I shook my head for a moment, shocked at the recollection that Elena had been flirting, and even more, that I flirted back. I had always been a good catholic girl, so any same sex sexual interaction had always been strictly taboo. I was straight after all, and liked men, well maybe not the one passed out drunk downstairs, but men nonetheless.

But someone had been attracted enough to me to engage in light but open flirtation, complete with smiles, giggles, and non-threatening touches. When was the last time I had any real physical contact with another person that felt nice, even if it was relatively innocent? And yes, i...