“It’s never too soon for a ring. Look at us—we dated for a year and a half before you popped the question. Maybe if you did it sooner, I would have realized I needed to come out sooner, and we could have avoided a whole lot of drama.”

I gave her a playful glare. That day wasn’t exactly the best, but it left the doors open for future happiness, so I didn’t regret it. I was happy Ashely had said no to my beachside proposal, tears in both of our eyes as we realized it wasn’t working and it would never work, not in a romantic sense. My proposal had only come because of the extreme suggestions by Ashley’s friends, telling me that an imaginary clock was ticking away.

Still, the momentary pain of being rejected didn’t last nearly as long as the happiness that came after. And it was obvious in the way Ashley carried herself now, her shoulders a little higher and smile a little easier to come by. Even her way of expressing herself changed as she ditched all the sundresses and floral leggings she’d purchased off a Facebook group (which she told me were moldy anyway and needed to go), swapping them out for some tight jeans and crop tops.

It was exciting to see her find herself, and I supported her every step of the rainbow way. “I’m not taking credit for you being a lesbian. That’s all you,” I pointed out.

She shrugged. “I guess. Whatever, you get my point. Just live life to the fullest, and if that means going to Vegas and being a little irresponsible, then so be it.” She tapped my shoulder, looking very pleased with doling out terrible advice.

“What about you and Xi, then? Why don’t I see a ring on your finger yet?”

“Because I’ve got it in my back pocket right now.” She reached around and pulled something from her jeans pocket. A small velvet red box. My eyes went wide, looking up from her open palms to her still-glinting gaze, shining even brighter than before.

“Are you kidding me?” I said, grabbing the box and opening it, revealing a smooth silver band set with a glittering diamond that fractured the light, turning it into a hundred tiny rainbows.

“I’m seeing her after this. It’s our sixth-month anniversary, and I already know I want six thousand more of them.”

“How are you going to do it?” I asked, handing back the box. I shouldn’t have been so surprised. Ashley lived off spontaneity as if it were air, needing it in her daily life to keep her happy.