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

It wasn’t the most private of spaces. There was a door, but if Ivan or Curtis needed something from back here they could barge in at any moment. Mr. Duckworth’s office was locked and Alexi wasn’t about to squeeze into the employee bathroom with Sister Deborah, so this had to do. The sound of the freezer humming ought to mask their voices for anyone who might be listening in.


Alexi led Sister Deborah over to the small table and pulled out a chair for her. They sat in the chair opposite, hands together and head down but eyes open. “Thank you for this,” they said. “I’ve been trying to talk to someone about this but…I feel like there are certain things I have to hide from people I know so they won’t get upset and…yeah. You’re a complete stranger.” They grimaced. “That I just…brought back here to talk about my problems.” They put their head in their hands. “This was a mistake.”


Chapter 31