“Love this turn in the conversation. All I ever wanted to do while bonding with you was talk about types.”
Wilson chuckled. “Stop trying to avoid the question. Would it be easier if I said I think she likes you, too?”
“That woman likes everyone.” I sighed, recalling that “not everyone” kissed at the inn. “You should have seen her at the convention. She’d flirt with an office chair.”
“Flirting is a hobby,” Wilson said. “Liking is a dedication.”
“And you’re saying she’s dedicated to me?”
“I’m saying I think I need to warn her about messing with my sister’s heart.”
“My heart’s fine.”
Wilson considered in silence for a second. “How long have you known you were into women, if you don’t mind my asking?”
I shrugged. “Just as long as I’ve known I’ve been into men. Been into people, really. Forever. Everyone’s cute.”
He hummed, nodding to himself as he studied his hands.
I tilted my head to the side, studying him. “Why?”
“Why, what?”
“Why do you ask?”
Wilson shrugged. “Taking an interest in my sister’s life is all.”
“We’re on a roll with this talking for real. An object in motion, right?”
“Right.” He smiled. “You’re very you, Octavia.”
I laughed. “Why does that sound like both an insult and a compliment?”
“It’s only a compliment,” he promised quickly.
“Sure.”
“I’m serious. It is. And you are very much yourself, and after the accident…I realized maybe I’m not. Which is a concerning thing to figure out at my big age.”
“It’s good you’re still willing to grow,” I assured. “Change.”
He nodded. “I guess. But, well, having a queer awakening at my age is…awkward. I hated being a teenager. And now, I’m back to questioning everything all over again.”
I let out a breath, so comfortable in this space with him. So honored he felt comfortable sharing this with me. The warmth from the stove, the smell of his home-cooked food, and my dream surrounded us.
“So, you’ve awakened,” I started.
“Maybe,” he whispered, talking more to himself.
“Since I’m so myself and all.” I tossed a couple of locs off my shoulder.
He chuckled. “Don’t push it.”
“I’ll let you know that to this day, I don’t have much of anything figured out. Queer awakening or not. But what I know is that what I want out of this life is something that makes me want to wake up in the morning. Not dread the days as they go by. You don’t have to be wholly yourself, I don’t think. At least, not all the time. You just gotta know what you need in the morning.”
“Dad taught you that?” He raised an impressed brow.
“Indirectly, yes. Dad and my mom both did.”
