She watched the trio from a distance for some time, trying to figure out what the connection was between them. At first she thought that the two girls and Marcus were gay, but something about the way he moved made her think different. He had a charming effect on all the ladies, even the gay ones, and the two girls he was with hung on every word he said, especially Cat. On several occasions, Billy caught her pinching his rear and running her hands through his long braided hair. From what she gathered, Marcus belonged to her, or vice versa. She looked over at the striking young man from time to time, but didn’t allow her eyes to linger too long. She knew how territorial women could be about their men and didn’t want to cause any problems at the barbecue. Nonetheless, something about Marcus intrigued her.

As the night went on, people started branching off into groups. Billy was posted up off to the side, smoking a clip and sipping a Guinness when Cat approached her. She slithered over in her flared mini and thigh-high boots, wearing a smirk, as if she had a secret that she wasn’t going to share. Cat made it a point to occupy Billy’s vicinity, but not quite her space.

Billy felt like she was being stalked, but she didn’t let Cat know she was uncomfortable. She kept tapping her foot, mouthing along with the Don B. song blasting from someone’s speakers. Billy turned around and was surprised to find Cat staring at her. For a long while there was just silence, with both of them staring. Finally Cat said something.

“I hope I don’t sound too thirsty, but do you mind if I hit that,” Cat said, eyeing her hungrily.

“Excuse me?” Billy shot back.

“The blunt.” Cat smirked. “Oh, you thought I meant…”

“Sorry,” Billy said, a little embarrassed. She passed the blunt to Cat and watched her take deep sensual pulls.

“It’s fine. I’ll bet you’ve had a lot of girls come on to you today,” Cat said in a matter-of-fact tone.

“What makes you say that?”

“I dunno.” Cat shrugged. “A pretty girl at a barbecue full of dykes, call it an educated guess.” She expelled smoke from the corner of her mouth and handed the blunt back to Billy.

“Yeah, I’ve had a few offers,” Billy said, puffing on the el.

“So, you chose one yet?” Cat asked innocently.

“Sorry, not quite my cup of tea,” Billy replied.

Cat raised an eyebrow. “Is that right?”

“Yes, that’s right,” Billy said defensively. “Listen, Cat, if you figured you’d come over here and test your luck, I didn’t come here for that.”

“Sorry, I didn’t mean it like that, Billy. I didn’t come over here to push up. I don’t chase women.”

“Oh, so you don’t swing?” Billy looked at her suspiciously.