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Shaking her head, Jewel agreed. “No, I didn’t.”

“So how did the date go?”

The tension broke. Jewel rested back into the chair. “It was good. Run of the mill first date. You were right about online dating being weird.”

“It is. It’s like there are more layers because you can talk before meeting in person but also less layers at the same time.”

“Yeah. That’s a good way to describe it.” With each moment of conversation past her coming-out moment, the tension in the room eased even more.

“Did you end up going to the casino or the movies?” Lea resumed eating like nothing major had passed between them.

“Casino. It’s not really my scene, but Brianna seemed to like it.”

“Win big?” Lea winked.

“No. I wish. I lost the fifty bucks I brought.”

“Figures.” Lea took a sip of her tea. “Will you go out with her again?”

Jewel shook her head. “No, I don’t think I will. She was nice and all, but there wasn’t that connection I had hoped for.”

“Sometimes it’s worth it to go on a second date to see if there is that connection. First dates, especially dates like this, can often be riddled with anxiety on everyone’s parts. She may not have been at her best.”

“Maybe,” Jewel muttered. “But I think I’d rather just focus on something else.”

“Or someone?” Lea raised an eyebrow at her.

Jewel shrugged, giving a noncommittal answer to try and get out of the question. They were very nearly done eating when Lea reached out and grabbed Jewel’s hand, holding it firmly. Jewel turned all her attention on Lea, waiting to see what it was she wanted.

“You know you could have told me before now, right?”

“Told you what?”

“That you’re queer.”

“Oh, um, I didn’t want to ruin anything.”

“Why would your sexuality ruin anything?” Lea’s look was genuinely curious and confused. “Have I given you the impression I’m homophobic?”

“No! Not at all. It just…it changes things sometimes, and there’s no way to come back from it.”

Lea sucked in a breath. “Brady.”

Jewel’s sheepish look said more than words.

“He’s an idiot, which I’m pretty sure I’ve told you before. J, he was born and raised here, and I know it’s not an excuse, but Brady isn’t exactly someone who is going to look out into the world for answers or a different opinion than what he’s been taught. He’s not someone who was born with an innate sense of curiosity like you.”

“I know. He said he was fine with it, but…”

“But he wasn’t. J, I wish you would have told me.” Lea scooted closer and wrapped her arms around Jewel’s neck, tugging her into a hug. Her hands were gentle and firm against Lea’s back as she rubbed up and down. “I’m so sorry you had to go through that. I will never abandon you because you’re queer. I promise you.”

“Thank you.” Tears sprung into Jewel’s eyes, unbidden and unexpected. She never had anticipated how this would feel, how genuine and true acceptance would make her feel so loved and welcome.

Lea leaned in and kissed Jewel’s cheek before moving away and shaking her head. “You should have told me years ago, J. There was no reason to keep it a secret.”

“I’ll remember that for next time.”

Lea gave her a stern look before softening her gaze. “Since I made lunch, you get to clean up. I have some lesson plans I need to untangle for this week.”

“Thanks for coming over.”

“Any time.” Lea squeezed Jewel’s hand one more time before she got up and left the house.