“Dylan, what’s wrong?” Penny asked, concern written all over her face. “I know you don’t like to talk about your personal life, but we’re worried.”
Dylan looked at her, then at Cora. He had known them for five years and they had always been there for him. Even when he didn’t want to talk, they were there, offering chocolate and sending memes, or videos of people falling in the stupidest ways, just to make him laugh. So maybe… maybe it wouldn’t be so bad if he opened up to them?
“I fucked up.”
“What do you mean?” Cora asked, cautiously looking at him over the rim of her cup.
Dylan took a deep breath. “I don’t only like women, but men too.”
“Okay... and?” Cora said like it wasn’t a big deal.
It really wasn’t. He just didn’t expect them to accept it so easily because almost every other human being was shocked when they learned that about him. No idea why.
“I... I was hanging out with a friend the other day at my house, and one thing led to another.” Dylan paused, averting his eyes before laying it all out. “We ended up making out.”
“And what’s wrong with that?”
“He’s in a relationship.”
“Oh,” both women mouthed.
“That makes it complicated,” Cora noted.
“No shit.” Dylan scratched the back of his head, looking at the trees on the other side of the glass wall.
“But Dyl,” Penny started, “You didn’t force him to do anything, right?”
“No! But I knew he’s dating someone and still went for it. Jesus, they’ve been together for six years.”
“I’d say you’re fine,” Cora deadpanned, surprising him. “Listen, I know where you’re coming from. Being the dirty little secret, hurting someone who doesn’t deserve it... it’s not a nice feeling. I get it. Been there, done that.” She sighed, her fingers tightening around her cup.
Dylan felt something kicking his balls from the inside. Thank fuck they hadn’t gone any further. He had met Jared’s partner a couple of times and kinda liked him. He hated the idea of backstabbing Paul like that.
“But it was just a kiss, and it’s not like you planned it,” she continued.
“True. Though I have no idea what to do now. Things are so awkward and silent. I feel like shit, never wanted to come between them. It just happened, and I—”
“Dylan,” Cora spoke softly. “We all make mistakes. Stop being so hard on yourself. Just talk to him.”
Pennynodded, silently agreeing with her. “I bet he’s as conflicted as you are. I mean... you don’t kiss someone back just because, you know?”
“I guess.” Dylan shook his head. “I just don’t know what got into me.”
“Well, if you like him, and he, maybe unconsciously, sent signs your way…” Cora said. “Perhaps he’s not truly happy in his relationship?”
Dylan raised an eyebrow.
“If he’s been with the same person for so long, I’m gonna assume he’s not the cheating type. So, what I’m saying is, maybe they’re in some sort of crisis, and that’s why he let go too.”
“I... I have no idea about that.”
“Don’t you guys ever talk about this type of stuff?” Penny chuckled.
“We’re men,” he said, as if that explained everything.
Both women laughed out loud, dragging a few annoyed glares their way.
“You know, talking could save you a lot of headaches.”
