Bowling Alley

Alex smiled and chuckled "Where do you think? The bowling alley," he said answering his own question. The car turned onto a familiar street, and you could see the bowling alley. You leaned back in your seat, a smile forming as you thought back. You and Alex had spent countless hours at the bowling alley over the years. It was probably the place you guys hung out the most apart from each other's homes.

As Alex pulled into a parking spot you felt a mix of familiarity but also strangeness. This was really the first time you were going out since becoming Joana. Other than the park incident with Jimmy. As you stepped out of the car and headed inside, the familiar neon glow of the bowling alley welcomed you. The sound of crashing pins and the murmur of voices filled the air. You could smell the scent of polished wood and popcorn, bringing with it a wave of nostalgia.

Behind the counter stood Katie, she was a year old than you and Alex and was a total hottie. Katie's family owned the bowling alley and she'd been working here for years. The two of you had always tried flirting with her but she had no interest in either and treated you and Alex like little brothers.

She looked up as you approached, a warm smile spreading across her face. "Alex, Jo! You guys want your usual lane?" she asked cheerfully.

"Yeah that works." You replied

Katie's smile lingered as her eyes darted between you and Alex with a knowing glint. "Alex Why don't you pay while I get Jo your guys' shoes. " she suggested, her tone cheerful yet laced with an undercurrent of secrecy.

Alex nodded, seeming oblivious to Katie trying to get rid of him, and headed toward the counter to pay. Katie watched him until he was out of earshot.

Katie leaned in closer, her voice dropping to an excited whisper. "Oh my God! Are you two finally a thing now?" she asked, barely containing her excitement.

Your cheeks went red as you stammered, "Wha-what do you mean?"

Katie glanced over at Alex as he waited in line and continued. "Oh come on, you two have always been close. And look at you two all dressed up." She said probing for information.

"I... uh... we're just here to bowl," you said. You glanced over at Alex, who was still waiting in line, oblivious to the conversation happening.

You and Alex hadn't actually talked about this yet, you been fucking like rabbits but did Alex want something more?

As you pondered the future of your relationship with Alex, Katie leaned in closer, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Come on, Jo, spill the beans. You two are practically glowing. Something happened," she teased, her voice low but persistent. Katie's words hung in the air. She thought you and Alex were a good match, and her reasoning made you realize something you hadn't fully grasped before—she knew you, she remembered you as always being Joana. As you pondered this new information katie continued her interrogation.

"So, did you guys finally fuck?" she asked playfully. Her question pulled you back to the conversation. Your cheeks burned, your mouth opened and closed shocked at her straight forwardness. Your reaction seemed to be all the confirmation Katie needed.

Katie squealed with delight, clearly happy with the news. "Oh my god!" You wanted to lie and tell her she had the wrong idea but Alex was headed back over. Katie saw this and lowered her voice, "we'll talk later, I want all the details." She said her smile not wavering.

As Alex came back Katie handed you your bowling shoes, her eyes with a knowing glint in them. As you and Alex went to your lane Katie chimed in one last time, "Have fun you two" she yelled.

"What was all that about?" Alex asked.