“I don’t know if I like you yet,” Joy says. But she appreciates Fox being aware enough to know that he had toed the bigoted line and apologized. “I’m going to go out on a limb and help you anyway.”

He nods, giving her his full attention.

“I know that what I consider confidence is mistaken by most for me wanting to be sexy. Being ace doesn’t mean I’m a prude or modest or celibate. It means I don’t experience sexual attraction. Point-blank, period. It has nothing to do with how I feel about my body. Nothing to do with how I choose to express myself. Nothing to do with me trying to attract a man or ‘trick’ people. Get past it or don’t. It’s not my problem. I’m not responsible for someone else’s arousal when everything I do is for myself.”

Fox sits back in his seat, processing.

She continues, “And I dance because I love it. As far as I’m concerned, shaking my ass is a competitive sport. It takes time and practice to learn how to do that, okay?”

“Okay, yeah. That makes sense. I think I get it.”

“I won’t dim my shine for anyone.”

“Not even Malcolm?”

“No. He would never ask me to.”

“Just one more question,” he says. “Has he ever seen you with anyone else?”

“No,” she says, taking the conversation shift in stride.

“Have you ever dated anyone since you met him?”

“No. What are you getting at?”

“You love him and you’re in love with him. He must know that because you’re overbearingly honest, so I’m assuming you just came out and told him.”

“Was that an insult?” She narrows her eyes. “And a pun?”

“I think he knows how you feel, and I think that’s his excuse for never following through. What if he’s just used to having you all to himself? He’s assuming you’ll always be there because you always have been.”

“Hmmmm, but I am always going to be there for him.”

“Yes, I get it, you’re honorably devoted. The point is, he thinks he doesn’t have to do anything else because he already has you.” Fox huffs in frustration. “He’s told Summer all about his past, and she’s unfortunately told me against my will, so I know he gets around.”

Joy snorts with laughter.

“Meanwhile, he’s never had to share you with anyone else. I’m proposing that maybe it’s time for him to see how that feels.”

“Proposing,” she says, thoughtfully. “Does that mean I get a ring if I say yes?”

“Are you saying yes? I don’t want him with Summer, and you want to be with him instead. I think this’ll force him to face the truth.”