By 9:15 on Saturday morning, they were set up and ready to go—only fifteen minutes late. The Pride Center social hall was full of spicy, meaty aromas, and Reese smiled broadly at Kayla.
“Cool, huh?”
“Indeed. Thanks for doing it.” And they kissed for luck.
Soon the crowd started to enter, slowly at first and then more streamed in. Folks who were part of the center predominated, but there were other people, too—friends and family of the contestants and local people who wanted to be supportive.
Kayla looked around to check out the other contestants. There appeared to be six entries, which was a good turn out for their small town Pride Center. Next to Kayla and Reese on one side were Raina and a new friend of hers. The friend was short and stocky, and dressed in gender-neutral jeans and bl
