I let out a noise somewhere between a sigh and an exasperated sputter. “Kinda? She was mad at me for the whole scene I pulled with showing up and then disappearing, but she eventually came around and apologized, said she was happy if I was happy with Jade.”
“I still think she’s a little bitch.”
“Yeah, I know. You’ve said,” I laughed. “But if it weren’t for her, I’d have gone straight back to Sawyer, so… I can’t be all mad. I don’t think I want to be in regular close contact with her, but… I want her to know who I am. That I’m living happily in Vermont and happily dating a woman. Maybe she’ll come visit at some point.” I paused. “I’m not visiting Indiana. That place was so depressing.”
“No kidding. I felt like I lost a few years of my life just driving through it. It’s a good thing Cat brought her Switch. Spent most of the drive decorating her Animal Crossing island together.”
I cleared my throat as my card went through and I put it away, turning with a polite smile to Daniela. “And have you, pray tell, been, um… decorating her island more since then?”
She scowled. “Just say outright what you’re asking.”
“Have you kissed her?”
“Kissed her, no.”
I narrowed my eyes. “What does that mean?”
“Don’t worry about it,” she said, waving me off, and I worried about it.
“What do youmean?”
“Ah, you’re so pushy. Honestly.” Her card cleared too, and she put it away, pushing off from the bar. “Well, come have dinner with us on Friday. Bring your girlfriend.”
“And call it a double date?”
“Jeez, don’t put thoughts into my head like that. I’m not getting my hopes up with her.”
“What do youmean,you’re not getting your hopes up, you’ve already—” I gestured, not wanting to saydry-humped herin public. She grinned, hands on her hips.
“Friday? Are you coming or not?”
“Jesus, you’re so slippery. Fine! We’ll be there.” I shoved her shoulder. “But don’t blame me for being pushy! You draggedme into this place and wouldn’t let me leave, so you’re stuck with me and have no one to blame for it but yourself!”
She laughed again, shaking her head as she headed for the exit. “Wouldn’t have it any other way. Have a good night. See you on Friday.”
“See you on Friday, you weirdo,” I said, mostly to myself, laughing and rolling my eyes as I leaned back against the wall. Jade and Cat caught up with me, and Cat hugged me.
“Thanks for all your help with the Pride events,” she said.
“Sober now?”
She stuck her tongue out. “Perfectly. I wasn’tthatdrunk then either. I just love my friends!”
She really loved one of them in particular. “Whatever you say, Cat.”
“Jerk,” she laughed. “I can count on you to help next year, too, right?”
I didn’t miss the subtext of the question. I smiled softly. “Wouldn’t miss it for the world,” I said, adding on in sign, “I’m not going anywhere.”
She smiled wider, and she nudged Jade’s side. “Am I ever glad this one dragged you back. Always did have a thing for blonde damsels in distress.”
I snorted, and I took too long to put on a straight face. Jade narrowed her eyes. “What’s the inside joke making fun of me that I’m missing?”
“Nothing,” I said too quickly. Cat grinned.
“I told her about your first love.”
“I—” Jade pinched the bridge of her nose with both hands, face red. “I wasfour.”
