Page 80 of Sizzle Reel

I glance at the lingerie again. “How do I even word it?”

“ ‘Hey, are we girlfriends, and can we act like girlfriends at this party?’ ”

Jesus, that sounds strong. “All of that?”

Romy sighs. “Yes. You have to be clear. It’s not like with straight couples, where accidentally revealing your relationship might, at worst, just be awkward. You could get into some seriously traumatizing stuff if she’s not out with everyone.”

“But she kissed me in a karaoke room. In public. She wasn’t weird about that.”

“So did you, and you’re not out with your parents or anyone in your family.” Romy looks at a different bra display. “Or your friends from high school, I want to say.”

I have no interest in doing one of those hi, I’m bi posts on social media.

“That’s different.”

“For the love of god, Luna, if you’re ready for a relationship with Valeria, you have to be ready for all of it. Including this. Just do it.”

I ignore the sting at Romy’s little snap. I hope she didn’t get any bad news about the play.

I type out the text.

Hey Val, you’re out, right? Like Steven knows?

She responds right away. So much better than the guys I dated.

Yeah, my team and family know. Anyone who’s spoken to me in person.

And the only people at this party are people she knows.

I look to Romy. “Yeah, she’s out.”

Romy raises her eyebrows. “And the party?”

I sigh.

And the party? Are we going together?

Lol it’s low-key but yeah, meet me at my house. It’s a professional space, though, so hard limit PDA. Let’s see how it goes.

“No P.D.A., but we’re going together,” I say.

“Was that so difficult?”

Why is she acting so patronizing? Or is this how she’s been acting the whole time?

“No.” I rub my arm. “Thanks.”

She shakes her head. “Sorry. I’m not using the right tone. You’re doing good. I just don’t want you to accidentally evolve into an asshole.” She rubs her neck. “So you remember that recent alumna who told me to write the invitations?” I nod. “She didn’t tell me, but her agent saw the play and said she loved it. It doesn’t mean anything, but something might happen…”

I grin. “So great! I’m keeping my fingers crossed hard for you.”

She smiles back. “Thanks. Guess now we wait again.”

I put a hand on her back. “It’ll happen.” I turn to the lingerie display. “Do you think I’d look hot in that? I’m thinking the red-pink one.”

Romy wheels around to the lingerie display and her eyes pop. “The teddy?”

“Yeah.”

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