Page 78 of Spicy Sapphic Christmas

“What are you even talking about?” Bea threw her hand out to the side. “We’re not in a relationship. I don’t want to date you.”

Bunny let out a raucous laugh. “Thank God. Because that’s the worst idea on the planet. But so is being out when it comes to this business, and Jo took it too far.”

“Jo’s living authentically, and so am I!” Bea clenched her jaw hard. She was so glad they’d come inside for this conversation. “Why do you insist that we hide who we are?”

“Because it’ll kill your career faster than you can see it fly.”

“That’s bullshit.” Bea shook her head slowly, the full realization dawning on her. Bunny wasn’t afraid of relationships, she was afraid of people knowing about those relationships. So she’d cut herself off from anything that could possibly become that. Everyone except Piper. There had been plenty of rumors about the two of them over the years. Bea had seen them. She’d wondered about them. “It’s ridiculous to try and be someone you’re not.”

“I’m not being anyone but myself,” Bunny fired back, stepping closer and coming into Bea’s personal space.

They were so close. Tempers flared. Bea was ready to yell and scream. She wanted to have it all out already. She wanted to be done with what was between them. “Again, I call bullshit.”

“Don’t tempt me.” Bunny took another step.

“Tempt you?” Bea furrowed her brow and wrinkled her nose. “Why would I even think about you like that again? It’s clear you want nothing from me. You didn’t even want to work with me.”

“Because you’re making bad decisions when it comes to your business.”

“No, I’m making decisions that are right for me and Jo. We make those decisions together.” Bea planted her feet. She wasn’t going to let down any of her shields. She needed them up to survive this argument, and probably to be in any room with Bunny afterward. This was going to kill everything they had together.

“You’re too young to understand what you’re doing.”

“Too young?” Bea’s voice nearly broke on the word. “Did you ever consider that maybe you’re too old and stuck in your ways to see that the world is changing?”

“And you call what I say bullshit?”

“Enough, Bunny. I’m not having this argument with you. I came here to thank you for helping Jo today, and I’ve done that.” Bea took a step backward toward the door.

Bunny reached out and snagged her wrist, holding her in place. “You’re digging your own grave.”

Bea’s eyes widened. Was Bunny even talking about her anymore? The tension in Bunny’s face was so tight. She was fraught with something, but Bea couldn’t name what it was. Not that she wanted to spend much time to figure it out, not after Bunny was being such a jerk about everything.

“It’s my grave to dig,” Bea finally responded. She twisted her hand, freeing it from Bunny’s grasp. “Are we done here?”

Bunny shook her head no.

Bea stayed put as she waited for whatever reaming she had coming next, but Bunny didn’t say anything. She didn’t move. She didn’t twitch.

“Bunny?” Bea finally asked.

“What?” Bunny grumbled.

“What else did you think we needed to argue about?”

Bunny scoffed. She raised her eyes, meeting Bea’s gaze. Her jaw was clenched, the muscles bulging on the sides as she ground her molars. But she still didn’t say anything. Was she trying to prevent Bea from leaving? What was going on in Bunny’s head?

“Anyway, thanks for helping with Jo. She needs more people in her life who can protect her.”

“She’s not the only one who needs protecting,” Bunny muttered.

Bea reached for the door and paused. She threw a look over her shoulder, debating whether or not to ask. “What are you talking about?”

“Don’t throw away your career for a fuck, Bea. It’s not worth it. You have the talent to make it.”

“You’re saying I shouldn’t throw away my career for a partner? Or on coming out to the world?”

Bunny shook her head. “It’s the same thing.”

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