Page 53 of Forever Love-Reimagined

“Actually, I think I better head into the studio and clean up before Monday?” She put the leftovers in the fridge, and I wondered if she was leaving because she was upset.

“Do you want company? I’d be more than happy to help you.”

She shook her head and sighed. “Nah, babe. It won’t take me long, and I have to check on the status of another project. You stay here and rest. It’s been a long day.” She brushed my wild hair from my face, and her grayish eyes appeared to be staring into my soul.

“Okay. I’ll see you tomorrow then?” I didn’t want to be selfish when she had other things to do, but I was crushed she didn’t want to stay.

“Of course. And, Blake, I love you.” She brought her lips to mine and gently massaged my tongue with hers but pulled back before I could have a full taste.

“I love you, too. Forever.” I wanted her to be secure in the fact that my commitment to her wasn’t changing—marriage or not.

“All right, beautiful. I’ll talk to you soon.” She winked and headed out.

But all my brain could focus on was the fact she had used the word “talk” instead of “see.” Was that a slip-up, or did she do it on purpose? Why did I have to overthink everything? This would probably be another uneasy night.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Leia - Saturday

Ihated leaving Blake after such an emotional day, but when I got the rejection email from The Queer Creative Arts Center, I was disheartened. I didn’t open their letter to read why, I saw their “We regret to inform you…” and stopped. If I had continued, I would end up ruining a good day with Blake, and I didn’t want that.

After meeting Ty and David and saying we loved each other, it seemed like we were in a good place. The marriage thing took me aback. I didn’t understand it, but it wasn’t a deal-breaker.

We had talked about her family, but not on a large scale. It was mostly that her parents were unhappy, and they made her question her self-worth. That made my blood boil because Blake was more than I could have ever hoped for. I couldn’t imagine anyone not seeing how amazing she was, especially not her parents. However, the people close to us often failed to recognize our true identity, instead projecting their own assumptions onto us.

But Blake and I could talk about all those things another day when my head was clearer. I didn’t want my sullen mood to affect any conversations about our future. No matter what we decided, we were destined to be together.

As I journeyed to the studio, I attempted to brainstorm ideas on how to persuade the organization to reconsider my proposal, but without understanding their reason for rejecting me, I was searching for answers blindly. Once I arrived, I rushed back to my office and fired up my computer. It didn’t take me long to realize it was a generic rejection letter that didn’t offer me any advice on what to do. They said to apply again in the future.

I kicked my feet up on my desk and reclined in my chair. It wasn’t the only place I had applied for a grant, but it was the one I thought I had the best chance of getting. This was beyond devastating, but it was out of my hands.

As I closed my eyes and tried to figure out my next steps, I heard: “Hootie-hoo.”

I popped my chair up so fast I nearly fell out. Shannon stood in the doorframe, laughing at the sight.

“What in the world are you doing here? How did you get in?”

“I had lunch with Toni, but she had a client after and had to leave. As I was walking by, I saw your light on and checked the door, only to find it unlocked, so I let myself in. You really shouldn’t leave it open like that. You could get robbed or even killed.” She plopped down in the empty seat in front of my desk.

“Right. You should stop watching the ID Channel. Anyway, what’s up?”

“Do I have to have an excuse to want to see my friend?”

“No, but I haven’t heard much from you since you and Toni started dating.”

“Well, that goes both ways. I haven’t even met this Blake woman, and the only thing I know about her is that you believe she’s your soul mate.” She crossed her arms as if daring me to argue.

“That’s fair. She and I have been in a love bubble.” Shanny's eyes widened as soon as the words were out of my mouth.

“Are you in love?” Her shock wasn’t unfounded, considering I hesitated to use that word unless I genuinely meant it.

I swallowed and nodded. “We exchanged those words today.”

She scooted to the end of her chair. “Then what are you doing here?”

I hadn’t told Shanny about my project, and now that I got my first rejection, I wondered if it was a hopeless idea. I shrugged, not sure what to say.

“Lay. What is going on? Are you having second thoughts about dropping the L bomb?”

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