“You remember Dana?”
My eyebrows knit together. “No? Should I?”
Winny chuckles, shaking his head. “Yes. Not only have you hung out with us several times these last six months, but she was your date first.”
Guilt makes me flinch. “She was?”
His grin widens. “Yes. The day that Coach Ajo moved in beside Atty. Remember?”
I smile. “Definitely remember that day. Coach was cool.”
“But you don’t remember Dana, huh?”
Again, I flinch. “No. Sorry.”
Winny shakes his head. “We’ve talked about her before. Six months ago, I ran into her at the grocery store, and we started talking. I asked you shortly after that if you’d mind if we hung out. Do you remember that conversation?”
Sighing, I shrug. “Please don’t find offense in this, but most of the time, I don’t even ask names. They’re all a blur. None of them stand out. Sorry.”
“So I suppose I’m wasting my time if I ask if it would bother you if she moved in with me?”
My eyebrows knit together. There’s a barrage of questions suddenly slamming around inside me, but I settle on asking, “Why?”
“I’m not sure what you’re asking ‘why’ to?”
I shake my head. “Aren’t you uninterested in sex?Andromance?” My mouth snaps shut. “Sorry.”
Winny laughs. “Yes, I’m asexualandaromantic. No, being with Dana doesn’t change that nor is she some magic ‘fix.’ But I enjoy her company. Her companionship. Being aro doesn’t mean I hate any kind of partnership. It means I don’t feel about some aspects of romance the same way others do.”
“What does that mean?”
“I’ve never had thedesirefor a relationship. I’ve never experienced a crush on someone or being in love. So many people crave a relationship for one reason or another, be it romance, intimacy, family, or something else. I’ve never needed nor wanted any of that to feel fulfilled. I don’t feel a romantic attraction to anyone.”
“Including Dana.”
He smiles. “Yes.”
“Then I’m confused about why you’re letting her move in. Is she homeless?”
Winny laughs. “No. Like I said, I enjoy her company and companionship. She and I have had extensive conversations about sex and relationships where I’m involved, and she’s happy with the way we’re going.”
“Have you had sex with her?” His amused look makes me backtrack. “Sorry. Not appropriate to ask. I just mean…”
“A relationship isn’t defined by whether sex is involved or not,” Winny points out.
My eyebrows knit together. “No…” I hedge. “I… understand that.”
“I don’t think you do. The only reason I’m bringing this up to you is because I don’t want you to feel unwelcome in my home. I still want you to come over and hang out like you do now. I don’t want it to be awkward that someone that you once dated or whatever it isyoudo, is now my partner.”
I don’t miss the fact he doesn’t use the term girlfriend. It’s curious. Maybe that’s just the lack of romance. Or something.
“Isn’t it really soon?” I ask, frowning. “Is she pregnant?”
Winny shakes his head, but it’s not in answer to either question. It’s that look I get from people when I’m being invasive. Before he can answer, I shake my head adamantly. “I don’t care who you livewith. Even if I’ve messed around with them in the past. It won’t be awkward for me.”
He cups the back of my head and brings me close for a hug. I smile, resting my sweaty head against his.
“Yes, it’s a little soon and no, she’s not pregnant,” he says quietly. “But I do want your blessing, even though it’s clear that she wasn’t important to you.”
