Page 50 of Picture Us

From the corner of her eye, Rose could see Drew smiling back at her. She tried not to blush, still intoxicated by their attention.

They made their way through the crowd toward the new fiancée’s, greeting a few familiar faces on the way. Despite hardly knowing the couple Drew found a few acquaintances among the guestlist. In the small, sapphic world, it was almost impossible to not have at least a few overlaps.

Eventually, Rose and Drew were able to make it through to Ellen and Fin, who stood up and squealed at the sight of their best friend at the edge of their circle.

“Congratulations!” Rose cheered as she wrapped an arm around her friends, the other carefully guarding the present.

Ellen squeezed her tight. “You’re so sweet. I love you.”

“Thank you, Rose! You’re the best.” Finn patted her back.

When they pulled apart, Rose lifted the brown package she had been hauling around all night.

Ellen and Fin took the gift and added it to the growing pile, eager to find out what their dear friend had gotten them. Before they could interrogate her for hints, Fin turned to Drew and shook their hand. “Thanks so much for coming, Drew. We’re so happy to have you!”

Drew grinned. “Thanks for having me.”

It made Rose smile to see Drew get along so well with her friends. The more she got to know them, the more she admired their ability to fit in anywhere. Drew could get dropped in the VIP section of an upscale club or in a Midwestern sports bar and still find a friend.

As Fin and Drew broke off into their own nerdy conversation about film, Ellen looped her arm in Rose’s.

She lowered her head to intercept Rose’s gaze. “Um, hi, what is that?”

“Hm?” Rose tried to play it cool, pretending like she missed something elsewhere in the party. “What was what?”

But she knew her face was bright pink. All she could do was pray the dim lighting of the outdoor patio would make it hard for Ellen to notice.

Ellen raised an eyebrow, examining Rose. She spotted the blush almost instantly.

“No! You didn’t.”

“Didn’t what?” Rose tried to play innocent, scanning the party desperately for a diversion.

Ellen lowered her voice, smiling through a scandalized grin. “You slept together.”

As soon as the words left her mouth, Rose knew there was no point trying to hide it. Ellen knew her too well to let her get away with a lie like that.

“Okay, yes. But don’t make a big deal out of it. We’ll talk about it later.” Rose smiled at her, hoping she wasn’t drawing any attention from Fin or Drew.

Rolling her eyes, Ellen leaned in. “Fine. But you have to answer one thing.”

“What?”

“Was it good?” Ellen smirked.

Rose hardly processed the question before her fist was pushing Ellen’s arm. “You’re a dick.”

Ellen winked as Fin came closer, pretending to be a protective bulldog. “No fighting my fiancée! I’ll kick your ass.”

Lifting her fists, Rose laughed. “I could snap you like a twig!”

Fin burst out laughing. They were basically a muscle mommy, absolutely ripped from the gym. But Fin loved her energy and brought her in for a tight hug.

It wasn’t long before new arrivals pulled the couple’s attention, leaving Drew and Rose to fend for themselves.

Drew leaned into Rose’s ear, their voice a familiar low grumble. “Do you want something to drink?”

Rose nodded. “Dealer’s choice.”

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