Page 51 of Pucking Amazing

“What if he’s not attracted to you anymore?” I repeat incredulously, my protectiveness turning into frustration. “Come on, Leah. Nate is a shallow idiot sometimes, but he loves you. No matter what. You know that.”

Leah shrugs and wipes her eyes with the back of her hand.

“I just...I don’t know. Maybe we should never have gotten married.”

I shake my head, refusing to let her spiral down this rabbit hole of self-doubt.

“Don’t even go there, Leah. You guys have been through so much together. Remember high school? College? All those stupid breakups and makeups? This is just a rough patch. You’ll get through it. You just need to talk to Nate, explain how he’s making you feel—I’m sure he’ll shape up. And if he doesn’t, I’ll kick his ass.”

She nods slowly, sniffling again.

“You’re right,” she says quietly, leaning into me for comfort.

We sit in silence for a few minutes before I break the peace with a question that’s been nagging at me since I arrived. “So where is Nate, anyway?”

Leah pulls away from me and looks down at her hands, fidgeting with her wedding ring.

“He went out with his work friends,” she mumbles.

My eyebrows shoot up in surprise and concern. Since when does Nate have work friends? In all the years I’ve known him, he’s always been a total loner when it comes to his job.

“Work friends?” I ask skeptically.

Leah shrugs again noncommittally, focusing on her mug of tea.

“Yeah, they’re new coworkers or something.”

I narrow my eyes suspiciously but decide not to push it for now.

“Well, let’s try to relax and enjoy our night in then,” I say with forced enthusiasm, hoping to cheer Leah up.

She manages a small smile and looks at me with watery eyes.

“Thanks for listening, Ty. I didn’t realize how badly I needed to get that off my chest.”

I squeeze her hand. “Anytime, sis. I’m always here if you need to vent. Or cry on my manly shoulder.” I flex jokingly.

Leah snorts out a half-laugh and swats my arm.

“Dork.” But I can see the gratitude shining in her eyes. Knowing I could make her feel even a tiny bit better fills me with warmth.

And suddenly, I realize I might be ready to get my own burden off my chest.

My heart pounds in my ears as I nervously clench my fists, steeling myself for a conversation I’ve been putting off.

I glance over at my sister. Her tears are gone, and she’s looking at me with knowing eyes, as if she can sense the words I’m struggling to form.

I take a deep, shaky breath.

“Leah, there’s something I need to tell you.” My voice trembles.

She sets down her mug, giving me her full attention. “What’s up, Ty?”

“I...” My palms are sweaty. I wipe them on my jeans. “I think I’m bi. Bisexual, I mean.”

I freeze—I think that’s the first time I’ve said the word out loud.

Leah’s eyebrows rise but she stays quiet, letting me continue. The warmth in her eyes gives me confidence and suddenly the words are tumbling out in a jumbled rush.

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