Hannah noticed the man’s rich brown eyes. He had little wrinkle lines around them. She was sure they were from smiling, and she hoped her first impression that he was a good guy was correct.
“I’m Hannah Taylor. I founded this group with Kate Sterling.” Hannah gestured to Kate, who had picked up a clipboard and was walking back over to them.
“Nice to meet you. I’m Nolan Reeves.”
“Thanks for coming out tonight. If you don’t mind, may I ask why you decided to join us?”
“Sure, I’m the band director at Marley Creek High School. I’m not queer myself, but I want to be there for my students who are, and so I’m here hoping to learn more so I can better support them. Is that okay?”
Hannah bit her lip to suppress some of her smile. She was right; he was a good guy. Maybe now that Chad had been vanquished from her life, she was finally able to recognize whena man was a threat and when he was an ally. “We are so happy to have you! Allies are totally welcome!”
Kate held out the clipboard. “If you’d like to know about future gatherings and other events, please fill out the sign-in sheet.”
Nolan took the clipboard and began filling out the form. Behind him, Sadie stood. Kate smiled. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”
“Well, I’ve never been much for wearing pride shirts and all that, but I am bi, and I think I could use some more friends that aren’t four-legged.”
“Four-legged friends?” Nolan asked.
“Let me introduce you two. Sadie, this is Nolan; he’s the band director at Marley Creek High and an amazing ally.”
“Well, I don’t know about amazing,” Nolan said. Hannah noticed his ears were red. Just like her, he was an easy blusher. “And this is Sadie, the best dog trainer in the tri-state area.”
“Well, I don’t know about the tri-state area,” Sadie said with a smile. Nolan reached out his hand, and Sadie took it. “Oh, a spark,” she said.
Hannah bit the inside of her cheek to stop from giggling.Was this group going to make love connections, too?She hoped they would.
Veronica Echols walked into the room. Hannah rushed over to give her a hug. “I’m so glad you could make it. I know tonight is late night at the clinic.”
“I wouldn’t have missed this for the world. Getting to hang out with people like me? Yes, please. Who knows, maybe I’ll finally meet a single lesbian in this town—not that this is like a club club or something.”
“I totally understand! Heck, maybe someday we can hold a speed dating night or something.”
“You know, that could be a good idea for a fundraiser,” Veronica said.
“I have another great idea. Be our fundraising chairperson.”
Dr. Echols laughed. Hannah crossed her arms.
“Oh, you’re serious,” she said.
“Yes, I am. We are an official non-profit organization, and I am looking for chairpeople for a few committees. What do you think?”
Hannah watched as Veronica looked around the quickly filling room.
“Um, as long as you can find me a few people to work with, I’ll do it.”
Hannah squeezed her arm. “This is great! I appreciate you!”
“I haven’t actually done anything yet.”
“You said yes, and that’s half the battle right there. Now all we need to do is find some people to help, and I know we will.”
The room was buzzing with people talking and laughter. Every chair they’d set up was filled, and Zaina was carrying in a couple of folding chairs she must have had in her car. When she’d planned this night with Kate, she’d never let herself imagine that they’d have standing room only.
As she looked around the room, she recognized an older gay couple who often walked their dog past New Age Stones and Witch Crafts. There were also a few teens talking to Nolan. Veronica was laughing with a short, curvy woman who had shoulder-length brown hair. Hannah wasn’t even a little surprised that Dr. Echols was already successfully flirting with someone new.
Hannah felt like the Nine of Cups personified; this was her wish come true. Gratitude and contentment filled her. Kate walked over and kissed her softly on the cheek.
“Are you ready to start the gathering, my love?” Kate asked and pushed a lock of Hannah’s hair behind her ear.
Hannah heard a chair scrape on the floor. She looked up to see Cathy sit down. Cathy smiled and gave her a thumbs-up.
“With you by my side, I can do anything.” Hannah reached out her hand, and Kate took it and squeezed it, and then they walked together to the front of the room.
***
