Page 51 of To Love the Stars too Fondly

“You know, before I transitioned, I wondered sometimes if I was a lesbian,” Liam said. “But when I embraced my true self, I found my whole truth. And then I found Derek. Being bi is cool. It’s my truth. You should focus on accepting your whole truth, too.” He paused, his teasing grin returning. “You found Alex.”

“Alex and I have gone on one date.”

“You’ve known Alex for a year. More than a year! And literally everyone knew you liked her.” He glanced at the break room. “Okay, maybe not Barbs. But me and the night shift all knew.”

I resisted rolling my eyes. “Well, she warned me that she wouldn’t make it in today, so you don’t get to tease her, sorry.”

“Seems I was doomed to suffer.”

I floated through the next half hour or so, occasionally teased by Liam, but how could I not love it? He was right. Everyone had seen that Alex and I were meant to be, except for me.

The bell chimed around 1. I began my speech. “Welcome to—”

Cliff.

He rushed to the counter, hands held in defense. “I know you don’t want to see me, but I can’t not explain myself.”

Liam physically pulled me away from the register. “You’re banned from this establishment.” He glanced at me. “Get Barbs.”

I managed to back away, terrified beyond measure as he stared at me like headlights on a frightened deer. “Terra, just listen, please. I saw that rich chick come back in, and I don’t care if you like chicks. I’m a progressive guy, you know? I love two girls together. I’ll wait, okay? And, hey, if you ever need a third—”

“Will you just shut up!”

The words burst out of me like a firework, drawing everyone’s attention. Cliff, the customers, and even Barbs from the doorway to the break room. I didn’t care. I just saw red.

I shoved terror aside, and Liam too. “I don’t like you. I don’t want you. I’m sorry you feel like I led you on, but I only slept with you because I hate myself. I slept with you because you wouldn’t take no for an answer and because you terrify me. But I hate you, Cliff. I hate you even more than I hate myself, so block my number, and get the fuck out of my life!”

Shell-shocked, he took a step back. Who was the deer in the headlights now?

The moment ended when Barbs’ voice pulled me from my vengeful stupor. “Terra, take your break.” She looked to Cliff. “You heard her. Get out.”

And to my utmost amazement, he obeyed. He left, the bell chime signifying what was hopefully the end of the cruelest era of my life.

Barbs turned to me. “I understand why you did that,” she whispered sharply. “Never do that again. Now, take your break and cool off while I call the cops. Business as usual.”

I disappeared to the break room, my adrenaline fading into relief. I’d have to text Alex and let her know, but…hell, maybe she’d be proud of me too.

When 5 PM neared, I sat beside the door, anticipation preventing me from even losing myself in any shitty app games. Alex had let me know when she was leaving, and so I watched the clock, my phone, studied the many pictures on the wall….

Finally, I heard a knock.

I slipped on my golden heels, hoping they wouldn’t make me too tall. Though maybe Alex wouldn’t mind if I was. So many unknowns, and I was excited to learn them all. I grabbed my bedazzled purse—from the dollar store—to complete the look and took a steadying breath before opening the door.

And it was a good thing I had, because I certainly forgot how to breathe now.

Alex looked incredibly dashing in her slacks and fitted jacket, her visage soft as her eyes settled upon me. She held a bouquet of pink roses and quickly offered them forward. “My gut said you were the kind of woman to prefer pink to red.”

I accepted them, bringing them to my nose to savor the aroma. “Thank you. You can come inside while I—”

I gasped when Alex pulled me into her arms. “Are you okay?” she asked.

Right. There had been an incident. “I’m fine. Liam drove me home.”

“And I am eternally grateful to Liam. How are you feeling? If you’d rather stay in, I understand.”

“I feel good.” I paused, the weight of that admittance leaving me light. “I don’t know if I’ve ever felt better.”

“Well, I did also speak to the cops and maybe left a message with his coach. Nothing too condemning. Just enough for him to ask enough questions to get Cliff nervous. But if you want a restraining order, I’ll make it happen.”