Page 148 of Booked on You
“You were talking about art giving us a way to express ourselves,” Millie says from the front row. I’m so happy I made her listen to this yesterday because I wanted her opinion.
I take a shaky breath and find Scarlett sitting at the end of a row. Someone scooted over to allow her to sit. She looks at me with an encouraging smirk, and I somehow manage to continue. “Art gives us a way to express what we can’t always put into words. It gives us permission to feel everything deeply and share parts of ourselves with the world in a way that’s bigger than oneself.”
I’m trying not to rush, but I want to get through the rest so I can go to her. “This year, we’re expanding the program to include three new schools and more artistic grants. We couldn’t do any of this without your support and generosity. It’s very much appreciated. Thank you again for being here tonight. Please enjoy the evening, bid generously, and know that you’re changing lives.”
Everyone stands, and I’m greeted with applause, but I barely hear it. I’m already stepping away from the microphone.
The crowd watches as I move toward the back of the room. People congratulate me and pat my shoulder, but I keep pushing forward. My pulse is racing as I stay focused.
Scarlett moves toward me, too, and we meet in the middle of the room. Suddenly, we’re standing in front of one another.
“So happy to see you,” I finally manage, and my voice cracks.
“I wanted to tell you to your face that I was thinking about you, too.” She’s crying and smiling at the same time.
“You look…” I can’t finish the sentence because I feel like I’m dreaming.
“I got a hotel room so I could change and come straight here.” Her voice shakes, and she takes my hands. Hers are trembling. “I didn’t renew my lease, Ezra. I packed up and donated everything I didn’t want to take with me. My stuff will be shipped here next week. I’m choosing us,” she says. “I’m choosing you.”
“You’re a dream come true.” I pull her into my arms and kiss her right there, in front of anyone who’s watching. Applause fills the room, and we pull away laughing. I slide my fingers in hers and pull her away from everyone. We move into the hallway that servers are using as a staging area for food.
Before I can say anything, Scarlett is pulling my mouth back to hers.
“I’m in love with you. I love you. I should’ve said it before you left, but I was concerned?—”
“I love you, too. I know you’re it for me, Ezra. There isn’t anyone else on this planet who will ever make me feel the way you do,” she confesses. “That’s why I came back.”
I hold her cheeks in my hands, studying her pretty face. “I believe the same, babe. My mom always said when you know, you just know.”
Our lips crash together again, and everything else fades away. I no longer hear the chatter inside, the clanking dishesbehind us, or the music playing in the convention hall. Her nose brushes against mine, and she smiles.
“I finished your book before the event. It nearly destroyed me because it was so honest. You wrote us.”
“I know,” she says. “You can never confirm anything with anyone. Please.”
“It’s our secret,” I whisper. “After reading your words, I know your heart.”
“That’s what kinda terrifies me,” she confesses. “Please don’t hurt me.”
“Never,” I promise. “I wanted to reach through the pages and tell you that you’re everything to me. I kept wondering, will I be yours forever?”
“That’s why I’m here,” she whispers. “To learn the answer to that question.”
“Welcome home, sweetheart,” I whisper.
“Home,” she repeats. “I really like the sound of that.”
The rest of the gala passes in a blur. People congratulate us, ask questions, and take photos. Someone mentions this will be all over social media by morning. Scarlett laughs and holds my hand tighter.
I introduce her as my girlfriend, and it feels so damn right to publicly claim her as mine. She stands beside me while I talk to donors, and she charms the governor. This woman fits so naturally into my life, like she was always meant to be here.
By the end of the night, Paula is ecstatic about how much money we’ve raised, which I think, so far, is over a million dollars. Millie hugs Scarlett so tight as she whispers something in her ear. By the time the last guests leave around midnight, I’m exhausted but happy.
“Ready to go home?” I ask Scarlett.
“So ready.” She leans against me. “I’m pretty sure those photographers are still outside, though.”
“Just smile,” I say, taking her hand.
