I’M NOT A LESBIAN…UNTILL HER (3)

Moving In and the First Night’s Tension

I stood outside the gate of 12 Palm Grove Street, my suitcase heavy beside me and a smaller bag cutting into my shoulder. My heart raced faster than during the bus ride. I pulled out my phone and dialed.

Clara answered on the second ring. “Rose? You outside already?”

“Yeah… I’m at the gate,” I said, voice shaky. “Number 12, right?”

“Come in, baby. Door’s open. I’m upstairs, first room on the left.”

The word “baby” made my knees weak again. I dragged my things inside, up the stairs, and knocked softly on the half open door....