Hanna leaned forward.
"I feel guilty," she said in a hushed voice.
"Why?" Paige asked.
"This isn't the Brew," Hanna explained. "We always have coffee there. It feels like I'm betraying Emily."
"This was closer," Paige said. "We could go there if you want. It's only a fifteen minute walk."
"For you maybe," Hanna replied. "Not all of us do sport."
"Exercise is fun," Paige said.
Hanna just looked at her, pondering how someone could believe such strange things.
"You look really hot today," Hanna said.
"It's just my everyday clothes," Paige replied.
"I really like that vest," Hanna said. "It shows off your sexy shoulders."
Paige laughed.
"They're great," Hanna said. "Your arms too."
"Thank you," said Paige, still amused. "It's nice to know you appreciate them."
"What do you think is my best feature?" Hanna asked.
"Where did that come from?" Paige responded.
"I'm curious," Hanna explained.
"I don't know," Paige replied.
"Come on, you can say," Hanna assured her. "Is it my boobs?"
Paige was laughing too hard to reply.
"I'm serious," Hanna said, which just made it worse.
As they were talking Hanna noticed that the man at the table next to them was glaring at her. She tried to ignore him.
"You have to tell me," Hanna insisted.
"Your eyes," Paige said.
"Boring," Hanna replied.
The man was still looking at them, and Hanna was getting uncomfortable now. Paige had noticed as well.
Hanna turned to him.
"You can stop worrying, we're not girlfriends," she said.
"You could have fooled me," he replied.
"It's true," Paige chipped in. "My girlfriend is actually at work. She couldn't make it."
The man scowled at them.
"I don't have a girlfriend at the moment," Hanna added. "Though I did make out with a super hot girl a couple of weeks ago."
"We should set you up with someone," Paige said to Hanna.
"Do you think you could?' Hanna asked.
"Come on, you had lesbians fighting over you in that bar," Paige reminded her. "We just need to find you the right girl."
Paige turned to the man at the next table.
"Do you know anyone who might be interested?" she asked.
He picked up his newspaper and stood, preparing to leave.
"It's not too late for you, you know?" he said.
"Or for you," Paige said. "People can change, I've seen it happen. My dad used to be like you, and now he's caring and supportive. You just have to let go of the fear."
The man walked away.
"I'm impressed," Hanna said. "I never knew you were so good at trolling."
"It must be from being around you so much," Paige said. "You're starting to rub off on me."
When Hanna opened the door she immediately put her arms out. Emily stepped towards her and they hugged.
"I'm sorry Em," Hanna said.
"It's OK," Emily said. "I'm a lot better now."
Ashley appeared in the hallway.
"Hello Emily," she said.
"Hello Mrs Marin," Emily replied.
"Sorry Mom," Hanna said. "We need some girl talk."
Once they were upstairs in Hanna's room, Hanna closed the door.
"How did it go?" she asked. "How are things with you and Paige?"
"It was really good," Emily replied. "We got to spend some time together, and remember why we love each other. When you saw me I was scared, but I trust her, and I can't be angry at her for how she feels."
"Look Em, I'm sorry I've put you though this, and I just want to promise I won't do it again," Hanna said. "I'll stay away from Paige, whatever it takes. I just want you two to be happy again."
"That's what I want to tell you," Emily said. "You don't need to stay away, or anything like that. It's up to you, and what you feel comfortable with, but I've told her and I want to tell you. Whatever the two of you decide to do, you have my blessing."
Hanna's eyes widened, and her mouth opened as if to speak, but just hung there.
Emily decided to give her a few moments to absorb the news.
"You mean…" Hanna began.
"I mean you can date if you like," Emily said. "It's up to you. Paige and I will continue our relationship, but she can see you as well if she wants."
Hanna still looked shocked.
"Wow," she said.
"This is just for you, by the way," Emily added. "I've told Paige this offer doesn't extend to anyone else."
"Are you sure?" Hanna asked in whisper.
"I'm sure," Emily said.
Hanna lept forwards and hugged Emily.
"Oh my God," Hanna said. "You are incredible."
"There's just one more thing," Emily said.
"OK," said Hanna, sitting down again.
