Hannah’s phone alarm began blaring. She left Kate’s embrace and turned off the alarm. Butterflies began fluttering in her stomach. “People will be here in fifteen minutes, or at least I hope people will show up. Maybe we should have encouraged RSVPs?”
Kate gave her a warm smile. “You know what they say: if you build it, they will come.”
“I just hope we’ve done enough building.”
“It’s going to be good. Even if only one person shows up, it’s a start. I don’t think Marley Creek has ever had an official LGBTQIA group before. At least, I don’t know of any.”
Hannah took a deep breath. With Kate by her side, she could do anything.
“Whatcha thinking about?” Kate asked.
“Just how lucky I am to have you as my partner. You are the strongest person I know; have I told you that?”
Kate scoffed. “Please. Of course, I am biased—but in this matter, anyone would agree with me that you are so much stronger than I am. You survived your dumbass parents, you survived that douchebag, Chad, not just once, but twice.”
“Well, you helped with that,” Hannah pointed out.
Kate wrapped Hannah in her arms. Hannah relaxed into her hold. “You hold me up,” she said.
Kate kissed Hannah’s head. “We hold each other up. And if I have to tell you every day how strong you are until you finally believe it, I will. I know we are going to have a full house tonight, and it’s all because of you, Hannah.”
Hannah turned around in Kate’s embrace. She cupped Kate’s face, brushing her thumb against Kate’s sharp cheekbone. And then she kissed Kate softly and slowly.
A throat cleared, and Hannah stepped away from Kate but held on to her hand.
“Hi, Zaina. What’s up?”
“I’m here for the meeting.”
Hannah threw her arms around her boss. “You didn’t have to. I know you’re busy chasing Lily around when you aren’t in the shop.”
“Hey, I’m here to support you and to represent as bi.” Zaina pointed to her pink, purple, and blue-striped button-down shirt.
“That shirt is super-cute. I don’t know if I could pull it off with my red hair. I’m so glad you’re here! We’re now an official success.” Hannah said.
Kate chimed in, “And I’m sure that there are more people on the way.”
Zaina gave Hannah’s hand a squeeze, and then she said, “I’ll go into the shop and direct everyone who shows up back here for the meeting.”
“We decided to call it a gathering instead of a meeting. Meetings sound like work—and we’re trying to build community.”
“No, that’s great. It makes perfect sense. I’m so excited! Now let me go be your official greeter!”
Hannah walked over to the table, where a spread of food was ready for a crowd. She rearranged the paper plates and plasticware. “We should have gotten a pride flag to put up. Remind me to make a list of what we are going to need for the next gathering. We should try to meet once a month, don’t you think? Is it hot in here? I’m like, sweating. Do I look okay? I hope I don’t forget what I wanted to say; sometimes I get nervous when I have to talk in front of people. Do you think we haveenough seats?” The butterflies in her stomach were flying up into her throat, along with all those words she’d just blurted out.
Kate put her hands on Hannah’s shoulders. “Breathe, my love. You got this.”
Hannah took a deep breath.
“Countdown with me, five, four,” Kate said.
“Three, two, one,” Hannah finished.
A tall, thin man with short, thick brown hair walked into the room. He was wearing a white polo shirt that was embroidered with Marley Creek Marching Hawks. “I’m guessing I’m at the right place.” He pointed at the rainbow sign reading,All are welcome.
“If you’re here for the first gathering of the Marley Creek LGBTQIA Rainbow Club, then yes, you are,” Hannah said.
“That I am,” he said.
