Page 18 of True Sight
It’s another tick on the list of reasons why my parentsresent me and sits just below ‘Our son is gay and an abomination’but above‘we don’t appreciate how he dresses or styles his hair.’ I also attempted a brief stint at uni but after several years of skipping classes to do literally anything other than study, I dropped out entirely. It just felt like a waste of time and my parents’ money to continue going—too bad they didn’t see it the same way.
“I’d rather run a marathon a day than sit in a class and listen to some old geezer drone on and on about world history or how the internal system of a cow works.”
Her face pinches up before she laughs a few times. “I couldn’t agree more. I’ve always been one to seek out the knowledge and information I need by living in the real world. I like to learn bydoing, not by sitting.”
“Twin flames, you and me,” I reply with a wink.
We talk for another half an hour or so before I get all the information I need to know. There’s just one more question I want to ask before I’ll call it good and give her the job.
“Now, just one more thing I need to ask.” She takes a big gulp of her matcha latte, seemingly finishing it off, and when she lifts her arm I can see several thin scars just on the inside of her wrist. My eyes flick to them for a fraction of a second before I try to regain focus on the question I want to ask her.
“Shoot.”
“Who,” I pause for dramatic effect, “is your favorite pop icon?”
She blinks hard a few times before throwing her head back in a fit of laughter. When she lifts her head, she runs a finger under one eye. “Oh my god, you’re a hoot, you know that?”
“My best friend Ellie does like to remind me of that, yes.”
“Oh, I didn’t know you had a friend here.”
“I don’t, not yet at least.” I give her a wicked grin. “She’s back in London with her rich fiancé restaurant connoisseur.” My hand waves in a circle next to my head—I’ve always loved a flare for the dramatics.
“Maybe I can be your first American friend,” she offers and my heart swells. I like Alex, even after talking with her for about an hour. She’s funny, quick witted, and seems like the type of person I’ll be lucky to call a friend.
“Only if you answer my question correctly,” I tease.
Her lips fall open and she takes a breath. “Ahh, that’s right, my favorite pop icon. Well…” She brings her index finger and thumb to frame her chin and taps on her cheek a few times as she thinks. “I think some people would argue that she’s not so much a pop iconnow, but in her prime I think I would have to say my favorite pop icon would have to be Lady Gaga.”
My mouth falls open.
“The Fame?” I drag out the title of Lady Gaga’s first album as if they’re the two most important words I’ll say all day with my hand over my heart.
“Born This Way?” She mimics my inflection.
“Changed my life.”
“I’m pretty sure her Bad Romance music video is when I realized I’m bi,” Alex admits openly and I fall in love with her even more.
“Mother Monster would be so proud,” I gush, before reaching across the table and taking her hand into mine. “You’re hired.”
“Yay! I’m so, so excited.”
“Now, classes don’t start in person until the studio opens after the first of the year, but I would love to start having youjoin me for my virtual classes so you can get the hang of it. Would that be okay?”
“I would love that. Just text me the details.” We exchange phone numbers and stand from the table to leave. Once outside, she leans in and gives me a hug.
“It was so nice meeting you, Henry. I hope you love it here in Charleston.”
“I have a good feeling about it so far.” I bump my shoulder into hers.
We start to go our separate ways when I hear her call out to me. “Hey, do you have plans tonight?”
We turn to face one another in the coffee shop parking lot, her heading one way down the street and me heading back towards the studio to check in with the contractor.
“Uhh, no. I was just going to plan some classes for next week,” I call back.
“Would you wanna do it together? My plans bailed so I have nothing better to do.”
