It was at a summer house party, one or maybe two years after I graduated. Usual thing, loads of people, loads of drink, a house with a huge, dark garden, late at night. I was there with a guy but to be honest, I can’t remember who it was! Kinda says all you need to know about my love life at the time.
Late in the evening, on a bench down the end of the garden, sharing a spliff with my good friend Rose and her housemate Paula, who I knew quite well from parties and the pub though we’d never been close. Rose went back towards the house, for more drink or more weed, or maybe just to dance, I don’t remember.
Paula and I were left on the bench, smoking and giggling about nothing in particular. As I handed her the spliff she took my hand and held it, just lightly, as if she wanted to ask me something. I remember turning to look at her, our faces quite close, ready to ask if she was ok. She held my gaze and I suddenly knew she was going to kiss me. I wasn’t too surprised, I knew she’d had relationships with girls in the past.