Page 61 of Quake

“I’m sorry,” she tells me softly.

We lie in silence for a few moments, the weight of the conversation settling over me.

She speaks first. “My mom left when I was twelve, so it’s just my dad and me. He’s the best, though, and I don’t know what I’d do without him.”

Pulling her hand up to my mouth, I press kisses over her knuckles.

“Favorite hobby?” I ask her.

She perks up at this, rolling over on her side and twining her leg between mine. “I like to read, as you already know. Oh, and I paint sometimes. I haven’t in a while, mostly because I haven’t really had time, but also…” She bites her bottom lip, hesitating.

“Also, what?”

“He who shall not be named… He didn’t like my art supplies being out, so I didn’t have anywhere to set it up, and since I’ve moved in, I just haven’t had the time yet.”

Understanding dawns on me. It wasn’t just sexual exploration and orgasms that he was withholding and unwilling to compromise with. It waseverything. The most important, seemingly insignificant parts of her that brought her joy. He didn’t want anyof it. He thought it was clutter. A nuisance to him.I’m so damn glad they broke up.She deserves someone who can make her feel comfortable being her most authentic self and who encourages her, even if it messes with their neat and tidy space.

It’s the annoyance building inside me that makes the next words slip out. “My mom was a painter.”

“Gloria?”

“My biological mom, Antonella.”

She spares me yet again. “We should paint together sometime.” She smiles up at me.

Tilting my chin, I press a kiss to her temple. “Anytime you want.”

She doesn’t let the silence last long. “Okay, last one and then I’m gonna need you to do that thing with your tongue again,” she says, giggling and nipping at my jaw.

I groan, desperate to do anything she wants me to. “Okay, your turn.”

“You never told me your hobbies, but I’ll let it go.” She grins. “Favorite TV show?”

“Oh, that’s easy. You can’t laugh, though, okay?” I ask her, though I don’t really care if she laughs.I love the sound.

“I pinky promise,” she says, sticking out her little finger for me. I clasp mine with hers and tell her, “Jane the Virgin.”

“Really?” She smiles wide.

“Yep. I love Gina Rodriguez. She’s hilarious, and that show has so many twists and turns, you can’t get bored. Besides, the whole premise is fucking incredible.”

“Alright, then it’s settled. We’re watchingJane the Virgintonight. Assuming you’re staying over again?”

I nod, kissing the top of her head. “Sounds like a plan.”

“Okay, but once we finish that show, we’re moving on toGilmore Girls. It’s my comfort show.”

“You realize there are over a hundred episodes, right?”

She gives me a small smirk, and her next words make my heart flutter in my chest. “I think we’ve got time,” she tells me in a soft tone before widening her smirk. “Now,how about that tongue?”

Chapter thirty-four

Lark

Tuesday, April 1, 2025

Jade

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