“We went to high school together and now we work together.”
“Sorry, I’m rude.” She held out her hand. “I’m Jeanine. I’m in a book club with Sarah.”
“I’m Bernard. It’s nice to meet you.”
Bernard racked his brain. Sarah mentioned her book club, but not anyone in it.
“What book are you reading now?” Bernard asked.
“Little Women.”
“That’s a great book.”
“You’ve read it?”
“Yes, a few years ago.”
“Maybe you should join our group. We could use a man’s perspective on it.”
“Oh, thank you, but book clubs aren’t my thing.”
“I’m sure us ladies could make you feel welcomed.”
She flipped her blonde hair and giggled. Had he made a joke? She placed her hand on his arm. She moved it up and down. He shivered. Did Sarah mention him to her book club? What did she tell Jeanine?
“Has Sarah ever mentioned me?”
“She may have,” she said. Her smile broadened, and she batted her eyes. “But I don’t think she mentioned how cute you were.”
She was flirting with him. Bernard shifted his feet.
“Did she mention how gay I am?”
“Oh.” Her smile stayed in place. “It just takes the right woman to change that.”
He closed his eyes and counted to ten, trying to quell the anger stirring inside him. This phrase came up with family members who disagreed with homosexuality. How he needed to find the right woman. No right woman existed for him. He didn’t know if a right man existed anymore, but there had never been a chance for a right woman.
“I’m sorry,” Bernard said. “That’s not how it works. I’m gay and I’ve never been interested in a woman in my life.”
“Aww, that can’t be true.” She pouted her lips.
Bernard removed her hand from his arm. He took a deep breath. Jeanine wouldn’t leave him alone unless he made it clear.
“I’m sure you’re a lovely woman, Jeanine. But I’m not interested. I don’t want to make a scene, so please walk away and don’t talk to me again unless you’re willing to accept that I’m not interested in you.”
“You’re an asshole,” she said.
Bernard winced. This was Liquid Pearl and Chance again. She couldn’t take no for an answer. She made a scene.
“What’s going on?” Sarah walked over.
“Your friend here insulted me,” Jeanine said.
“Bernard?” Her eyes widened. “Bernard’s never insulted anyone in his life.”
“Well, he just did.” Jeanine crossed her arms.
“Tell her exactly what happened,” Bernard said. “And let her decide.”
