“And what happened?” Tai braced his chin on his hands, his eyes ping-ponging between Beck and me as if we were about to start dancing.
I squeezed Beck’s hand. “We talked and had a good time—”
“And we kissed,” Beck cut in. Maisie, Tai, and Wes squealed in unison.
“That explains the tension between you two on that double date,” Alex deadpanned and took a sip of her beer.
“I thought you were straight. How could I have been so blind?” Tai threw an arm over his forehead in a dramatic gesture.
“Dude, I thought so too,” I said. “I still don’t know what to label myself. Bi, I guess?” I lifted one shoulder.
“Yeah, same.” Beck offered me a nod of understanding. “It’s weird to find out something so huge about myself so late.”
“No one comes out and has all the answers. It’s a journey, and you can enjoy it together.” Tai dabbed his eyes with a napkin, leaving eyeliner stains on it.
“Thank you for telling us,” Maisie said. “That’s very brave, and I, for one, definitely appreciate it.”
“Yeah, I agree, but—” Tai narrowed his eyes. “How long have you two been hiding this from me?” He leaned forward, steepling his hands over the table in interrogation mode.
“Only a few months.” Was that guilt in my voice? “We didn’t know what we were doing and where it led, so we didn’t want to make a fuss, right?”
“Yeah.” Beck nodded. “Coming out when we weren’t sure what we were to each other yet was too much to deal with.”
“Saying it all out loud feels so freeing.” I grinned, my throat tight at seeing our friends and somenew guy Maisie brought, so happy for us. “My parents were cool with it. I mean, I expected nothing less from them, but it was still a huge relief.”
“Same with mine. Mom mumbled something about grandkids but then asked if I’d be watching Drag Race with her from now on. So I guess she has her priorities in order.”
The joyous laughter from everyone felt surreal. Sure, they were supportive, but I wasn’t used to such easy acceptance from people who weren’t my parents. I usually clung to my current girlfriend who’d eventually dump me, so having a whole group of friends that gave a vibe they were here to stay was refreshing. Ugh, I had to stay chill and not get too emotional.
“Next party is at my place. Or—” Beck wrapped a hand around my waist to pull me closer. “Our place, soon.”
“Wow, guys, that’s fantastic.” Tai covered his mouth with his hand and sniffled.
Alex sat back and drummed her fingers on the tabletop. “So, who tops?”
“Alex!” Maisie caught Alex’s hand, but instead of having the scolding effect, it melted Alex’s expression into a fond one.
“What is she talking about?” Daniel asked Maisie, a look of utter confusion on his face.
“Oh, um, I’ll explain later.” Maisie blushed, patting her new boyfriend on the thigh.
He nodded, looking at her as if she hung the moon. She was so genuinely good. I hoped she would find with the new guy what I’d found with Beck.
Alex rolled her eyes, downing the rest of her beer.
“Next round is on me,” Tai declared, standing up and waving his hands in the air. “The master matchmaker!” He bowed at his waist and glared at everyone until we clapped.
“You guys are so lucky. I’m so happy.” Wes slurped the remainder of his drink with a straw, making Alex wince.
“That’s it, then. You should all come with us to the next Comic-Con.” Beck clapped his hands on the table as if it was a done deal.
“To look for my next hookup?” Tai waggled his eyebrows.
“Yes, and have fun with us,” I added.
“Oh!” Maisie sat up. “I saw a gorgeous green Poison Ivy dress the other day. But I didn’t get it, knowing I wouldn’t have a place to wear it.” She grinned. “Now I have to have it.”
“We can go shopping tomorrow.” Alex winked, looping her hand through Maisie’s arm.
