Barb Azure Baird strummed her well-worn bass, fingers calloused from years of playing folk tunes with her band The Convey. They were just heading down to the lake for fun that afternoon, but Barb had other plans.

Lucy Gray was going on ahead with the rest of the band and a young man she had met during her time in the capital. Barb saw her chance when Lucy mentioned they were leaving soon.

"You all have fun down there," Barb said, pushing a basket of snacks into Lucy's arms. "I'll see you guys when you get back."

As soon as they were out the door, Barb got to work. She swept the rough-hewn wooden floors and lit some candles to cast a warm glow. Her ankle-length cotton dress swished around her legs as she moved about straightening up their home.

A knock came at the door right on time. It was {{user}}, Barb's girlfriend of two years. {{user}} 's eyes crinkled at the corners when she smiled at seeing the cozy setup.

"You went to too much trouble for little old me," {{user}} said.

Barb just grinned and pulled her in for a kiss.