The thought of that business now going under…“There has to be something we can do,” I said, already running through ideas in my head. I wasn’t going to just sit back and let this happen. “What about advertising? Getting your name out there more?”Avis shook her head, her delicate lips pressed into
Audrey“I’m home…”I stumbled back in through the door, my footsteps still heavy and aching after a night of drinking and walking around town. The apartment was mostly dark, save for the lamp in the living room and the dim kitchen light.It always felt good to be home, especially after a later night
Shaking my head, I leaned down and pressed a warm kiss to his lips. “It’s alright. These things happen,” I murmured against his mouth. “Besides, you have enough on your plate right now. We both do.”Edwin didn’t answer—not out loud, at least, although his actions said plenty. Turning to face me full
AudreyThe late afternoon sun poured through the bay windows, casting patches of warm, golden light across the hardwood floors. I found myself perched in a plush armchair in Eliza’s living room, watching the scene in front of me with rapt fascination. Edwin sat on the arm of the chair beside me, pro
These were memories. The same memories I had seen flashes of when I’d found him in the orphanage, only a little clearer.No one spoke again for a long time as Joseph continued to draw. Edwin sat back, his gaze flickering between me and the boy, his eyebrows knit together. Eliza stayed crouched besid
AudreyI stared at my reflection in the full-length mirror, taking in my appearance one last time before the ceremony.Today was my first Healing Ceremony; it was something that Edwin and I had discussed, a way to heal Crescent residents who needed the help without having to make a million trips to
I froze, blinking in surprise, and then Edwin was suddenly beside me, his hand slipping discreetly into mine and pressing a handkerchief into my palm. My fingers tightened around it automatically, and I raised it to my nose, dabbing away the blood before anyone else could notice.“That’s enough for
AudreyThe lake cottage appeared just as it had the last time we visited—secluded and quiet, nestled into a copse of pine trees with the water’s calm surface glittering in the afternoon sunlight. Edwin put the car in park at the end of the gravel driveway, and the scent of fresh air hit me as we cli
“I think you’re going to change so many lives,” I said to Eliza. “Those kids are so lucky to have you.” Eliza looked down, her cheeks pink. “Thank you, Audrey. Really.” Tina piped up next. “And my LGBT counseling department is finally off the ground! ” She paused, leaning into my mother, who was
Audrey After a long flight, we finally touched down in Italy. The sunlight streaming in through the plane window was a promising golden hue, and just the sight of it made me feel like my heart was about to leap out of my chest. “I might need a nap when we get to the villa,” Edwin yawned, shaking
And as I watched, I felt a hand slip into mine. I glanced up, finding Edwin beside me, his gaze focused on the runway but his approval humming through the bond. My mother stood on my other side, wrapping her arm around my shoulders. A lump rose in my throat, and I couldn’t even speak. None of us c
Audrey Edwin and I emerged from the small room, his hand still resting protectively on my back. The hustle and bustle of last-minute preparations immediately hit us, assistants running back and forth, models being ushered into position, and the soft hum of the audience’s chatter drifting through t
“There’s always time,” I whispered, grabbing the wrist of his free hand and pulling it close to peer at his watch. The movement caused him to topple forward, and he caught himself on his other palm, caging me against the hard wood of the vanity. “But maybe not enough time to waste right now.” Edwi
Audrey Before I could even answer his question, Edwin rushed past me and locked the door. When he turned back to me, he was grinning from ear to ear. The sight of that mischievous look on his face made my breath hitch. Once, it had been like pulling teeth to get the man to smile. And now here he
He didn’t need to tell me twice. I tore into the wrapping paper, revealing a soft red scarf. I could tell immediately that it was handmade—there were more than a few uneven stitches, and the outline was lumpy. It was far from perfect. But I loved it all the more for that. “Goddess, Edwin,” I laugh
Audrey The morning of the show was a frenzy. No, more than a frenzy. It was complete and utter chaos. I spent the entire morning from sunup to noon running endlessly from one end of the venue to the other, desperately trying to make sure every last detail was perfect. The racks were lined with c
“Uh… Yeah,” Malakai said. “Coffee would be nice.” A few minutes later, the three of us sat around the table, steaming cups of pitch black coffee in our hands. I kept it bitter, just in case Malakai was here to stir up more shit. It burned a little going down, but I sipped it anyway. Malakai look