Page 50 of Free Me

“Thank you.” Blake tucks the invitation into his jacket pocket, then laces our fingers together. “Ready?” His grin is boyish and sweet, and my heart thumps excitedly in my chest.

“Absolutely.”

For the next hour we wander through different rooms of breathtaking glass sculptures, each utterly different from the last. I see why Blake said a description of the art would never do it justice. There truly are no words to express the beauty of what we’re seeing. Some pieces look like lava flows caught mid-ooze, some look like huge paint brushes. There are glass balls and glass flowers and crystal towers in a multitude of vibrant colors. All of it is absolutely spectacular, and by the time we exit the last exhibit, I’m speechless.

“Blake, that was…”

“I know. Right? That’s why I love it here. It’s on a whole other level from anything else I’ve seen, and it’s humbling in the same way the Grand Canyon or outer space is. It never fails to make me feel peaceful and calm.” He kisses me softly, lingering just long enough to start a gentle buzz under my skin. “I love sharing this with you.”

The excitement in his eyes and the sweet smile on his lips tug at my heart. “I’m so happy you asked me to come with you. Thank you.”

We stroll arm in arm onto the lovely lawn surrounded by more sculptures and dotted with low tables, where people are sitting and enjoying drinks and conversation. Blake guides me to the bar and orders a Blanton’s for himself and a sparkling vodka cranberry for me.

“Blake. Stef.” Astrid waves to get our attention, then taps Gary on the shoulder and points to us. She’s stunning in a burgundy A-line evening gown with a plunging neckline and a side slit that shows off enough leg to scandalize half the people here. Gary is rocking a complementary burgundy velvet double-breasted tux with a black bow tie and black slacks. They walk across the lawn meeting us in the middle.

I kiss her cheeks. “You’re absolutely stunning, and I love what you’ve done with your hair.” She does a careful spin, showing me the back. It’s swept into a loose chignon, with small burgundy crystals pinned into the valleys of the twist. As usual, her makeup is impeccable. Her lipstick matches the exact shade of her dress, and her eyes are done in a smoky gray.

“Thank you, Stef.” She holds my hands out to my sides and gives me a once-over. “Iadorethis. It’s a very sexy, veryyoutwist on the classic tux.” She hugs me, murmuring in my ear. “What are our pronouns today?”

I give her a squeeze. “They/them. Thank you.”

“No need to thank me. I just want to make sure I’m using the correct ones.” She hugs me again.

I shake hands with Gary while Astrid hugs Blake, then we all find an empty table. Blake and Gary immediately fall into a discussion about Gary’s latest book while Astrid and I talk about the museum and eventually end up reviewing last-minute to-dos for Jules and Erik’s wedding. Before we get too deep into the details, Jocelin wanders over, drink in hand, looking sharp as a tack in his bespoke navy blue tuxedo. “Mind if I join you?”

I give him a saucy wink. “Of course not. There’s always room for another sexy person at our table.”

Blake kisses my cheek, murmuring in my ear. “You’re the sexiest one here, by far.”

I nuzzle along his jaw. “It’s not polite to say that myself, so thank you for mentioning it.” He chuckles and I peck him on the lips before turning to Astrid and Jocelin, who are watching us with amused surprise. Heat washes over my cheeks. “What?”

Astrid glances between Blake and me. “Whispered secrets? Relaxed intimacy?”

Jocelin snorts. “What’s next? Inside jokes and entire conversations with one look?”

Astrid nudges him with her elbow. “Someone’s getting serious.”

The teasing is good-natured, but I watch Blake closely, both nervous and eager to know his reaction. He locks his eyes on mine. “Serious as a heart attack.” Without hesitation, he leans in and presses a soft, lingering kiss to my lips. I sigh against his mouth, even as my heart thunders in my chest. “I know a good thing when I find it.”

I don’t even attempt to rein in the ridiculous grin on my face. “The absolute best thing.”

Blake chuckles. “Of course.”

“Awwww!” Astrid coos at us. “You two are adorable.”

As much as I love being the center of attention, I shouldn’t hog all the limelight. I turn back to Jocelin and Astrid. “So, how have you two been? I feel like it’s been forever since we’ve all done anything as a group.”

Jocelin nods. “Since Blake’s pool party. We should plan another outing with everyone.”

“We should.” The heat in Blake’s eyes could light my clothes on fire. Thankfully he looks away before I have no choice but to crawl into his lap and kiss him until we’re both breathless. His grin is impish and unapologetic as he looks at Jocelin. “I’ve been a bit busy lately.”

Jocelin chuckles. “Yes, we can see that. We’ll have to put our heads together and come up with something.”

We chit-chat until we’re called to make our way to the Glass House for dinner. We’re served a lovely five-course meal, followed by coffees and after-dinner drinks. By the time the meal is finished I’m feeling pleasantly full and relaxed. Blake stands and takes my hand. “There are a few people that I need to speak with, purely to say hello, no business talk, and I’d love them to meet you, if that’s okay.”

My pulse races. These are important people to Blake, and he wants them to meet me. Like I’m the important one. “If you’re sure, then yes, I’d love to.” We excuse ourselves and melt into the crowd as the live band begins to play.

Blake leans close. “So, what pronouns would you like me to use?”

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