Page 115 of The Other Side
“Talk to me.” Chance was concerned over my silence, knowing how much I liked to spiral when left to my own devices.
“I’ve never really traveled before, other than just to move for school or work. I don’t think I know how to travel,” I admitted, drawing shapes on Chance’s chest with my fingertip.
“There’s not much to it—don’t stress too much.” He pulled me in closer to comfort me. “When you think of New York, what comes to mind?”
“Well, all the big stuff, but I don’t like crowds, so I don’t think I’d really like them in real life. Maybe we could go to a museum?”
“I know the perfect one.” He began to comb his fingers through my hair. “What else?”
“Good food?”
“Tons of good food in New York. We’ll get you sorted there.”
“Something scenic, like Central Park?”
“See, you’re not so bad at this.” He smiled. “Do you think I could take some photographs of you, while we’re there?”
I glanced up at him. He hadn’t asked to take any photos of me since I’d discovered the first set. Errantly I thought, if the police found the negatives I’d returned to him while searching his room, nothing had come of it.
“If I’m supposed to be putting together a show, I’ll need more work to display.”
“You don’t have any other photos you’ve taken before?” It wasn’t that I didn’t want him to take pictures of me, but there would always be a shy part of me, where self-doubt festered.
“I do, but for my first exhibition, I’d like to share my muse with the world.” His face was hesitant. I realized Chance was nervous.
“Can I have final approval?” I bargained.
A giant grin split Chance’s face. “Of course.”
“Okay,” I agreed, burying my face against him to hide the blush on my cheeks. But I was sure Chance already knew… He always knew.
“I love you, Violet,” Chance breathed.
I peered up at him.
Had I heard him right?
No, I knew I had.
I wanted to say it back, but the words got caught in my throat. The last two times I’d given them to a partner, everything had gone to shit. I knew it wouldn’t be like that with Chance, but I was still paralyzed with fear.
Sensing my panic, Chance smiled sweetly, tucking my hair behind my ear. “Only when you’re ready, and not a moment before.”
I relaxed in his hold.
Soon, I thought.
But only a few days later, everything came crashing down around me.
