Matchplay A New Adult Romance - By Dakota Madison Page 0,22
on the same page.
“We went out on what could technically be classified a date. And then we held hands.”
Without warning, Olivia flipped my light on. I covered my eyes. “Ugh, why did you do that?”
“Look at me,” she demanded.
I uncovered my eyes and, still squinting, looked at her.
She furrowed her brow. “Did you do anything else?”
I felt like she was interrogating me. I shook my head.
“Are you sure?” she asked.
“Yes, I’m sure.”
“He didn’t even kiss you?”
“No.”
She looked at me strangely. “That’s really weird. I don’t know what kind of game he’s playing but I
don’t like it.”
“What if he’s not playing a game?” As soon as the words came out of my mouth, I immediately regretted it.
Olivia scoffed. “Guys like that are always playing games.”
I wanted to believe in Aaron and trust that he was being sincere. When we were together, he was like a completely different person than he was with everyone else. But who would believe me? Aaron had a reputation around campus that he did nothing to try to change. I also knew that Olivia was right about most guys. What if Aaron really was just a player and really good at his game?
Olivia continued. “I just don’t want you to get hurt. I have to live with you. I don’t want to hear you sobbing in your pillow every night and I don’t want to be the one, who has to pick up all the pieces of your shattered heart.”
“And just how will you hear me sobbing in my pillow when you’re out every night?” I joked.
Olivia’s expression turned serious. “Please don’t tell Lucas, okay? I don’t want him giving me the third degree about who I’m seeing.”
My eyes got wide. “Why? Who are you seeing?”
“You can’t tell anyone, promise?”
“Of course.”
She took in a deep breath then said, “Marney.”
I was a bit shocked but not surprised. I felt like there was something going on between them but I
couldn’t quite put my finger on it.
“Now you understand why I don’t want Lucas to know.”
“Your family doesn’t know you’re gay?”
She shook her head. “I’m just kind of figuring it out myself.”
I wondered what she meant by that but I didn’t push. I let her do all the talking.
She continued. “I dated a few guys in high school but it never felt quite right. I didn’t know why. My friends talked about how passionate they felt about their boyfriends but I never had feelings like they were describing. I just assumed I hadn’t met the right guy yet. Until I went to the speech and debate camp this summer and met Marney. Wow. I started feeling all of the things my friends had described. Only I was feeling those things with a girl. That’s when it occurred to me that I might be a Lesbian.”
I wasn’t sure what to say next. I never had a friend, who was gay. At least, no one ever told me he or she was before.
“Are things with Marney serious?” I asked.
She nodded. “They’re getting serious.”
“You probably don’t want to hear this from me but you’re going to have to tell Lucas. The two of you are so close, you won’t be able to keep it a secret very long. And I don’t think this is something you want him to find out accidently, if you know what I mean.”
“I know. You’re right. I’m just scared.”
“Why?”
“I don’t want him to love me any less when he finds out.”
I reached over and gave Olivia a hug. “He couldn’t ever love you any less. I’m sure of it.”
“Thanks,” Olivia said as she pulled away and gave me a warm smile. “I’m glad you’re my roomie.”
***
The next day, I texted Josh and asked if he’d meet me for coffee. I felt guilty that he was so enthusiastic about the prospect because I knew I would be letting him down in the end.
We met at the coffee shop near the school’s library. The place was usually packed but it was still a little before the noon rush. Josh gave me a big smile when he saw me, which made my stomach knot. I
knew he would be hurt when he found out about Aaron.
Josh ordered plain coffee, which didn’t surprise me and I got some herbal tea. I led him to a seat near the back of the place, so we would have some privacy. We both sat down. Josh looked at me expectantly.
Since I was the one who made the “date” I guess he expected me to lead the