Tourist season at Lake Wallenpaupack means a break in the monotony of Alexi’s life. They’ve been secretly advertising the ice cream parlor they work at through the Foodspotting app, hoping that will bring even more customers. One such customer is Eli, a recent addition to the area with a bright and open disposition that Alexi is drawn to immediately. And since Eli is demisexual, Alexi welcomes him into their friend group of other queer twenty-somethings.<br><br>The more Alexi gets to know Eli, the more smitten they are. If only they didn’t have crippling self-esteem issues, problems at home with their dad, and enough emotional baggage to fill a freight train. They’re desperate to get out of that rut so they can have space in their heart for someone like Eli. After years of playing a passive role, making the first steps towards change might prove too much for them.

#IceCreamSundae

There were two messages on their phone when their nails were dry enough to pick it up again, one from Pat and one from Eli.


Eli wrote, Thanks :) I won’t let you down


Pat wrote, Mhm, just don’t make it weird


Alexi tossed their phone onto their pillow. Things were already weird. They hoped this was as bad as it was going to get.  5


Mr. Duckworth was skeptical about Eli’s proposal at first. “You know I don’t do online promotions,” he said gruffly.


Chapter 12