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Cat chuckled. “I’m admiring your lithe body. I can imagine you practicing yoga, not so much this unathletic frame I have been blessed with.” Cat gestured with her hand up and down her body.

“Who cares if you're athletic? I think you look just right,” Elena said with a smile.

“I was not fishing for a compliment, but thank you. I do try to make Cory’s games as her cheerleader from the bleachers. Were you serious about going sometime?”

“Yeah, I think it would be fun.”

“Okay, I’ll let you know when she plays.”

Elena sipped her wine and furrowed her brow. She knew she could ask Cat anything and she’d been wondering. “Let me get this straight,” Elena said, then giggled.

“Did you just giggle?” Cat asked, chuckling. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard you giggle.”

Elena knocked her shoulder into Cat’s and snorted.

“What is so funny?”

“Nothing. I want to ask you a question and now maybe I shouldn’t,” Elena said.

Cat chuckled. “Come on. You have to now.”

“Well, I was wondering if you and your sisters are all gay?”

Cat smiled. “Oh! Now I see why you’re giggling. Um, not exactly, but we’re not straight either,” Cat said, emphasizing the word. “Cory is a lesbian and knew from a young age. CeCe is bisexual, and I can see her and Alexis together for a long time.”

“Really?”

“Yes, they are falling in love right before our eyes, and I’m happy for them.”

“What about you?”

“Hmm, as I learn more and more about myself—wait, I know that sounds funny.”

“No, it doesn’t,” Elena said, resting her hand on Cat’s forearm. “I’m learning new things about myself every day.”

Cat smiled. “I’m finding that I’m attracted to the person. It doesn’t matter their gender. My relationships have been with women, but I’ve also dated men. I have a friend who is nonbinary and through discussions with them I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m more pansexual.” She shrugged. “I’m queer, Elena. I’m the odd Sloan sister.”

“There is nothing odd about you,” Elena assured her.

“Honestly, after Hattie walked out, I knew it would be a very long time, if ever, that I would trust or give my heart to someone. Right now, I simply want to appreciate other people’s beauty.” She turned to Elena. “And everyone has beauty. My heart became so dark and I don’t want to be that person. I’m trying to find the light that was once inside me.”

Elena felt a mixture of anger and compassion. She wanted to knock this Hattie woman into tomorrow for hurting her sweet friend. She also wanted to hug Cat, but knew that wasn’t a good idea in this moment. “I see light in you, Cat. Why else would I come into the bookstore every day? Yes, I enjoy the books, but you brighten my day. So, I’d say your light is coming back.”

“Thanks,” Cat said, bumping her shoulder into Elena’s. “There I go again. You didn’t ask for all of that.” Cat finished off her wine and looked over at Elena. “But it’s kind of your fault. If you weren’t so easy to talk to…”

Elena laughed. “I’m not the only one who’s easy to talk to. I’m glad you shared that with me.”

Cat nodded. “It’s your turn. What things are you learning about yourself?”

“Well, have I told you that I kissed a girl?”

5

Cat was surprised by Elena’s admission. She got up and went around the bar, reached into the refrigerator under the counter, and took out the bottle of wine. She topped off both their glasses then returned to her seat.

“Here’s to learning new things,” Cat said, holding up her glass.

Elena grinned. “And to making new friends.”