AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Fuck.
I can’t even get annoyed at the subtle sarcasm. I’m used to her good-natured teasing.
Elle’s frozen in place, her eyes wide and her mouth slightly open.
I don’t quite think it’s a migraine this time.
“You ... you’re really her,” Elle whispers. “Clara Marshall. You—oh my God!”
Clara’s smile is sweet, understanding, kind.
I’ve never seen her react negatively to any fan, no matter how much they fawn all over her.
“I take it you’ve enjoyed my books, dear?”
“Yes! Oh, I wouldn’t be here without your books,” Elle breathes, flushing almost like she did when I kissed her. “You’re ... you’re everything I’ve ever wanted to be, Miss Marshall. It’s seriously an honor.”
“Please, dear, call me Clara.” My aunt pats Elle’s hand, then nods at the bag she carries under her arm. “Is that your portfolio? I’d love to see it.”
“Oh—no, it’s just my purse—I mean, my portfolio’s inside, but I never expected you’d—I—oh, I’m babbling, I just—”
Now it’s my turn to hide a snicker that comes up so unexpectedly I can’t stop it.
The layman’s term for what Elle is doing is fangirling.
Damnably cute fangirling.
Aunt Clara laughs, and I realize why Elle’s laugh makes me feel so at home.
Because it’s how Aunt Clara used to laugh, before something I still don’t understand broke her and she lost her art.
There’s this delight I haven’t heard in years, but somehow Elle’s drawn it out of her.
I can’t take my eyes off them as Clara coaxes Elle into calming down, into taking her hand, into going inside with her.
They’re two completely different women, yet there’s a kinship there, an affinity that makes it feel like Elle is already family, just from the way she fits with Aunt Clara.
I can’t be having thoughts like that.
I can’t be wondering what it would be like if Elle stuck around after our illusion ends.
And I shouldn’t be lingering as Aunt Clara blows me a kiss and winks, like she knows she’s just stolen “my” girl.
But I do stay.
As they slip inside the cottage, chattering like old friends, I sink down against the outside wall with my heart heavy.
I can’t remember the last time anything felt this peaceful as I listen to them talking and laughing through the window.
IX
SUNNY DISPOSITION
(ELLE)
I think I’m bursting into confetti.
That’s the only way to describe how I feel right now.
