“I do. Eat your pizza.” She turned to her mother. “You too.”

Her mother was quiet for a moment, eating silently. Then she looked up. “Laura Sue didn’t come out to us until she was in college.”

“Oh, for God’s sake!”

* * *

Cassidy helped Laura clean up the kitchen, all the while still chatting with her mother. Thankfully, the conversation had drifted to less personal topics and Laura had finally relaxed. It had been a fun end to the day and as before, not even a crust was left of the large pizza.

“I can’t believe we ate the whole thing again.”

“I know. I’m stuffed.” Cassidy broke the pizza box down and put it in the trash. “I’m going to get fat hanging around you.”

“Oh, funny.”

Cassidy smiled at her. “I had a good time. Thank you.” She turned to her mother who was still nursing her drink. “Enjoyed the evening, Maggie. I’ll have to have you over to my place soon.”

“Thank you, Cassidy. Glad you came over. And thank you again for letting me use your pool.”

“It’s not a problem at all. Good night.”

“I’ll walk you out,” Laura said.

Once out on the patio, Cassidy pointed through the trees. “Full moon tonight.”

It was dark and still, no breeze to speak of. Frogs were peeping in the woods and nighttime sounds seemed almost deafening when Laura turned to face Cassidy. She tried to think of something witty to say, but nothing would come.

“You probably shouldn’t wear those cutoff jeans tomorrow.”

Laura looked down at her shorts, then shook her head. “No. I know they’re not dressy enough for a party.”

Cassidy took a step closer. “That’s not what I mean at all. I find them…you…incredibly sexy.”

Laura sucked in her breath, her heart hammering in her chest at Cassidy’s words. Say something, she thought. Do something. Turn and walk away. Bid her good night. Run back into the house where it’s safe.

But no. Cassidy’s eyes held her captive. She wouldn’t swear to it, but she was the first to move. Move closer, that is. Like magnets, their mouths met. Laura didn’t even try to stop it. She felt Cassidy’s body press against hers, heard the moan that hung in the air—hers?—tasted the lips that parted against hers. She opened her mouth, letting Cassidy’s tongue inside. Mistake, of course. Big mistake. Cassidy’s moan drowned out hers and strong arms pulled her tight. Every part of their bodies seemed to be touching and her legs began to quiver. The incessant throbbing between her thighs made her press even closer and she feared they were going too far, too fast. No, what she really feared was that she’d have an orgasm right there on the patio.