“Hmm…” Sara looked at her intently. “What about your ex? In Hong Kong?”
“She stayed with family while my parents visited me. I was going to introduce them, but I panicked last-minute. She could relate; her parents didn’t know she was gay either, so there was no drama about that. It just seemed easier.”
“Of course it’s easier, but the easy way isn’t always the right one.”
Zoe nodded. “I know. But I’m not ready yet.”
48
As Marcy turned into Zoe’s street, Zoe was already outside, walking towards her. Her breath caught as their eyes met, and she whistled flirtatiously. Each time they met, she had this overwhelming reaction to Zoe.
“Hey. You look so beautiful.” She looked Zoe over, taking in the little navy dress that matched the navy and white polka dot bow in her hair.
“Thank you, you look great too,” she said shyly, lingering before Marcy. When Marcy leaned in to kiss her, she put a hand on her chest to stop her and glanced over her shoulder towards her parents’ house. “Not here. My mum…” She hesitated. “My mum doesn’t need to know everything.”
Marcy laughed. “Sure. Is she curtain twitching?”
“It wouldn’t surprise me. She practically cornered me and asked why I was dressed up, but it’s none of her business.”
“Fair enough.” Marcy felt Zoe tense up when she took her hand. “Is this okay?”
“Yes, sorry. I’m just not used to holding hands.” She smiled and took a tight grip of Marcy’s hand in return. “I like it, though.”
“Okay. I don’t want to make you feel uncomfortable.”
“I’m not, I promise,” Zoe said. “Where are we going?”
“It’s not far from here, so we can walk.” Marcy hoped Zoe would like the restaurant she’d chosen. It was a romantic spot by the port with lovely views over the sea. Bustling and less touristy, it was her parents’ favourite restaurant, and they’d been there many times over the years. “Do you like fish?”
“Of course. I’m a chef, there are very few things I don’t like.” Zoe looked up at her. “I’m an easy date.” She shook her head and laughed. “Okay, that came out wrong, but I suppose it’s true in every sense of the word, since I’ve already put out before our date.”
Marcy grinned and shot her a wink. “Can’t say I mind an easy date.” She put her arm around Zoe’s waist as they crossed the road and headed for the port. “Tank’s been missing you.”
“Oh yeah? Tank said that?”
“Yep. He was asking if you were coming over tonight.” It was possibly the worst pick-up line Marcy had ever come up with, but Zoe seemed amused.
“Let’s see how the date goes first, shall we?” Zoe chuckled. “How is he doing?”
“He’s great. I’ve been trying to keep him out of the house but every time I open the door, he slips in to lie on the rug. I think he likes how cool it is inside. I called the rangers after you left; they’re coming over tomorrow.”
“That’s good. Third time lucky, hopefully.” Zoe fell quiet as they neared the ferry terminal, and Marcy noticed a shift in her.
“What’s wrong?”
“Are we going to that place on the pier?” Zoe stared at the incoming ferry.
“Yes.” Marcy frowned. “Is there a problem?”
“No, there’s no problem. It’s just that…” Zoe pulled her behind a tourist stall. “My father is the captain of the Calpe ferry. That’s him coming in from his last trip.”
“And?” Marcy still didn’t quite understand what the problem was, but then it suddenly clicked. “Wait… your parents don’t know you’re gay, do they?”
“No, they don’t,” Zoe admitted. “I’m not entirely closeted. My friends know, but my family doesn’t.”
“Wow.” Marcy needed a moment to process that. With her parents being so liberal and living here, she didn’t come across many closeted lesbians these days. “Can I ask why?”
“My mother, mainly,” Zoe said, still eyeing the ferry that had arrived now. “It’s a cultural thing. It’s not exactly frowned upon to be gay in Hong Kong, it’s just not discussed. Kind of hushed, you know? And my father…” She sighed. “I have no idea how he’ll react.”
