Our friendship goes back to high school days in Springfield, though we don't get together very often nowadays. We reside in different towns scattered across the states, though in a way we're still close.
Todd, Randy and Paul had played varsity football. Randy added hockey to his resume. Michelle, Chelsea and I had played on the softball team, a sport that I continued playing during my college days.
I had taken one of the Duncan apartments in West Loop. The complex has a roof top deck, a terrace, a gym, volleyball court and indoor pool. Every unit has subway tile backsplash, glass-enclosed shower and custom cabinetry.
A balmy afternoon in mid May finds me relaxing in a rooftop chair. The time is 6 30. Delicate wispy clouds partially cover the sky.
I'm wearing summer casual; a red cold shoulder romper with deep v-neck and tie-detail waist. Taupe suede Gladiator sandals complete an outfit which is a far cry from purple hospital scrubs.
My cellphone chimed inside my right pocket.
Michelle Henner is talking from her living room, her face showing on my phone.
"Long time girl," I said cheerfully.
"What's happening Stevie?"
"Not a whole lot," I replied.
"I have tickets to a Cubs game. Are you up for it?"
"When is it?"
"Tomorrow night," she replied.
Michelle and I joined the mass of fans entering Wrigley Field Saturday afternoon via Wintrust Gate. Minutes later we found our seats in section 131. Our seats in shallow right field are angled to face across the diamond toward shallow left field. Before much longer the empty seats all around us will be occupied.
The sun is at 7 o'clock. The Cubs and Cincinnati Reds are conducting some last minute warm-ups.
Three hours passed quickly since the game started. The Cubs had lost, again. Michelle and I made observations about the game and our team as we walked under the moonlit sky to the Toyota.
I had known for a long time that I am attracted to girls. The courage to come out, however, was never inside me. Hiding that side of myself often bothered me.
Does Michelle notice that I stare at girls? Does she notice that I ignore the guys in straight couples? What will she think when I tell her that I'm lesbian?
Randy is the only boy I ever dated. I broke it off, but did not give being gay as the reason.
I did tell him months later through a text message. We had just started at college, but not the same college.
It felt like time to speak candidly to Michelle but I decided not to lead with "I'm gay".
"Sometimes I like to be nude on the rooftop terrace."
"Really??" She replied. "When did this start?"
"Last summer," I replied.
