Catherine's workmate Cassie overheard her talking to Brent, but she didn't say anything to her about the conversation straight way - even though she had a lot to say - because the shop was having a start-of-spring sale and was busier than it'd been in weeks; but when the shop was shut and Cassie and Catherine were both on their way to the bar for after-work drinks Cassie said:

"Didn't your boyfriend want to come out with us?"

"No" Catherine said. "I think maybe he thought this was something else. And he didn't want to intrude, or something." She was tyring to make the excuse sound convincing, just as Brent had done.

"He was welcome to come."

"I know" Catherine said. "Oh, but it's all my fault. I didn't make it clear enough. And then he got the wrong idea and it was too late to do anything about it. And I really wanted to see him tonight!"

"Me and Daniel haven't spent a night apart since we got together" Cassie said. "Six months, now."

"That long, really?" Catherine said.

"I can't imagine not seeing him for a whole twenty-four hours."

"It gets easier to imagine." Catherine exhaled, like a small whimper. "I just wish it didn't have to always be a big melodrama with Brent. He's so concerned about doing the right thing all the time. He doesn't want to come out with us because he thinks he should give me time alone with my friends or something. I mean where does that idea come from? He should want to be with me all the time, shouldn't he? I mean I don't like hanging out with his friends, but that's 'cause they all hate me. And that's fucked up, isn't it! I mean does any of it even make sense?"

"No, it doesn't" Cassie said. "But of course it doesn't. He's a boy! That's why we like being with boys, because they're different. Like, take Daniel for instance. He's crazy about Essendon. And it's not like he's ever lived there. But he goes to all their games, at least the ones that aren't interstate, and he always goes on about the Grand Finals they won, and I'm like, 'What the hell?' Doesn't make any sense. But I love him anyway."

"Well where does that leave Axel, then?" Catherine asked, thinking about Cassie's 'differences attract' theory and how it might apply to their gay workmate.

"I don't know," Cassie said, still thinking about football, "I don't have any idea what team he barracks for. Hey, here's the bar!"