"I've said this to Paige, and I'm asking you as well," Emily said. "I want this to be completely open. I don't want any secrets, or hiding things. The moment that starts we will just end up hurting someone. You're still my best friend, so whatever happens with you and Paige, you can tell me about it. Never feel you have to hide anything, or tone it down. And don't feel you can't be affectionate with each other if I'm around. If this is going to work, I need to be happy for you, so don't think I'm just tolerating your relationship. I care about both of you deeply, and I want you to be happy."
"It's a deal," said Hanna.
"It might be a bit harder than that though," Emily continued. "Spencer and Aria will know, obviously, but you know what our lives are like. If you do this, eventually everyone in town is going to know. If it looks like being serious, I think you need to tell your parents before someone else does."
"Yeah," said Hanna. "That's us. It's like living in your own reality TV show. Mom will be fine. Dad will get over it."
"And apart from all that, I hope it goes well for you," Emily concluded.
"Em, you are amazing," Hanna said. "I've always known you were an incredible friend, but this… this is something special."
"Well, when you care about people enough, you'll do anything for them," Emily replied. "And this isn't just for Paige, it's for you too."
Hanna spotted Paige outside the restaurant.
"You look beautiful," Hanna said as she approached.
"Thank you," Paige replied. "So do you. That dress is really nice."
Hanna leaned in and kissed Paige.
"We're allowed to do that now," Hanna said, smiling.
They went inside and were shown to their table.
"It's been a while since I've been on a real date," Hanna said.
"Caleb?" Paige asked.
"Yeah," Hanna replied.
"Do you still hear from him?" Paige asked.
"Now and then," Hanna replied. "You haven't?"
"No, he's a bit hard to get hold of," Paige said.
"I'll tell him to call you when I speak to him next," Hanna said. "Anyway, enough about exes. Let's just enjoy our first date."
Their drinks hadn't arrived yet, so Hanna picked up her glass of water.
"To us," she said.
Paige picked up her water.
"To us."
Hanna and Paige were sitting in the back row. The movie wasn't very good, but they weren't too concerned. By a few minutes in they were holding hands, then arm in arm, and for some time now they had been kissing.
It was a fairly leisurely kiss, slow paced with lips and tongues gently touching and exploring. Hanna seemed to enjoy playing with Paige's hair as they kissed.
Paige, meanwhile, had her hand on the outside of Hanna's thigh, just below the hem of her dress. It was a long time since she had been on a first date, and she was feeling a little hesitant, but Hanna took Paige's arm until Paige found her hand under Hanna's dress, closer to her hip.
Hanna took her mouth away from Paige's and started kissing Paige's neck.
"Oh Em," Paige whispered.
Hanna stopped kissing and started laughing.
"Oh God I'm sorry," Paige said, louder than she should have. "Sorry. I'm so sorry."
Hanna was still laughing. A couple of the patrons glared at the two of them.
"It's OK," Hanna whispered. "Don't worry and just kiss me."
Paige kissed her.
The amusement arcade had been Hanna's idea, and it was fun. Hanna knew Paige was good at pinball, but had been particularly impressed with how good she was on the dancing games. Maybe swimming was good for something apart from a killer body.
It was getting late now though, so they started walking back to Paige's car.
"I've had a wonderful night," Paige said.
"Me too," Hanna said. She was surprised how natural it felt already.
The stopped and kissed for a moment under a shop veranda.
"We should get going," Paige said.
Hanna just kissed her again. She was enjoying this.
"Hanna!"
They looked around.
"Hanna… and Paige! How's it going?"
It was Bridget Wu.
Paige tried to back away, but Hanna knew Bridget had already seen them kissing so she kept hold of Paige's hand.
"Hey Bridge, I'm good, how are you?" Hanna said.
Paige was just standing, open mouthed.
"I have just had the best night," Bridget said. "I've got this friend who's in a band so we all went along to see them. They were awesome. What are you guys up to?"
"We just went to a movie, then the arcade," Hanna replied.
"Sounds great," Bridget said. "Hey, I'm off to a party with the band. Do you want to come along?"
"No, we better head back," Hanna replied.
"Oh well, great seeing you," Bridget said.
"Yeah, have a good time," Hanna said.
"Bye," Paige said.
Paige and Hanna were sitting the car outside Hanna's house, debating what to do next.
"I don't think I can do this," Paige said.
"Look, it's fine," Hanna said. "Mom's rule is no boyfriends in the bedroom, but she'll have no idea about you. She just thinks we're good friends now."
