Page 90 of Wild Flower

“You’re right on time,” I beam, slipping an arm around her and kissing her temple. There’s a polite cough. “Sorry, this is Krista,” I say, motioning to my classmate whose friendliness has dropped at the sight of Becca on my arm. “Krista’s in my photography class.”

“Oh, wonderful!” Becca says genuinely, giving Krista her attention. “Nice to meet you, I’m—”

“The muse,” Krista snips, giving Becca the once over as her eyes narrow. “You’re in all of Finn’s new work. And of course you are, just look at you.”

Becca blinks in silence, not sure what to make of Krista’s comment.

“She’s jealous of my featured spot,” I say, tucking Becca under my arm and drawing her close. I point to Krista and ask, “is this where the bitch and the competitive nature come out again?”

Krista smirks like it’s her nature to be a scorpion and stinging is what she does best. “I told you to enjoy my friendliness while it lasted.”

“I think that was two minutes.”

She shrugs. “For me, that might be a record. Enjoy the show.” She flashes Becca a tight smile, before turning on her heels and disappearing through the gallery doors.

“She’s … interesting,” Becca says, running a hand down her dress like she’s afraid there’s a stain on it.

“And those were the kid gloves,” I admit. “You look beautiful. Don’t let Krista get in your head.” I lace my fingers through Becca’s fussing hand. “Trust me, I’ve let that woman’s crappy opinions take up too much of my own creative headspace. She’s insecure and needs to feel superior to everyone.”

“Do you think she has a crush on you?” Becca asks.

“I hope not!” I scowl, looking to where Krista fled. “And if she does, it doesn’t matter, because all I want is you.” I wrap Becca in a kiss and she melts into my embrace. “Where’s Archer,” I ask. “Is he coming?”

“He’s on his way,” Becca confirms. “Traffic.” She looks around, before taking my elbow and leading me away from the gallery entrance. “While we have a minute, there is something I want to talk to you about.” She stiffens a bit, looking over my shoulder.

“Is everything okay? Did you hear from the bank? Is—”

“No, it’s not about that,” she reassures me. “It’s about Archer. He—” She pauses, taking both of my hands in hers and making me nervous. “The other day, Archer told me about his sister … and cancer.”

My eyes widen. He told her about that?

“It was a pretty emotional conversation,” Becca says, squeezing my palms, “and one thing led to another, and I need you to know that we ended up sleeping together without you.”

“Oh.”

“Please don’t be upset!” she says quickly. “The three of us didn’t make rules, but it felt right in the moment. He was—we were both—emotional. And I know at some point you’re going to need me too. And I promise you, I’ll be there for you too and Archer will understand.” Her eyes plead. “I love you both so much. But please, tell me this was okay?”

I stare at her, surprised. “He—he told you about cancer?” I ask, stunned.

“Yes …” She watches me carefully, and I can tell this is important to her. “We needed to take all that emotion and turn it into something beautiful.”

I take her hands in mine and press them to my chest. “I’m not upset, Becca.” Which is true. I’m glad Archer finally got the courage to be honest with her about it.

She grips my shirt, letting out a big sigh of relief. “Oh, thank goodness.”

“I’m happy he told you,” I say, a weird knot releasing in my own chest. “It’s something he’s needed to tell you for a while, and I was afraid he was never going to.”

Becca wraps her arms around me, hugging me tight. “I’m so glad we both have you.” She puts her cheek against my chest. “I’m glad he had you to talk to about this, because I’ve been a self-involved idiot who wasn’t paying attention. I can’t believe I missed something so important.”

“It’s fine,” I kiss her on the top of the head. “I’m glad he stopped being a putz and finally told you about it.”

And for once, it feels like there might be a real future for the three of us.

54

BECCA

Finn has been beaming for the last hour. He’s printed his pieces larger than life and they take up a whole wall. The size of the photos makes the blur effects even more dramatic, drawing in the crowd. His featured space has been full since the opening began, and I keep overhearing whispers and compliments.A fresh voice.Triumphant. Provocative. A rising star at the university.I even saw the local newspaper pull him aside for an interview.

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