“So,” I say as casually as I can while we wait for the bartender. “This Lynn person. How do you two know each other?”
A blush creeps to Lex’s face. “I thought it would be a good idea to test the dating waters, too.”
I’m torn between squealing in delight at Lex’s bravery in taking that first big step since she left her husband, and hurt that this is the first time she’s mentioned Lynn. Judging by the way she had her arm around Lex, the two are cozy enough that I should at least know of her existence. I bury this inside, trying not to make it all about me. “How’d you two meet?”
“We work together,” she says without elaborating.
A million questions race through my mind. Has Lex dated women before, or is this her first time? Does her ex know she’s not straight? Did her sexuality play a role in her decision to leave her husband? Is she looking to exclusively date women now, or is she interested in men, too? I regard her updated hairstyle and wardrobe, which are so different from when I first met her—more masculine, for sure. I remember her talking about being bullied in school, how she couldn’t really be herself; was she talking about being queer?
Instead of bringing up one of my many intrusive (and possibly inappropriate) questions, I ask, “How are you feeling about dating again?”
“First of all, this isn’t a date. It’s just a get-to-know-each-other hangout. We’re in different departments so we don’t cross paths that often. But...” Lex looks past me to where Lynn is chatting with the others in the group while pulling on her rental shoes. “I think going with you on all those dates helped get me over my fears.”
I playfully nudge her with my elbow. “So glad my curse has given you the courage you need to get back out in the dating pool, instead of it being a huge deterrent.”
Lex nudges me back, adorable dimples appearing. “So, is this Jasleen girl the one who you mentioned is always on your case at work?”
I groan. “Yes. It’s going to be ten times harder to get Olsen to reconsider dating me with her here.”
Lex raises an eyebrow. “Why?”
“Just look at her!” I raise a hand and let it fall back to my thigh, slapping against my jeans. “I can’t compete with that!”
Les gives me a slow up-and-down. “You need to give yourself more credit.”
Before I can reply, the bartender finally makes his way over to us and we relay all the drink orders, plus one of each of the items on the appetizer menu. By the time we rejoin the group at our lane everyone has their shoes on and names entered into the system.
“I grabbed you a pair,” Lynn says, proffering shoes to Lex. “Size seven, right?”
“How’d you know?” Lex asks, sitting to slip off her boots.
Lynn winks. “Your dainty little feet were one of the first things I noticed about you.”
I blush on behalf of Lex, forcing my eyes away so the two can flirt in peace. Unfortunately, my gaze lands on something even more uncomfortable—Jasleen flirting with Olsen. This was a terrible idea. Jasleen is basically the female equivalent of Olsen—Miss Perfect. Stunningly gorgeous, well-dressed, put together. She doesn’t look like she’s had a single awkward moment in her life.
“So how’d you and Lex meet?” Amanda asks, turning from her conversation with Stuart.
“We, uh—” I cough.
“Oh, wait a second.” Amanda’s eyes widen. “Are you the girl who put Olsen in the hospital?”
“Well, you know—”
Stuart looks from me to Amanda and back, realization alighting on his face. “The zipper girl! Oh my god, that was you?”
“I was on call that night,” Amanda clarifies. “Never thought I’d see my co-worker’s penis, but sometimes life surprises you.”
“Technically, he has you to thank for stillhavinga penis,” Stuart laughs.
I feel myself shrinking as the two quip back and forth. Apparently, I’ve become a legend among the hospital staff.
“Are we going to stand around talking about my dick all day or are we going to do some bowling?” Olsen asks, interrupting us.
I look up to Olsen and mouth,thank you, to which he replies with a wink. I nearly melt into my panties.
Jasleen takes her turn first, and of course she gets a strike. While everyone else is taking their turns and watching the balls roll down the runway, I can’t help but watch Lex interact with her date. Lex, with her short-cropped hair styled with gel, her loosely layered top, her confident, wide-footed stance. I can’t take my eyes off the way Lex places her hand on the small of Lynn’s back, how Lynn leans close and whispers into Lex’s ear, how she smiles in return.
“Bowl much?” Olsen asks as he appears beside me.