"You don't think she'll get suspicious?" Paige asked.
"Not the first few times she won't," Hanna replied.
"Hanna, it will just make it harder when we do need to tell her," Paige pointed out.
"Yeah, but until then we get full use of my bedroom," Hanna responded.
"No," Paige insisted. "I can't."
"OK then," Hanna said.
Hanna pulled Paige towards her and they started kissing again.
There was a knock on the car window. They instantly stopped and turned to see who it was. It was Ashley Marin.
Ashley and Hanna were standing in the Marin kitchen. Ashley had her arms folded in front of her, and a suspicious look on her face.
"So you're telling me Emily is OK with this?" Ashley asked.
"Yes, that's what we talked about yesterday," Hanna replied. "She said it's OK."
"Is that what all this fuss has been about the last few days?" Ashley asked.
"Um, I may have kissed Paige before I got permission, and Paige kind of told Emily about it," Hanna explained.
Ashley shook her head.
"So if I mention this next time Emily comes around, that won't be a problem?" Ashley asked.
"Mom, I swear, she knows we went out on a date. She said it's OK," Hanna replied.
"Well at least someone knew you were going out on a date," Ashley said.
"We were going to tell you," Hanna said. "I just wanted… I don't know, I wanted to make sure first, you know. It's a big deal."
"Sounds like it is," Ashley said. "It looks like house rules are going to apply when Paige comes around."
"I understand," Hanna said.
"Are you sure about this?" Ashley asked.
"It's funny," Hanna replied. "That's what I asked Emily."
"Well it's a good thing I'm not easily shocked these days," Ashley said. "Though I'm sure you'll find something."
Emily met up with Paige before swim practice.
"How did it go?" Emily asked.
"It was great," Paige replied.
"Great…" Emily prompted.
"Hanna's mom caught us," Paige said.
"Oh," Emily said.
"I don't know if I need to tell my mom and dad now," Paige explained.
"Don't panic," Emily said. "You've got a bit of time to decide."
"I'm just nervous," Paige said. "I've never done anything like this before."
"We're all in the same boat," Emily said. "I'm going to have to tell my mom and dad too. I'll wait until you've told yours, though."
"Thanks," Paige said. "It's just… I'm the one who has to tell my parents I've got two girlfriends."
Emily started to get it.
"How do you feel about that?" she asked.
"I'm worried they'll disapprove, and think I'm selfish," Paige replied.
"Do you think you're being selfish?" Emily asked.
Paige stopped to think.
"I'm taking that as a yes," Emily said.
Paige nodded.
"This might take a bit of getting used to," she said.
"It might," Emily agreed. "But you'll be OK. Just remind yourself that you've been honest and open, and that I'm happy for you. You've done everything the right way, Paige, and that took courage and integrity."
"I'm not selfish?" Paige asked.
"You're not," Emily replied. "Selfish would have been sneaking around behind my back."
"Thank you," said Paige. "I'll tell mom and dad. It can't be harder than telling you."
"I remember," Emily said. "You were scared."
"It's not so much that," Paige said. "I hurt you. I wish I could have done this without hurting you like that. My parents might not approve, they might not understand, but I won't see that look of pain on their faces."
"But I made it through, Paige," Emily said. "We made it through. Together."
Ashley Marin answered the door.
"Hello Emily," she said.
"Hello," Emily replied.
Hanna was coming down the stairs.
"She knows," Hanna said to Emily.
"Yes, Paige mentioned," Emily said.
Ashley seemed to be scrutinizing Emily's face.
"See, I told you," Hanna said to her mother.
"It appears you did," Ashley replied. "I'll leave you two alone. You probably have some catching up to do."
As she walked away, she stopped and turned back.
"Wait," she said. "It is just you and Paige, isn't it?"
"Yes," Emily and Hanna replied simultaneously.
Hanna was beaming. Emily couldn't help but smile too.
They were up in her room now, and without her mother around she could open up.
"Em, I am so happy," Hanna said.
"You look it," Emily replied.
"I haven't felt this way since Caleb," Hanna said.
"I told you you'd find someone," Emily reminded her. "You just needed time."
"And the coolest best friend in the whole world," Hanna added. "This is all because of you."
"Not just me," Emily said.
"Anyone else would have said no," Hanna insisted. "You said yes."
"I suppose so," Emily said. "But enough about me. Tell me all about your hot date."
