“There was someone I knew once. Very far away. They speak another language there, but I think that person might have been non-binary too. Only they didn’t call it that. They called it . . .” And I bark a Hellion word.
Janet laughs.
“Holy shit. Is that a real word?”
“Absolutely.”
“It sounds like you farted through your mouth.”
“That’s how it feels too.”
“Where is this magical fart kingdom?”
Now I’m the one who’s uncomfortable.
“I don’t know if I’m ready to talk about that yet.”
“Okay.”
“I’m not trying to be mysterious or hide anything. It’s just that it’s kind of . . .”
“Traumatic?”
“That’s one word for it.”
“Then tell me when you’re ready.”
“I promise.”
“So, I guess if you’re going to tell me something in the future it means we’re going to see each other again?”
“It looks that way.”
They kiss me and I kiss them back. For a long time.
I’m into it and then a second later I’m out of it. I see Candy’s face clearly.
Are you showing off for your girlfriend?
I must tense up, because Janet gives me a questioning look.
“You okay?”
“Yeah. Just something popped into my head.”
“Your friend Candy?”
“Damn. You’re a mind reader too.”
“It didn’t take a mind reader to see that there was some history with you two.”
“A lot actually.”
“And you still haven’t worked out how things are between you.”
“Yeah.”
“Does that mean I should back off and just bring you fritters and coffee?”