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The lock on the front door turns, indicating Naomi’s other roommate is back. We both jump up from the couch as the door opens, letting go of each other. “Hey, Sage,” Maeve says with surprise, her eyes darting back and forth between us.

“Hey, Maeve.”

“I’ll walk you out?” Naomi says, looking up at me with uncertainty.

“Yeah, that’d be great. I have to catch up with Cora anyway. Last I heard she and soccer boy spent the night together.”

“It’s about time she gave that man a break,” Maeve says with a laugh, heading down the hall. Once she’s out of sight, Naomi takes my hand once again, leading me to the door. “I’m sorry for cutting things short, I just didn’t want—”

“Hey, it’s okay, Naomi, I get it. You didn’t want Maeve to turn this into something it’s not when you’re still figuring it out,” I say softly, tucking a stray curl behind her ear. “I completely understand, plus I wasn’t lying. I do have to catch up with my roommate and find out how her night went.”

“I’ll see you later?” Naomi looks up at me expectantly, still holding my hand.

I give her hand a gentle squeeze, smiling wide. “Definitely.” I press my lips to her forehead, lingering for a bit before pulling away completely. “Bye, Naomi.”

I close the door behind me, heading into my apartment, my attention focused on my phone.

“So…how did it go?”

I jump, startled by the voice. “Jesus, you scared me, Cora.” Both she and Gabby are sitting in the living room of our apartment, seemingly waiting for my return.

“I’ll echo Cora. So how did it go?” Gabby asks me, patting the couch next to her.

I roll my eyes, coming into the apartment and taking a seat in my favorite armchair. “It was…interesting,” I say, kicking my shoes off and getting comfortable in the chair.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Gabby laughs.

“I mean, it didn’t go exactly the way I planned, but we’re on good terms, so I guess that’s better than the alternative.”

“Sage, babes, I’m going to need you to give us a few more details.” Cora raises an eyebrow, watching me expectantly.

“Well, to start, she said it was a great kiss.”

Gabby rolls her eyes. “Like you need another boost to your ego. What else did she say?”

“That she’s confused, she doesn’t know what the kiss means to her or how she really feels about me.”

“I’m sorry, Sage, I know how much you liked Naomi.” Cora rests a hand on my arm in an attempt to be sympathetic.

I smile, shaking my head. “It wasn’t an outright rejection. She seemed to be open to the possibility of us in a relationship together, just has to figure out her own emotions first.”

“Are you sure? We just don’t want you to get your hopes up and then get hurt in the end,” Gabby says, being uncharacteristically gentle.

“I’m positive you guys. We had a heart-to-heart. I told Naomi about my coming-out story, and she told me she felt deeply connected to me. We held hands, she let me kiss her on theforehead, and she wants to meet up later in week, just us two,” I say smugly.

“Look at her, excited over a forehead kiss.” Cora laughs, nudging Gabby.

“Who are you and what have you done with Sage the Heartbreaker?”

I laugh. “I’m serious, I’m optimistic about how things will end up. I have a deep connection with her and even if it’s just friendship, there is something there.”

“Well, if you’re happy, I guess we’re happy for you,” Cora says softly.

“Speaking of happy, what’s up with you and lover boy?” She rolls her eyes. “You two looked pretty happy when you left the party last night. Together, I might add,” I say, raising a brow.

“Anthony and I had a great night.” Now, it’s Cora’s turn to be tight-lipped.

“Anthony? I thought his name was Dave.”