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Ace: Don’t freak out. I meant… obviously we have a connection. We always have. I’m not trying to date you. Calm down. I can see the freakout in your eyes.
I look up at him, shocked, and he raises his eyebrows.
Me: Yeah. Agreed. Definitely a connection. That same night, I wished I’d get to go in the Love Shack with you. Shame MY wish didn’t come true. Then both of ours would have. It was a good kiss either way. No worries.
Ace: That would’ve been fun.
Sarah’s phone vibrates and we all turn to look at her.
She gently sets her phone down and forces a smile. “He says it’s fine as long as it’s for the game.” Then she looks at Joel and smirks. “But he said you better keep your tongue in your mouth or he’ll kick your ass.”
Joel holds his hands out in front of him. “I wouldn’t dream of crossing that line.”
Sarah crawls around the table to him and leans in. Then she gives him a long, slow kiss. As she pulls away, their eyes meet for half a second. I exchange a look with Aaron, because whether they’re willing to admit it or not, they definitely both felt a spark.
But Sarah says, “Nope. Nothing.” And damn if she isn’t convincing.
Joel rubs his jaw and says with his cheeky grin, “Fun? Yes. Magical sparks? No.” His eyes twinkle as he says it.
Everyone seems to accept that answer, and our attention turns to Mackie. Who seems surprisingly serious.
“Truth or dare, Macks?” Sarah asks.
“Truth,” she says thoughtfully.
Sarah relies on an old favorite. “Tell me a secret.”
For years, that’s been Sarah’s way of getting into a tough conversation. Or getting someone else to let their guard down first, so she feels more comfortable letting hers down. She’s using it playfully tonight, but when she says it to me when we’re alone, it’s usually an indicator that something is wrong.
Mackie inhales deeply. “I know this is supposed to be a silly game, but I actually do have a secret.”
We all straighten up and stare at her, a little concerned.
“Tell us,” Miles says in his softest voice.
She takes a stabilizing breath. “I think… I think I’m into girls.” She lets out a long breath and then looks at us.
“Oh my god, Mackie! That’s so exciting,” Sarah says. But then she frowns. “Please tell me you weren’t afraid to tell us.”
She shakes her head. “More nervous about saying it out loud.”
Miles looks at her tenderly and reaches over and squeezes her hand.
“So, does this mean you aren’t into guys? Or you’re into both?” Joel asks.
“At first, I thought maybe both, like I was bisexual or something. But now, I’m pretty sure I’m… a lesbian. Fuck. That’s the first time I’ve said it out loud. Don’t get me wrong, I still find guys hot, but I don’t see myself with a guy. And…” She inhales sharply and looks around before continuing. “I recently made out—and a little more—with a girl and it felt way better than it ever did with a guy.”
“Who was it?” Sarah asks, always wanting all the details.
Mackie looks around.
“Look, this person was… I think more seeing what it feels like. I’d say she’s very much straight. Or if she’s not, she’s not ready to accept that. So, you can’t tell anyone.”
“Of course not. What happens between us stays between us. Always,” Sarah reassures her. We all nod in agreement.
“It was Hyla.”
All of our eyes go wide.
