“For now,” I answered. “There is an all-European event—just an indoor one. A little niche, but my coach decided to come over to put us up against some of the talent we’ll face this year.”
“So, just for now?”
“Uh… I’m back and forth. I gotta go to Florida in a bit, then back for an event in May. And then I’m in Norway and God only knows over the summer.”
The bartender passed us two pints.
“Norway?” Mary raised her eyebrow.
“Yeah.”
“Why?”
“I’m Norwegian,” I answered.
She coughed. “I thought you were American.”
“My mom is half-American. My Dad is Norsk,” I said. “What, do you have a haterade for Norwegians?”
Deep down, I knew why. She was Swedish, but I couldn’t help but flirt. I settled on the fact that that, yes, I wanted this woman.
“I should,” she said. “I’m a Swede by birth, but… half Brit, so… I’ve been here a lot.”
“But I’m so cute. How could you hate me?” I giggled. “C’mon. I mean you no harm. I come in peace.”
“I suppose you’re right. Fuck! I should… I should not even… look…” she stammered. “Your friend… she’s?—”
“Just my friend and teammate,” I said. “We have the same coach.”
“Good. My read on her was straight friend. Or, I suppose, I shouldn’t assume.”
“She is the straight one.”
It was the first time I implied openly that I wasn’t. A weight lifted. I wasmyself—wholly and without restraint. All this pent-up sense of self slowly released as I took stock of the crowd. Mary and her friends thought I belonged, so I felt like I did. Now, I itched to say it again.
“Youarea baby gay aren’t you?” Mary teased.
More than you could ever know.
“I guess people my age don’t go to gay bars.”
“Oof. Make me feel old, woman!”
I giggled. “I am not. I didn’t mean to, anyhow. I just… I’m appreciating it. I see the appeal. I suppose you’re not going to get hit on by a bunch of dudes.”
“I am not you,” Mary said.
“Meaning?” I arched one brow.
“You are so femme in comparison. Men must hit on you nonstop.”
I bit my lip. “Sure. And… I don’t always mind. I’m bi. But, right now, that’s not where I am.”
Her eyes didn’t leave me. “You are exactly the type of person I should avoid, Betty.”
“Why is that?”
“Cuz bi women with red hair are my kryptonite.”
