Page 60 of (UN)Bounded

“Cata, the man told me he loved me, and I couldn’t say it back.”

I think she’s going to yell at me, but she surprises me when a kind smile forms on her face.

“Ay, Isa, you’re just scared shitless to get your heart broken. It was one of the issues Mati had, but he’s been going to therapy, and let me tell you, he’s improved so much. We might not have a perfect relationship, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.”

And there it is. Something doesn't have to be perfect to be amazing. I need to simply jump with Gabo—I know he’ll catch me.

I’m relaxing, taking a bubble bath in the penthouse after a full day of painting and experimenting with colors for my class when I decide to check my emails. There’s one that has me giddy with anticipation—I hope it’s the news I’ve been waiting for.

Dear Miss Bianchi,

It’s my absolute pleasure to extend to you an invitation as a distinguished guest to our annual Latino Artists Association gala, which will take place on the twenty-sixth of the month at six in the evening at the Modern Art Museum of Geneva. Please be advised we’ll have a spot reserved for one piece of your choosing to showcase your work. Please RSVP at your earliest convenience.

Regards,

Dr. Martín López

Curator.

Modern Art Museum.

Geneva, Switzerland.

Reading Professor López's email has me so excited. I can’t wait to share my news with Gabo and ask him to be my plus one. I’ll have to go to the villa tomorrow to finish the painting I’ve been working on for Gabo. That’s the one I want to use for the gala.

While waiting for Gabo, I go to my closet to see what I have to wear for the event. I definitely don’t want to wear the dress I wore for our special night. Maybe I’ll wear it again when I tell him I love him— a full-circle moment.

“Hey, G. How was work?” I greet him as he leaves his bag in the living room.

“It was fine, nothing exciting. I’ve been thinking about you all day,” he says as he kisses me.

“Oh, yeah? Anything in particular about me?” I ask him, a shot of electricity running through me.

“Why don’t I show you instead,” he says as he lays me down on the kitchen counter. Even though I can’t wait to have him inside me, I’ve been waiting all afternoon to share my news.

“Before you show me, do you think we can talk?”

Gabo's face of horror makes me giggle, which earns me a glare.

“Bella, you just used the famous last words. How can you be laughing? Are you really this cruel?”

I roll my eyes at his dramatics.

“G, relax. All I meant to say is that I have something exciting to share with you.”

He pretends to wipe sweat off his forehead and takes a seat at the breakfast bar.

“So remember Professor López?”

“Yes, the one you invited to have dinner with us and bailed?” I make a disapproving face but continue talking.

“That’s the one. He emailed me inviting me to a Latino Artists Gala on the twenty-sixth of this month. It’s in Geneva, and I thought you could be my plus one. I’ll even get a chance to present one of my pieces.”

Gabo opens his eyes wide, pride evident in his gaze.

“That’s amazing, principessa. Congratulations! I would love to go with you.”

“You’re the best, G. Thank you.” I throw my arms around him, kissing him with an overwhelming feeling of appreciation and that deeply rooted feeling of love I refuse to admit out loud. But before I could get lost in my haze of uncertainty, he lays me on the counter and distracts me with multiple orgasms.

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