Outing of the Heart Read Online Free Page A

was emphatic.
Tenille heard the words and was incredulous. Could this mean she might … just might, get somewhere? For the moment she was speechless, her thoughts chaotic. ‘Is this why you wanted to see me today?’ her voice unsteady.
Devon was about to reply when a large man leaned over her shoulder, much too close, asking for a light. His presence seemed grossly intrusive. He leered at Tenille through thick spectacles, his alcoholic breath assaulting Devon’s nostrils as he said: ‘Two lovelies like you should have company. Mind if I pull up a pew? Name’s Richard.’ He extended his big paw across the table. Tenille didn’t move, just sat there aghast, repelled by this encounter. He looked coarse and hairy; positively odious. Devon, noting her look of distaste, declared assertively: ‘We do. Please remove yourself or I shall summon the manager.’ Her manner brooked no argument, but he thought he’d go for one more try.
‘Let me buy yous both a drink.’ He beamed back at Tenille in a vain attempt to bring her on side. ‘C’mon, what’ll you have?’ He reckoned she’d be more easily won over than the other one. Prettier too.
‘I told you to stop bothering us,’ Devon reiterated. ‘Leave us alone.’ She was truly exasperated, her tone menacing. He figured he’d better take off, not one for a scene. Holding up his hands in mock surrender he said: ‘OK, OK. Just tryin’ to be friendly. No need to take the high and mighty.’ He shuffled off to his friends at the bar who had that I told you so look.
‘Oaf.’ Devon said to his receding back. She checked her watch. ‘I’ve got to go. I’ve an appointment,’ she added regretfully. ‘You okay to catch your train?’
‘No problem,’ she assured her. ‘I know my way around this part of town.’
‘Cool.’ Devon stood and collected her coat and Tenille did likewise, but decided to wait until she was outside before putting it on. The night air struck them forcefully, sending surface shivers over their faces as each breath cut like ice into their lungs. She made with the parka and scarf in double quick time.
‘I’m looking forward to seeing you at class, Tenille. Keep practising. I know you’ll do well.’ She headed off towards Bay Street.
“Lots of trendy, expensive restaurants over there,” she thought, as she watched Devon walk away, then turned towards College Station, experiencing the familiar rumble of her belly complaining of its emptiness.
The silence was total, then the train came thundering in, fragmenting the air and jarring the teeth, its wheels screeching on the curve. It came to a halt on a deep sigh. Rush hour over she could be sure of a seat and settled in for the next twenty minutes to let her mind relive this wondrous time. There was something about Devon that got under her skin. She had never been so moved by a woman. It was like she was obsessed. She wished she could see her tomorrow. A small frown drew her eyes together. Five whole days to wait before she would be in her company again. She shook her head. What was happening to her? There was one thing dead right, after months of stagnation life was looking up; things were starting to happen. Friendships were possible. She looked to the window and smiled at its reflection.
*   *   *
Tenille made sure she was early for her next dancing class. There was no way she would risk a repetition of the previous week’s entrance. This time there were hooks in abundance to choose from. She looked around for Devon. Wendy came bustling in, in the wake of another girl Tenille hadn’t seen before. She was introduced as Daphne van Hoodam.
‘Yes, I couldn’t make it last week, but normally I never miss.’ More arrivals and among them Ingrid and Marissa. They were happy to see each other, but had no time to talk. Belen was