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

Mr. Petrakis emerged from the basement right as Alexi was contemplating calling him up for dinner. “Smells great,” he said. “Thanks for cooking tonight. I got uh…distracted.”


“Yeah, I noticed.” There was no malice in Alexi’s tone, only acknowledgement.


“How ‘bout I do the dishes then, huh? The usual trade-off?”


Alexi wiggled their toes. Doing the dishes gave them another excuse for why they were late or missed their scheduled conversation altogether. They felt guilty thinking about it. “Sure, dad. Thanks.”


It took another half hour for Alexi to get on their computer and send a message to Eli. Sorry I’m late, dinner took longer than expected.


Chapter 17