fragile. It took time to make a strong foundation and grow together, which
meant that, for the time being, they had to keep things professional and
impersonal, especially at work. She didn’t feel like they were keeping a
nasty secret. It was just necessary to protect Kiera until she could figure out
the things she needed to figure out.
“Last night was special for me,” Kiera whispered as she pulled back.
“I’m sorry that I can’t walk into the store with you today and just yell it out
for everyone that you’re my girlfriend.”
Romi’s head spun and her heartrate sped up. Girlfriend. Yes. That’s what
she was. Kiera was her girlfriend and she was hers.
“I-I’ll try and make sure to keep a neutral expression as much as
possible.”
“I know. I appreciate it. And all of your patience. Everything. I appreciate
everything. You’re amazing, Romi. Truly. Please don’t lose sight of that.”
“I couldn’t. Ever.”
“I never expected to feel this way about someone. I feel like I could just
float right out of here.”
“I know. I feel like I’m floating a little bit right now. You don’t have
some hidden levitation abilities, do you?”
“Not that I know of,” Kiera giggled. Yes, it was an actual giggle. Even
she seemed surprised. Romi just smiled at her and kept on smiling, even
when she turned around to grab the to-go mug she’d just fixed. She couldn’t
stop smiling when she handed it over.
“I’m really excited to see you today. At work. And I’m free. Most of the
time. Not that you have to hang out with me. Believe me, I don’t expect to
spend every single day together. I know that’s not realistic, even without
any barriers or things to figure out. I’m not clingy or needy. I’ve worked on
that. A lot. Not that I really ever was, but I’ve tried really hard over the
years to figure out how to be responsible for my own happiness. I know that
you’re older than me, I just, I don’t want you to think I’m immature or feel