Danielle was shocked when I told her that I was a lesbian.
I'd come back to my hometown, to settle my dad's estate after he died.
She was my closest friend, until I left for the big city and a career in publishing. I called her before the trip, about getting together.
Now we were in my room at the Star Motel, reminiscing about the "old days" when I told her about my sex life.
"I can't believe you're a lesbian, Linda" she said. "How did that happen?"
"It was easy. I think I always had a leaning in that direction."
"I never noticed."
"Hey, no big deal. What's been happening with you? Last I heard you were engaged to Tom what's his name?"
"We were married for three years, then he found a bitch who was better in bed!"
"That's a shame," I said. "Some guys are pricks!"
We got a bottle of Scotch at the liquor store across the road from the motel and brought it back. We weren't sleepy and wanted to keep talking. It seemed natural to hold her hand as we crossed the road.
When we got back to the room, I kissed her lightly on her lips and said, "Forget Tom. Life goes on."
When I kissed her, Danielle hesitated, then kissed me back.
"Let's drink to life," she said. "Open the bottle, and pour us a few drinks."
I sat at the table in the room, and she got comfortable on the bed as we drank Scotch and compared notes about what had happened since we last saw each other.
Finally, after two o'clock in the morning, I asked her if she wanted to go back home.
"Can I stay here?" she asked. "There's nothing to do at home."
I looked at her, spread out on the couch, with her skirt way up, and her legs exposed. "There's something here for you, honey."