Page 62 of When You Smile

“Anyone,” Taryn said, now a tad self-conscious.

“How are you that good at this, then?”

The self-conscious part flew right out the window and she laughed. “Can I get that in writing? I might want to frame it. I’m serious. Where’s some paper?”

Charlie laughed. “I’m confused. Aren’t you supposed to be awkward and clumsy? It’s not fair.”

“You weren’t.”

Charlie matched her grin. “Yeah, we should find that paper.”

Taryn stole a kiss because she couldn’t go another second without one. “I will spray-paint it in your kitchen if you want.”

Charlie looked thoughtful. “Not a bad idea. My guests will know who they’re dealing with.”

“You know what? Never mind,” Taryn said quickly, pulling Charlie to her.

“Hi,” Charlie said, her voice quiet. “I really enjoyed tonight. Right now. All of it.”

“It was okay,” Taryn said back and then offered a smile. “Or the best night of my life.”

“I like option B better. Hoping and praying it’s B.”

“Ding, ding, ding.” She pressed her forehead to Charlie’s. “Should I stay? Should I go? Would you like space? Tell me how this works. I’m new here. First day on the job.”

Charlie didn’t hesitate. “Please, stay. I would be lonely if you left.”

“Decided.” Happiness gathered in Taryn’s chest. “It’s a sleepover, I suppose.”

Charlie raised an eyebrow. “You don’t even need pajamas for this one.”

“Good thing because I don’t have any.”

They slipped beneath the crisp, cool sheets and tried to watch the film, but wound up talking over it much of the time, not really able to fixate on anything but each other. Taryn updated Charlie on her finals, and Charlie told Taryn all about the different neighborhoods she’d been researching in New York and which ones seemed the most affordable.

“I don’t know what my exact salary might be, but Monica has given me a good indication of what I can expect. The trendy neighborhoods are out. But instead of living in Chelsea, maybe I’m Chelsea-adjacent. I might need a roommate or eight.”

“You’re gonna love it no matter what neighborhood you land in.” Taryn stared at the ceiling, their fingers playing, intertwining and then loosening, over and over again as they talked. “I don’t want to imagine a semester without you.”

Charlie paused. “Just temporary. And here’s a thought. You don’t have to do much with it other than mull it over. Okay? Just hear me out.”

“I’m listening.”

“New York is great for the arts.”

Taryn went still, hoping Charlie was headed where she seemed to be, but she didn’t want to jinx it by getting ahead of the words. “It definitely is. It’s the place for them.”

“And I’m not talking about anyone specific, but if one wanted to pursue photography as a career, maybe it’s not a bad place.”

“I hear they have a few reputable graduate programs for random individuals without names,” Taryn said, propping her head up on her hand. “Wait. I’m actually interested in grad school. Coincidence?”

“It really is!” Charlie proclaimed.

“Weird. Should I look into them?” Taryn said it so casually it was ridiculous. Could Charlie not see the excitement vibrating off her, like a poodle about to be fed?

Charlie slid closer, as if preparing a pitch. “I’m just gonna say it. Come to New York with me after you graduate.”

She exhaled. There they were. The coveted words she’d longed to hear. “I’d love to, but what if things are different between us by then? You might get there and realize there’s a world beyond this. Beyond me.” It was unthinkable, but Taryn tended to lead with fear, expecting something to always go wrong. Something she was working on.

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