“Yes.” Zoe smirked. “It was amazing, actually.”
“Then just treasure the memory and try not to get too attached to her. You needed to get back on the proverbial horse and it did the job, so stop dwelling on it.” Sara pointed a finger at her and laughed. “You should see your face. Your smile is adorable.”
“I know, and I feel silly for it.” Zoe chuckled and her smile widened even more. “It’s amazing what great sex can do to lift your spirits. It’s been a long time.” Zoe hesitated, then decided to be completely honest. “It was never that great with my ex. We just didn’t have the chemistry Marcy and I have.”
Sara nodded. “Would you do it again? Even if that means you might get hurt in the long run?”
“Yes,” Zoe admitted. She’d thought of little else in the past few days and flashes of their passionate nights kept popping up in her mind’s eye like she had no control over them. At work, where she’d cut herself twice yesterday, at home while talking to her parents, on her way to the beach this morning… She’d nearly been run over when she crossed the street with her head in the clouds. “I wish I knew how she felt,” she said. “But Marcy is complicated. She says she’s done with meaningless encounters, but still, I can’t help but wonder how many other women she’s seeing this week.”
“Ouch. Is she that bad?” Sara asked.
“I think so.” Zoe laughed and rolled her eyes. “Great choice, huh?”
“Well, unfortunately you don’t choose who you fall in love with.”
“I’m not in love with her,” Zoe quickly said with a quiver of hesitation in her voice. “That’s just ridiculous. I may have a mild crush on her but that’s as far as this goes.” Her phone pinged, and she took in a quick breath when she saw she had a message from Marcy.
‘Hey, beautiful. How’s your day? I’ve been thinking about you.’
“That’s her, isn’t it?” Sara chuckled.
“Yes.”
“Mild crush, my arse. You look like someone just made you a four-foot salted-caramel chocolate cake. Is that a booty call?”
Zoe ignored her as she typed a reply.‘I’m at the beach, enjoying my day off. How are you? Been thinking about you too.’She contemplated adding something about meeting up again but decided against it. Only seconds after she’d sent it, another message came in.
‘Just working. Can I take you out for dinner later?’
“She wants to take me for dinner,” she said with a frown. “I didn’t take her for the dinner date type.”
“Cute. Then she must like you too.” Sara nudged her. “You’re free tonight, aren’t you?”
“Yes.” Zoe fell silent for a moment as Marcy’s message hit her. A date? That was unexpected. What was she going to wear? And why was she suddenly so nervous? It had only been a few nights since they’d last seen each other, and she’d refrained from contacting Marcy herself. Would they spend the night together? If they did, her mother was sure to start asking questions and she couldn’t use the excuse of a friend forever. “I guess I’ll go, then.”
“Yes!” Sara clapped her hands in delight. “Message her. Do it now.”
Zoe shot her a grin. “Why are you so excited?”
“Because I love you and you look so happy. I really want this to work out for you,” Sara said. “Come on. Do it. What are you waiting for?”
“There’s zero chance of this working out but…” Zoe hesitated, then typed a reply.‘Would love to. Let me know where and when to meet you.’
“Good girl.” Sara gestured to her phone when the next message came in. “What is she saying?”
“She’s picking me up at home around seven,” Zoe said, and flinched. “Fuck.”
“Why is that a problem?”
“I feel a little silly for admitting this, but my parents don’t know I’m gay.”
“Are you serious?” Sara stared at her in disbelief. “I’ve known you for over fifteen years and you’ve never told me this?”
“I've always felt terrible for keeping it from them but honestly, while I was working abroad, I didn’t think it mattered.” Zoe shrugged. “There was never any reason to tell them, so I didn’t.”
“But you’re so close to your parents. Don’t you think they should know this important thing about you?”
“I suppose it’s time, but then again, I don’t see the point in upsetting them if there’s no one I’m serious about.”
