My dashing twin, Rachel.

My pairing with Rachel, more than any that night, attracted more looks from dancers around us. Rachel had never been shy about her orientation, and our small school community had accepted her as the vivacious, passionate person she was. To see her dancing with a man, now that was shocking.

We each had one hand on a hip, and held the loose hand, as if we were about to tango. Rachel had opted to slick her violet hair straight back. She looked like the '90s answer to the '30s movie star.

"Rachel, I'm sure glad that you let me come with you and Talia tonight. I'm having a hell of a good time."

Rachel looked away, and spoke quietly. "I know you have feelings for Talia."

That stopped me in my tracks. Nervous knots started forming in my gut. I'd tried so hard to keep from spoiling Talia and Rachel's romance with my mis-placed infatuation.

"Let me explain, see..."

"I understand it. Ian, do you think that I could for a second doubt Talia's attraction? I know better than anyone. I mean, you may have known her earlier, but...I know her better. Understand?"

"Completely. The last thing..."

"It's OK, really. She likes having you around, and, well, so do I." This last was almost spit out, an admission of guilt, almost. "I'm starting to think of you...well, less of as a man, and more like, more like a weird, hairy, misshapen girl."

I laughed. She laughed. Thank God.

"Just, follow my rules, OK? And don't hurt her, or me, and we'll have a lot of fun. Capisce?" She shot me a look, and grabbed a big handful of my butt.

I gasped, "oo!" And she laughed again, loud and free. We danced one more song, then the last of my friends came and asked to dance.