Juniper nodded and raised her eyebrows up and down.
That had actually been Rowan’s choice a couple months ago when she moved in. She’d had the option of a longer-term lease, but this had been a way to protect herself. She certainly wasn’t going to willingly add that tothisconversation.
“You need a little art in here, to liven it up some, make it feel more like a home that’s lived in,” Wren continued as she now led the tour herself back out into the living room.
“You think? I brought some stuff with me from my old apartment, but my space was so much smaller there. It seemed like a lot until I finished unpacking and realized how much bigger this place is.”
“Definitely, there are some really cool local artists I could put you in touch with. The wall over the back of your couch is begging for a statement,” Wren rubbed the underside of her jaw then pointed to the vast expanse of bare white wall.
“Couldn’t you paint me something instead? ”
Wren turned toward her and smirked. “Just so happens that I am one of those really cool local artists I plan to put you in touch with.”
Rowan shook her head mirthfully. “Got it.”
They made their way back across the home to Rowan’s bedroom.
“I think she needs your help in here, Junie.” Wren started laughing to herself. “Haveyou helped her out in the bedroom yet?”
“Go find something to do out back,” Juniper shot back.
Wren wiggled her hands out in front of her as she scooted backwards to the door. “You haaave, I see. You sexy little sluts.”
“Wren, are you on something?”
She shrugged. “No, just kid-free for the night.”
“Okay, understandable.”
As the other few guests arrived, the party naturally transitioned out to the bonfire. The mismatch of folding chairs and camp chairs was so reminiscent of the camping they’d done as kids at their own Tribe’s powwow that they all launched into telling old stories while roasting marshmallows and making s’mores.
“I have a game,” Kyle said enticingly as he leaned in to put his elbows on his knees and rest his face in his hands.
“Ohh, what is it?” Wren asked excitedly.
“Which celebrity was your gay awakening?”
“I’m not gay though,” Wren laughed.
“Oh, right. Sometimes I forget. What a shame. Anyways, for you then, who was your first celebrity crush?”
“Love it. Let’s play!” Wren settled into her chair and crossed her legs.
“Okay, who wants to go first? Rowan, what about you?” Kyle prodded.
“Easy.” Rowan interjected immediately. “Rihanna.”
“Yesss!” Kyle laughed in excitement.
“The ‘Pon de Replay’ video — yeah, I was very awakened to my full gayness,” she laughed.
“We were in high school then?” Juniper cut in, eyeing her from across the fire.
“Sophomores,” Rowan confirmed as she met her gaze.
Something else was on the tip of Juniper’s tongue that she wasn’t saying. As she waited, Rowan watched the outlines of the vermillion flames between them dance across Juniper’s face and then upward to caress the sky.
“Hmm, makes sense,” Juniper finally added.
