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Talking to Georgie’s dads was a breath of fresh air. The way they chatted with her about things that Georgie told them about her, and the banter between them and Georgie, it was all so easy. Viv never really remembered having a conversation like this with her family, except for a few times with her brothers. Most of the attention spent on her was the disappointment she brought to the family for not being in church enough, for being too involved in a ‘silly activity’, for liking girls-
”Well Georgie has her own talents. I could never be as tech savvy as she is, I’m honestly envious,” Viv answered Georgie’s dad David, chuckling at his light hearted jab towards Georgie. Viv knew a little about Georgie’s dads from what she was told, but it was nice to meet them; though a part of her wondered why Hayley wasn’t here instead. Maybe it was too soon for something like that, and the same part of herself was feeling… victorious in a way, that she was here with Georgie’s dads and they’d heard all about her. It gave her a sense that maybe Georgie would like her back.
The dinner was spent talking about her dancing and brief life in New York, and Viv’s endless questions about Georgie’s family and hearing more about them. She barely noticed Georgie step away until she was back and mentioning a green hair incident. ”Oh I have to hear about this, Georgie with green hair?” Viv tried to keep the conversation casual since it was clear Georgie was trying to do the same. But Viv could tell something from her phone call was bothering her. She wouldn’t be the one to mention it, but she did give her dads a chance to talk alone. ”I think this story is best heard over a slice of pie. Why don’t I get some for everyone?” Viv excused herself to kitchen, giving them a chance to be alone and to give herself a breather.
This whole evening, while one of the best Viv has had in some time, made her even more confused. She wanted to believe she could accept Georgie moving on, and repairing her relationship with Ray, but she was still troubled by the feelings she had. Before the party, she’d pushed them away completely and convinced herself she didn’t have romantic feelings for Georgie. But when she was heavily drunk and Ray outed her feelings- and her sexuality in general -to the party, she was forced to face the truth: she still liked girls, and liked Georgie more than as a roommate and friend. The same Georgie who she saw kissing her coworker and oblivious to the fact that Viv had been outed to the whole party.
Thankfully her teammates had been supportive, making a believable food poisoning story for their dance instructors when Viv didn’t come into practice the day after the party. But at the restaurant, Viv felt highly aware of the stares she was getting, and ever since the party, talking with Ray has felt like waiting for the end. A new part of herself was awakening, and it was all because of Georgie, who didn’t even know Viv liked girls, let alone that Viv liked her. With a sigh, Viv brushed through her hair and pushed all the negative thoughts away, determined to enjoy the rest of the evening and not ruin Georgie’s night with her dads.