Page 40 of Nothing Heals Me Like You Do

After thanking everyone who had performed and donated money, she said, “In a world where LGBTQI+ youth still face significant challenges, the Rainbow Shelter stands as more than just a safe haven. It is a place that affirms the inherent worth and potential of every young person who walks through its doors. Our mission extends beyond offering a warm bed and a meal; we are committed to breaking down the barriers of prejudice and discrimination that have impacted the queer community for far too long.

“To be queer is simply to be human—with all the beauty, complexity and dignity that entails. Every day, we strive to create an environment where LGBTQI+ youth can show up as their authentic selves and know that they are valued, supported and celebrated. While much work remains to be done to build a world of true equality and inclusion, the Rainbow Shelter will continue to be a light in the darkness for those who need it most. Together, we can keep making progress toward a future where every young person, regardless of their identity, feels safe, loved and empowered to reach their full potential.”

Justine smiled at the crowd. She fixed her gaze on the row where Sienna was sitting with her sister and Alexis.

“Each cheer tonight wasn’t just for the queens and kings who owned the stage. It was a cheer for every young person who has had to navigate the stormy waters of identity in a world that can be so unkind. It was a cheer for the joy of being gay—for the love that refuses to be hidden, for the colors of pride that paint our streets every June, and for the everyday acts of courage that go unseen.”

Justine wasn’t one to hold back in speeches like this. She, in fact, believed that moments like this were meant for the dramatically joyful words she spoke.

“As we move forward, let our efforts and your support echo the message of tonight’s show—that every act of love and acceptance tilts the world toward a brighter, more inclusive future.

“Thank you for standing with us, for celebrating with us, and for contributing to a future where every young person can embrace who they are, love who they love, and just be their true, authentic selves without any fear. Thank you.”

Justine basked in the applause. As the face of the Rainbow Shelter, she delighted in giving rousing speeches, seeing them as an important part of her role. She called Darrel on the stage with her, so they could enjoy the standing ovation together.

She witnessed Sienna cupping her hands around her mouth and cheering wildly. Then she looked at Ashleigh who, to Justine, had become the very symbol of why she did what she did—why this was her calling. Ashleigh was smiling from ear to ear and her smile reminded Justine that every sacrifice she had ever made, including the ones that she’d been forced to make, had been worth it just for that.

“I’m exhausted,” Justine said. “I’m not young like you.” She laughed despite herself, because Sienna was kissing her neck, and with every kiss, Justine felt a few years younger.

Sienna stopped kissing her. “I don’t want you to take off this suit, anyway.”

“You want me to sleep in it?” Justine really was bone-tired. A night on her feet, talking to what felt like every single person in the room, would do that to her.

“No, this suit is not made for sleeping in. It’s made for showing off.” Sienna took Justine’s hand in hers. “Where did you get it?”

“Someone made it for me.”

“No kidding.” Sienna ran a finger over the sequined fabric. “This must have taken so much time.” Sienna fixed her gaze on Justine. “It looks like it cost a fortune.”

“It was a gift from a very sweet guy called Francis Delgado.”

Sienna’s mouth fell open. “This is a Francis Delgado?”

Justine nodded. “One of the sweetest people you’ll ever meet.”

“Oh my god, don’t tell me. He spent time at the shelter?”

“Not as a teenager himself,” Justine explained. “He and his husband are foster parents and they’ve taken care of quite a few of the shelter’s kids.”

“And he made this for you?”

“He did.” Justine tugged at Sienna’s hand. “You like it?”

“I love it.” Sienna’s voice dropped an octave. “Seriously, babe, I feel like I’ve reached a whole new level of being crazy about you after tonight.”

“Just because of this glittery suit?”

Sienna slowly shook her head. “Because of who you are and what you said and what you mean to people. You’re so special. So absolutely, utterly extraordinary.”

“Let’s not get carried away.” Justine also felt the residual effects of the euphoria the night had provided, but she would never think of herself as special, let alone extraordinary.

“The fact that you don’t think of yourself in that way at all, that it almost sounds like an abomination to you, makes you a thousand times more special to me.”

But Justine was too tired to argue against her own extraordinariness. Besides, when Sienna said it, it almost felt like she could believe it, because Justine was very fond of Sienna Bright—and maybe the fact that she was now dating a movie star was what made her special most of all. Because, in Justine’s eyes,Sienna was the special and extraordinary one—the butterflies in her stomach told her so, and she trusted them not to lie.

Chapter21

“It’s so easy with her, Roche,” Justine said. “I don’t get it.” They were sitting on Rochelle and Rita’s porch and Justine had come over specifically to talk about this, because she truly didn’t get it.

---