She nodded. “My TikTok isn’t huge, but it still reaches a lot of people.”
“Forty thousand followers isn’t nothing.”
“No, it’s not. But the thing is, sometimes those people think they know everything about me because I share outfit ideas or talk about midlife changes or take them along for walks on the beach.” She exhaled, feeling the truth expand within her. “But they don’t knowme. Not really. And I wanted to protect you from that. I wanted to protectus. I didn’t want to toss something this important into the public eye before I was sure where it was going.”
His expression softened, but he still looked troubled. “But you’re sure now?”
“No, I’m not.” Paige hesitated, then gave him a small smile. “However, this trip helped me see something clearly. Meeting Andrew and Nicole, sharing such a huge moment with you—that wasn’t just another date. That was family. Your family. And you invited me into it.”
He swallowed, eyes warming. “I wanted you there.”
“I know,” she said. “And it meant more to me than you realize. So, no, I’m not ashamed of you. Not embarrassed. Not hiding you. I’ve just been protecting us a little. Or maybe it’s more selfish than that. Maybe it’s me I’ve been protecting.”
A flicker of surprise crossed his face, followed by something tender. “You thinkyou’rethe one who needs protecting?”
Paige let out a small laugh. “I’m not really the woman I show on social media. I’m much more of a marshmallow. Maybe I look polished on-camera, but I melt under too much heat.”
Graham’s smile returned with the faintest hint of amusement. “I don’t want you to feel you have to hide any of that from me.”
“Likewise, I don’t want you to feel hidden,” she said earnestly. “But I really wanted to talk to you about it before I turned us into content. It’s a lot to put yourself out therefor public consumption. And considering your work history, I wasn’t sure you’d want it anyway.”
He considered that for a moment. “It’s really up to you. I’m retired, so my past is my past. But it’s not necessary for me to be a part of your online persona.”
She arched a brow. “It’s not?”
“No,” he said, taking her hand again. “All I needed was to understand. To know that it wasn’t because of something I’d done. Or hadn’t done.”
Paige exhaled in relief.
“But,” he added, eyes twinkling slightly. “If you ever want to show me off, I won’t object.”
She laughed, leaning her shoulder against his. “Oh, trust me. I probably will. But only when it feels right.”
Graham nodded, their hands still clasped. They watched a movie together, holding hands the entire time. She didn’t know if she’d share him or not. Part of her wanted to now, to show the world what an amazing man she had in her life. Another part of her wanted to keep him all to herself.
The whole reason she’d started her TikTok was to prove to herself and her ex that she’d not only survived his betrayal and her wretched divorce, but that she was thriving.
Well, she’d done that. Did she need to keep proving that point? No. Not really. But it had become something bigger. An outlet. She enjoyed it more than she’d ever thought she would.
Did they need to know about Graham? Absolutely not.
It was a lot to think about. Especially when sharing this new relationship might be something that gave other women hope.
There was a lot to be said for that.
The movie ended and outside the window, the plane dipped slightly, beginning its slow descent through the painted sky. Between them, the silence felt warm and full and comfortable.
She didn’t know what the future held for them, but she didn’t need to know either. Things were good. They were having fun, enjoying each other’s company.
Why complicate that with plans that might not ever happen? What was wrong with just being happy in the moment?
Paige rested her head lightly against his shoulder. “I’m really glad you invited me along,” she murmured. “And that Andrew and Nicole were all right with it.”
Graham kissed the top of her hair. “So am I.”
Paige sighed happily, the rare sensation of something both new and safe filling her with contentment in a way she’d never felt before.
It was something worth keeping. Now she just had to decide if sharing it was worth the risk.
