Page 43 of Patiently Yours
I was determined to take Stacia anywhere she wanted to go. Movies, dinner, comedy show. Anywhere but an ice rink because of her aversion to the cold. Instead, she wants us to ‘Netflix and chill,’ so we can get to know each other in a comfortable setting.
If I was in any doubt that she was perfect for me before, consider it officially eradicated.
“So, what movie do you want to watch?” I ask her, slightly distracted by her presence in my bed. She looks so cozy and secure, like she’s meant to be between my sheets. I cough slightly and shake the thought from my head.
“Nuh uh.” She shakes her head at me. “I decided what we were doing, now it’s your turn. I want to see what you pick.”
I hop in the bed with her before grabbing the remote and looking through my options. “Are you sure you don’t want anything else? Any snacks?”
Stacia waves me off. I enjoy how comfortable she’s been with us since the party she went to with Ciro and Kendall. It causes a warmth to spread through my body, a feeling I’m very foreign to. “No, I’m fine. I have water, and I’m hanging out with you, that’s all I really need.”
God. Don’t tell me that or I’ll fall in love with you.
I try to hide my smile as one of my favorite movies catches my eye. I go to put it on and Stacia’s mouth gapes at the screen. “You didnotjust put on Flipped.”
I shrug, although I don’t feel any shame. “It’s a classic. I liked the book, too.”
Stacia’s head whips to me. “You like to read?”
“Of course. I’m not like Atlas, but if I find one that keeps my attention…” I give her a sideways grin. “I hear you’re a big bookworm. Will you tell me about that?”
She swallows slightly, looking a bit nervous. “I love it. I like writing, too. Although I’m less into classics and more into modern day romance. Some would call it Wattpad romance.”
I’m not really sure what Wattpad is, but she seems embarrassed by it. “As long as it makes you happy, who cares what the genre is?”
“Some people are just pretentious, I guess. I’ve gotten, let’s say, hounded about it before. Some people in my class don’t hold the same appreciation for it that I do.”
I feel the tension first in my jaw, then my teeth grind slightly. “Well, give me their names and you won’t ever be hounded by them again.”
Stacia only gives me a soft smile. “It’s okay, really. Everyone has their opinions.”
“Sometimes opinions are better left unsaid. Especially if they’re malicious on purpose. But I understand.” I give her a support squeeze on her knee. Her eyes track it, and I see her gulp slightly before I retreat my hand. “So, you write, too?”
She rubs her neck awkwardly. “Kind of. Well… it’s my dream to be an author. That’s what I’m studying. Romance authors aren’t taken very seriously, at least not by my professors. Still, I enjoy it. I enjoy thinking of stories and scenarios and picturing all the possibilities. It’s a much needed escape, and I want to be able to one day provide that escape.”
She looks so happy talking about her art. It brightens me up inside. “Are you working on anything right now?”
“Maybe. I’m just writing whatever comes to mind right now.” She shrugs casually. “Some people want their books to be extraordinary. I just want mine to be fun.”
“Now, tell me more about your music. I only heard a little bit about it the other day and I’d like to know more.”
Now it’s my turn to feel nervous. I’m equally as self conscious about my own passion.
“I play bass in a band, but I hope to produce music more than anything. I don’t know if you can tell, but I’m not made for the center stage. I’d much rather be behind the scenes.”
She gives a soft giggle. “Well, I won’t say that because you certainly look like you’re meant for the spotlight, but I understand not being the most comfortable there. It’s much easier being in your safe place with your art, I agree.”
“Oh, I look like I’m meant for the spotlight?”
She blushes and playfully slaps my shoulder. “Don’t make me say it.”
I won’t.This time.
She glances up at me, her eyes sparkling. “I’d love to see you play.”
The idea makes my stomach flip. I normally don’t let the guys come to my band’s gigs because I feel a bit ashamed. But the way she’s looking at me with such sincerity, I’d throw out that rule in a heartbeat.
“Okay. Soon, perhaps.”
