Page 60 of Looking for Love in All the Haunted Places
“Nothing.”
“Uh-huh.”
Georgia sighed. “It was Christmas. I was lonely. Things happened in an outdoor shed, and he hasn’t moved on. You know how it is.”
“No. I don’t.”
“But you know what Imean. Don’t get all judgey on me.”
“I’m not judging you.” She smiled to show her sincerity. “But I honestly don’t know. Can’t relate.”
“Oh, really?” Georgia’s irritation faded to suspicion.
“Really.” Lucky thought quickly, trying to come up with a simple way to explain without getting too into the weeds. “I don’t have any experience with, uh, inclinations that would lead to spontaneous hookups. It’s not for me.”
Georgia’s jaw dropped as she slapped Lucky’s arm. “You are not asexual. Shut up!”
“I—what? You know what that is?”
“Stop being so shy, oh my god.Inclinations, are you kidding me?” Georgia looped her arm through Lucky’s as if they’d been friends for years. “My cousin is ace and he’s told meallabout it.”
If she’d been drinking, she probably would’ve started choking again. But instead of being horrified, Lucky was elated. She started laughing, straight from her belly, very nearly a cackle.
“What’s so funny?”
“Howdid you even guess that?” she managed, through her laughing fit. “I thought I was beingvague.”
“Girl, I said the words ‘Maverick’ and ‘fucking’ and you almost died. I mean, I could’ve been dead wrong. You could’ve said no and explained but…you haven’t denied it.” She pinned her with a glassy-eyed stare.
“Because it’s true.” Lucky had to take several deep breaths to calm herself before she could continue. A couple going the oppositedirection passed by them with a cordial greeting, but Georgia claimed to not know them. The parking garage was still a good distance away. “I really wasn’t expecting you to figure me out like that. I haven’t laughed that hard in a long time.”
Georgia, still holding on to Lucky’s arm, squeezed in closer to her. “I told you this is my lane and I make it a point to be open-minded.”
“I wish more people were like that.”
College was hell on both the friendship and romantic fronts, but Lucky did have one boyfriend—Louis. He appeared seemingly out of nowhere while she was at the grocery store and asked her out on a date. She still had fond memories of it because it’d gone so well. He kept trying to make her laugh, repeatedly told her she was pretty, and even asked good questions. After a few more dates, he asked her to be his girlfriend. At the time, all she could think wasSomeone actually likes me? Welp this’ll probably be my only shot.In hindsight, she should’ve thoroughly thought things through before saying yes.
“So, where do you fall on the spectrum?” Georgia asked conversationally.
“You are way too excited about this,” Lucky said, trying and failing to keep a straight face. How was Georgia able to ask that question like it was nothing? She didn’t sound judgmental or invasive—she made Lucky feel like they were just two friends gossiping.
“No such thing andyoudon’t have to beat around the bush about your sexuality.”
“I’m not. I just feel a little uncomfortable, like I’m not supposed to talk about it.”
“Why?”
“Because people always say stuff likeI don’t care if you don’t want to have sexorThat’s not a real sexuality because everyone feels that way at some point, but that’s not how it works. It makes me feel like I’m not allowed to have a spot in the conversation. What I say doesn’t matter so I just keep it to myself.”
“Pfft.” She snorted. “That’s bullshit. You can talk to me about it all you want.”
Lucky wanted to take her up on that offer…just not on the street in front of so many random people walking around. She waited until they made it to the car, taking the keys from Georgia, who was way too drunk to drive. She aimed for casual as she programmed the GPS. “Is it really okay if we talk about sex and stuff?”
“I said it was.” Georgia yawned.
“Well, I think sex sounds good in theory. In practice, not so much. I categorize it as the triplep’s. I’m not interested in the performance and politics of sex. The pleasure part can stay.”
“You’re such a nerd.” Georgia cackled with a signature shimmy. “Talk nerdy to me.”
