was nothing else behind that kiss.
Or at least that was the lie she wanted to make herself believe. She couldn't deny that she felt something for Lena, something that went beyond an amicable work relationship, even a friendship; it was a powerful attraction, a curiosity, and that confused her.