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

However, the moment Alexi asked about flavors, Eli’s attention turned to the display case. He furrowed his brow. “Hey wait, it’s empty!”


“Oh, right. Forgot to mention, we keep all the tubs in the walk-in freezer overnight. I can tell you what we have and then I can go pull that flavor.” Alexi grabbed the thick sweater jacket from the hook by the freezer and put it on, pulling the hood up over their head.


Eli raised their hand to get Alexi’s attention. “Maybe one of the flavors that don’t sell as well? I wouldn’t want to rob you of all your Chocolate or Cookie Dough or anything like that.”


Alexi chuckled. “Okay, one Blueberry sherbet and Pistachio ice cream sundae, coming right up.”


Eli stuck out his tongue. He laughed. “Okay, maybe like…your fourth or fifth least-popular flavors.”


Chapter 13