Page 41 of Love on the Main Stage
“Should hurry up and die already or shut the fuck up.”
I snickered. “Hank, you’re the worst.”
“I have relatives who would say you’re wrong and all this other stupid shit, but I live in this world. The first time I did a clinic up here, I was floored because there were two gay couples riding in it. And they were just normal, happy people. It’s not like I hadn’t seen gay people before. It was just that they were allowed tobe. No one up here cares. But now, even in America, things are changing. Good lord, how many gays are at the WEC?”
I snickered. “Yeah, gays. But lesbians? And bisexuals they wouldreadas lesbian? I worry people will be all ‘it’s just a phase’ and poke fun. If I were to come out, I’d be some sort of poster child as a gay royal. I’m not strong enough to handle it.”
“Uh… the first time I met you, I watched you hold onto a horse’s neck for an eternity because you refused to fall. I thought, ‘Damn that woman is strong.’ I still do.”
“Even if I couldn’t bother to count earlier?”
“Everyone is allowed a bad day. Now, what is it you are avoiding?”
“Engaging with Mary and attending a mixer I should be. I told Brita I was injured. She is my palace handler.”
“The one who always looks like she’s about to be First Lady?” Hank teased.
“That would be the one.”
Hank stood, holding his hand out. I took it and rose to my feet.
“Do you still have time to get ready and go?”
“Yeah, I have time. I was supposed to bring Jaz, but she swore she was out.”
“I’d go with you if you’re nervous—as a friend.”
“Not as a beard?”
“I am not going if the point is to make Mary jealous or you expect me to cockblock you,” Hank promised. “I’m going as a supportive friend who is curious about what goes on at these things. Plus, if Cici sees you ride tomorrow, she will know youlied about being injured. Do you want to sit out Henrik’s clinic?”
“Fuck. Really? She’s honestly coming?”
“She’s flying in tonight. I told her she could ride Bella. I suspect she’s bored and misses us all.”
“Fine,” I relented. “And you can come, but you’renotmy beard.”
“I wouldn’t want to be.”
“Don’t make it weird. And please don’t?—”
“Your secrets are always safe with me, Bets. Promise. Besides, I might meet someone hot?”
I snickered. “You have my full support in that, bud.”
Chapter 17
The Mixer
MARY
“Jaw off the floor, darling,” Alicia said. “You look desperate.”
“I blame the dress,” I grumbled, turning away from where I could see Betty sitting with the weird but lovable Norwegian band.
“That right there is a revenge dress if I ever saw one,” Bea sighed. “Girl, she istorturingyou!”
“And she brought that guy,” I groaned.
