“I dated a woman back home for a while,” Cassidy said.
“That’s a pretty gay thing to do,” Marissa said. “You’re in the club.”
Reese held up her pastry like a toast. “Well then, we have a queer quorum. I can officially dish all.”
“Thank God,” Marissa said, leaning on the counter. “Now, tell us exactly what you said to her and the specific tone you used.”
Cassidy narrowed her eyes. “And was your hair up or down? That affects the entire vibe.”
“Good point,” Marissa said gravely. “Hair context is important. How are we supposed to know if you had that windswept quality or not?”
“You might be mocking me.” Reese sighed and sank deeper into the couch cushions, clutching her Pop-Tart like a stress ball.
“I definitely am,” Marissa said. “Cassidy’s serious. These are the details that keep her going.”
Cassidy nodded like a straight A student. “She’s figured me out fairly quickly.”
Reese nodded, enjoying their differences. “Okay, but you have to promise not to judge.”
Delaney snorted. “Oh, that’s absolutely not how this works.”
Marissa raised a hand solemnly. “But we will judge quietly.”
Cassidy nodded and squeezed Reese’s hand. “And supportively.”
“Fine.” Reese sighed. “The first time was in the bar before the opening reception. I informed her that the race starts when all five lights go out.”
The room went silent.
“You did not,” Delaney said in shock.
Marissa’s head snapped up. “Wait, back up.” A smile tugged. “I want to make sure I have this straight.”
“I get it,” Reese said. “I’d probably enjoy hearing this story, too.”
“You tried to teach Sloane Foster—Sloane fucking Foster from the lore of F1—how a race starts?”
“I didn’t know it was her!” Reese said. Damn, hearing the whole thing out loud was almost worse than living it. Almost. “In my head, she was this beautiful, unassuming woman in a bar. And I was hoping to impress her with my job. It’s worked before.”
Delaney wiped the quiet tears. “So, your big opening move was to mansplain racing to a near world champion?”
Reese closed her eyes in shame. “When you say it like that, it sounds even more mortifying.”
Cassidy grinned. “Yet, you hit on her again?”
“Maybe,” Reese muttered. “Today, after the lecture. I offered to show her my abs.”
Marissa nearly fell off the armchair. “This is real life?” She looked to the others. “I think it is. And it’s too good to be true.”
Reese covered her face, now laughing with Delaney at her own ludicrous move. “In my defense, it was supposed to be a funny quip. Lighthearted.”
Delaney wiped another tear. “Okay, there’s lighthearted, and then there’s thirsty with a gym membership.”
“Don’t feel bad.” Cassidy clinked her Pop-Tart against Reese’s. “At least when you crash and burn, you do it spectacularly. There’s really no other way.”
Reese stared at the wall. “She’s never going to take me seriously.”
Marissa smirked. “Maybe not yet. But if she ever asks to see those abs … call us immediately.”
