I couldn't argue. My parents had always viewed my best friends as bonus kids, but when Lucy came out to them as trans, they tripped over themselves with delight at finally having a daughter. I wouldn't have it any other way. The only issue was that now they were likely to side with Lucy on most things.
Lucy presses a hand to her chest, beaming. “That's the second time you've said those words tonight, Oliver.”
“What was the first?” Toni asks.
“Some nonsense,” I say quickly. “What're we toasting?”
Lucy smiles at Toni. “To new friends.”
“I'll drink to that.” Toni meets Lucy's warmth without an ounce of hesitation.
“Sláinte!” Oliver raises his glass.
“Have y'all known each other a while?” Toni asks, casting a glance around the table.
“Only thirty years,” Lucy answers.
“Thirty-one,” Oliver corrects. “You two met in kindergarten, and I came in first, remember?”
“Aww, that's right.” Lucy leans her head on Oliver's shoulder. “Then I had two idiots to protect.”
“I take offense to that,” Oliver says, pushing her off him.
“And if you're wondering what a glorious thing like me is doing protecting the likes of these two.” Lucy leans conspiratorially toward Toni. “Just know it was far funnier when everyone thought I was just a scrawny twink and not a raging dyke.”
Toni is not a person who laughs in half measures. It’s richand boisterous. The kind of laugh that sends its ripples through the people around her, leaving traces of her joy in its wake. I have the ridiculous thought that if it were the last thing I ever heard, I’d go out happy.
“I feel like you're implying we're cowards,” I say.
“Not cowards. Just gentle giants,” Lucy clarifies.
“I wouldn't say I'm a giant,” Oliver protests.
Lucy playfully squeezes his bicep, “Close enough.”
“If they're gentle giants, what does that make you?” Toni asks Lucy.
“She's more of a feral cat,” I say.
“Rude,” Lucy says.
“But very true,” Oliver agrees.
“You see the abuses I endure.”
“It's ok-” Toni extends a hand to Lucy- “I happen to adore cats.”
Lucy smirks. “How much do you like cats?” The implication is not subtle.
“Lucy,” I chide.
“What? I'm just asking how much the lady likes cats.”
Toni laughs. “I like cats, dogs, the occasional rabbit. I'm an equal opportunity... animal lover.” Toni grimaces. “This metaphor has too many uncomfortable implications.”
“No wonder you and Cillian hit it off. Like calls to like and all that.” She turns to Oliver. “Still the only heterosexual. Sorry, buddy.”
“Whatever shall I do?” Oliver sighs. He looks at Toni, “Cillian told us about that prick at the bar when you guys met, on behalf of my fellow heterosexuals, I do apologize.”
