Chapter Seventeen #2
“Right.” Audrey grinned. “I’d always wanted to recreate that scene with someone, and well . . . it was even hotter in real life, but that’s a story for another day. Right now, we want to hear about this friend you’ve fallen for. Any chance she feels the same way?”
“That’s the question.” Marin stared into her champagne, watching as bubbles climbed the glass.
“She had told me she’s straight, so I assumed I was the only one catching feelings.
I was trying so damn hard not to let it interfere with our friendship.
Being closeted for so long, married to a man while knowing I preferred women, I know a thing or two about keeping my feelings to myself. ”
“That sounds miserable,” Audrey said.
“It was, and that’s how I started to feel when I was around her.
I didn’t know how to move past it so I could focus on the women I met on the app.
And then, about a week and a half ago, we were hanging out at my apartment, and we had a bit too much wine.
I was telling her . . .” Marin paused, cheeks heating.
“I was disappointed because it hadn’t worked out with the woman I went on a date with.
I’d been anticipating kissing a woman so much, and it was a bust. I was devastated about it, and the next thing I knew, Ch—my supposedly straight friend kissed me. ”
Audrey straightened on her stool. “Oh shit! Maybe not so straight after all. Was it hot? The kiss?”
Marin’s cheeks were burning now. She felt as flustered as Michelle had looked a few minutes ago.
Michelle smirked. “I think it’s safe to assume the answer is yes.”
Marin nodded, then coughed awkwardly. “It was . . . hotter than I knew a kiss could be.”
“Good for you,” Audrey said. “Sounds like you were overdue for that kind of passion. How are things with you and your friend now?”
“Terrible.” Marin sighed. “We’ve barely spoken since. I think it really freaked her out.”
“But she kissed you, not the other way around?” Audrey asked.
Marin nodded. “I was drunk, but I’d never lose control like that. I won’t even initiate a hug with a female friend for fear of overstepping boundaries. She initiated the kiss.”
“Sounds like it was pretty intense for you both.” Audrey looked thoughtful. “My guess is that your friend might have just realized she’s not straight, which you’ve probably realized, too, since you’re protecting her identity. She’s probably really freaked out right now.”
Marin’s vision blurred as tears filled her eyes. “Yes, I think so, and it’s killing me because, as her friend, I want to help her through this, but as the woman she kissed, I understand why she doesn’t want to be around me right now. It’s an awful situation.”
“Especially unfortunate for your first kiss with a woman,” Michelle said, her tone sympathetic.
“You said you don’t initiate hugs with female friends, but you look like you need one.” Audrey stood and wrapped her arms around Marin, and she was right. Marin did need this.
“Thank you,” she murmured, hugging Audrey back. “I feel so much better after talking about this with you.”
“I’m glad.” Audrey patted her back and then released her. “That’s what friends are for, especially queer friends. We get the nuances of this situation, right?”
“Right,” Marin agreed.
“So how have you left it with her?” Michelle asked.
“She said she needed time, so I’m giving it to her.” Marin stared at her empty glass. “And then, if she decides it was a mistake, I’ll get back to my dating app, because if there’s one thing I’ve realized since kissing her, it’s that I want a relationship with a woman even more than I thought.”
“You’ve waited long enough,” Michelle agreed. “And . . . if you do give things a try with this friend, it would be both of your first times with a woman, I assume? That could be complicated.”
“Or like really hot,” Audrey cut in with a cheeky grin. “Both of you experiencing sapphic sex for the first time together? That could be off-the-charts sexy, just saying.”
Marin’s cheeks were on fire, and she wished she had more champagne. As if she’d read her mind, Michelle reached for the bottle and refilled Marin’s glass. “Or it might be awkward,” Marin said. “Neither of us knowing what to do . . .”
“It’s so intuitive, though,” Audrey said. “And you’ve known you’re a lesbian for so long, I bet you’ve done your research, maybe read some sexy books, at least?”
“Feel free to ignore her if she’s too much.” Michelle rolled her eyes at her fiancée. “She’s much more open when it comes to talking about sex than I am.”
Marin drank more champagne. She’d had enough now to be tipsy, and yes, she was embarrassed by Audrey’s question, but she was also loving the chance to talk about these things with queer friends. She’d never done this before. “I’ve done my research, yes.”
Audrey cackled. “I knew it. See? You’ll be fine. I hope your friend decides to go for it. I really do.”
So did Marin.
An hour later, she was alone in her kitchen waiting for the lasagna to heat up, having been unsuccessful at convincing Audrey and Michelle to stay for dinner.
She’d fed Ember and taken some ibuprofen for her pain.
In a few minutes, she’d sit down to a home-cooked meal by herself. That was okay, though.
She was too excited about being in her new house tonight to feel lonely.
She was here with her puppy. She’d enjoyed champagne with her queer friends, and the vase!
She couldn’t forget the vase. It was beautiful, and she couldn’t wait to put up some shelves to display it on.
Her love life might be a mess, but she had so many other things to be thankful for.
The oven beeped, letting her know the lasagna was ready. She peeked inside to check on it. The lasagna bubbled on top, and it smelled delicious. She’d be eating it for a week with no one to share it with, but she’d always been a fan of leftovers.
She’d better leave the lasagna out to cool for a few minutes before she tried to eat it, though.
Ember probably needed another trip to the backyard.
Marin didn’t want any more puddles on her new floors.
She’d just turned to look for the puppy when she heard a knock at the front door. Who in the world could it be this time?
Confused, Marin walked to the door. She flipped on the porch light belatedly, because it was pitch dark outside, but she hadn’t been expecting visitors. The porch flooded with light, revealing a tousle of blond hair that made Marin’s heart jump into her throat.
Charlotte blinked at her through the glass, startled by the sudden light.
Marin opened the door. “Charlotte? This is a surprise.”
Charlotte gave her a tentative smile. “I wasn’t sure if you’d moved in yet. How are things going so far?”
“This is my first night here.” Marin’s confusion must have shown on her face, because Charlotte dropped her gaze to her hands, then looked up again, her expression determined this time.
“I . . . I can’t stop thinking about you, and . . . can I come in?”