Chapter 24

At that moment, it hit me hard for the first time that Rita really could be my girlfriend. I knew Kat was fine with it -- more than fine, she was incredibly excited. She loved Rita. This invitation from Jess was a huge step. I was bursting with happiness, and lingering in the back of my head was

So I texted Rita and said, "Why don’t you come over for dinner here Saturday? Jess will be here."

"Is that okay?" Rita responded immediately.

"It was her idea," I said.

"I’d love to," Rita replied.

And that’s how, on Saturday night, I found myself at the dining room table with Rita and Jess eating steamed mussels and homemade french fries. I was anxious about the evening. Jess and Rita were friendly. They had played together before. But we all knew this was different. Rita knew I had told Jess about my feelings. Jess knew Rita was receptive and eager. Yet the conversation flowed naturally. Rita talked about work, and Jess