Page 12 of Whiskey Neat

“Welcome. Can I check your ID? I just need to make sure you’re over twenty-one.”

“Bless you, Cameron.” I pull my wallet out of my shoulder bag and hand it over.

She looks at it then gives it back. “Come on in.”

As Cameron parts the curtain, I step through, gasping softly at what I see. “Wow.”

“Yeah.” She nods. “Our permit came with some conditions. The curtain and checking ID. The good people of Willow Bay didn’t want kids to be able to peek inside. Totally fair.”

“Sure.” I scan the room filled with every imaginable sex toy and some that have never crossed my mind. “This is amazing.”

“Thanks. I’ve wanted to have a place for so long. In my opinion, it’s so much nicer to be able to purchase things in person instead of online. Not everyone wants to go to the city for supplies.”

“Agreed. Queer friendly too?”

“Of course.” She points to the sign that says ‘Trans Lives Matter’ and smiles. “As a trans woman, it’s important to me to create safe and inclusive spaces.”

I nod, smiling at her. “I love that it’s in Willow Bay. The guys down the street are opening a queer bar. Did you know that?”

“No. I was super curious. A queer bar?”

“Yep. About time, huh?”

“Definitely needed. You can see how the landscape has changed when the university students are out and about.”

“That’s great to hear. I’ve been in the city for about a decade.”

Cameron smiles. “I was there for a couple of years. Obviously there are tons of queer friendly places, but it was just too big and too much for me, I guess. I’m a small-town girl at heart.”

“I’m glad you’re here.” My throat tightens a little and I laugh it out. “Whew. Got a little emotional for a second.”

She nods in understanding. “Finally feeling seen?”

“Yeah. I left this town feeling like an outcast. I returned reluctantly only to find out that everything is different now.”

“Tell me about it. I hid for ages, trying to keep it a secret. I came out once I was in New Onyx and I refused to hide again, but I was still scared moving back here.”

“Have people been accepting?”

“Mostly. Some of the older folks look at me weird sometimes, but like I said, the demographics have changed. It’s not all families and retirees anymore. A lot of young professionals are choosing to live here and commute to the city.”

“That’s great. The bar should do well too then.”

“Oh hell yeah. We don’t even have bars here except the biker bar off the freeway exit, which isn’t welcoming at all.”

“No.” I chuckle. “All we need now are some good restaurants.”

“Oh my god, right? I have faith that Willow Bay is growing in popularity.”

Maybe moving home wasn’t such a bad idea after all.

“Did you need something or were you just peeking in?”

“I was just gonna grab some condoms. I’m putting out energy to get a hunk of a man in my bed.”

Cameron laughs. “I like it. Do you need lube?”

“Sure. I’m probably running low. Been going solo for a while now. Oh, is that TMI?”

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