But I need to know.
“Christ. What now?”
“Porter is smitten, I've seen it with my own eyes.”
“And why are you telling me this?” I sigh.
“Because I thought you might want to know for sure. And I have a name.”
“Look… I saw them before, Von. I know he and Marco are into each other. It's obvious. And like you said, it's none of my business.”
“Marco?” she laughs. “God no, that's ancient history. It's Deacon that your lover boy is swooning over.”
“Who the heck is Deacon?” I’m so confused. “And what are you on about? I'm not interested in Porter. I mean, he seems lovely. But no.”
“But I saw the way you were looking at him before. Like you wanted to ask him something. I just assumed…”
“He's not the one I have my eye on, Vonnie.” I smile at the absurdity of it all. “And what do you mean, that's ancient history?”
The words slip out before I can stop them.
And to my mild annoyance, there’s a hint of insecurity in my voice.
Vonnie’s eyes light up instantly.
Now the penny drops.
She raises a hand to her mouth.
I’m not sure if she’s about to laugh or shake some sense into me. Hopefully the latter.
“Oh,” she says, leaning in. Her voice hushes dramatically. “I haveallthe tea.”
She grabs my arm and leads me back to the supply room, away from the crowd.
???
“Spill,” I beg.
“Okay, so I overheard them talking earlier. Marco and Porter used to be in some kind of situationship. A very long time ago. But not exactly boyfriends. More of a teen awakening.”
“A long time ago?” I repeat.
Hope rises softly in my chest as Vonnie continues.
“And Porter’s friend Deacon, the one in the kitchen, seems very keen on him. I think they’re an item. Or on the edge of becoming something more. They were very flirty and awkward around each other when I walked by.”
I process this information with growing interest.
Who cares?I tell myself.Why should you care?
But I do care.
More than I should.
He’s been with a man before.
He likes men.
