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“I read that back in high school. I got an idea of what you’re going for. So what’s the problem?”
“There’s this other guy in the story. Originally, he was meant to be a minor character, but I like him a lot. And so does my main character, Cordelia.”
“So there’s two men? A love triangle?”
“Yes, but no. I despise love triangles. I don’t like jealousy or for there to be drama between the couple. The drama is in the plot, and the rest of the story—”
“So who says there has to be jealousy?” Snow asked.
I paused. I thought about what she said, what we had talked about a few nights ago.
“Are you wondering why she has to choose between the two men at all?” I asked.
“Yes, exactly. Weren’t you and your friends just talking about how you can love more than one person at the same time?”
“Yes, in theory, but I’ve never personally lived that experience to know if it would work in real life.”
She smiled. “You sure you haven’t lived it?”
“I mean, technically, no. I know we have shared you, but is that the same thing?”
I hardly knew her. Did I love her the way Cordelia loved Thomas in my book? No, not yet at least. Staring into her blue eyes, I thought to myself maybe, one day. And how would I feel if, say, Reed or Sean or Jason also loved her? It was impossible to tell, when thinking about theoretical experiences, but I didn’t feel any jealousy.
She shrugged. “Maybe not, but you could use it to help guide you, at least. And either way, you’re writing fiction, it doesn’t have to be your lived experience. Do you think Stephen King has experienced everything he writes about? Or Anne Rice? Or even Charlotte Bronte?”
I pondered her question. She had a point. My book was set in an older time period, a time in which I hadn’t personally experienced. And while maybe it was too soon to say I loved Snow, I did have feelings for her. I liked her a lot. More than anyone I had known in a long time. And yet, I did share her with my friends, and no, it didn’t bother me.
“I think you might be onto something. Cordelia wouldn’t have to choose between Thomas and Ambrose. She could have them both. All this time I had been thinking she had to choose because, well, especially for the time period, I assumed it wouldn’t be possible, but you’re right, I’m writing fiction. I’m in control of the destiny of the characters.”
Snow was smiling again, and so was I. My mind was spinning with all the different possibilities for the relationship of my characters. It had felt good to talk about it with someone who was as interested in writing as I was, who understood it and who could help me figure out the problems that had been plaguing me for months.
“Now that you helped unblock me, what can I do to help you?” I asked, staring at her sweet lips and wanting nothing more than to show her my appreciation with a kiss.
“I think you’ve already helped me a lot, Bash. You’ve given me some new angles to think about with the piece. I really appreciate it.” She licked her lips and stared deep into my eyes.
I decided to go for it. She came closer as I leaned toward her, our lips meeting as I cupped her face in my hand. Her silky hair brushed against my skin as we kissed.
“Damn, I really wish you didn’t have to leave,” I whispered against her lips.
“I’ll be back.”
“You better,” I said.
“I will.”
Her blue eyes sparkled and I could have stayed there all day, but I had promised my employee a lunch break soon and needed to head back.
“We’ll keep in touch in the meantime,” Snow said as we parted. “You’re going to send me the manuscript of your book when you’re done, right? And feel free to reach out if you hit any more roadblocks. You got that?”
“Got it,” I said with a laugh. “And before you leave, we’ll plan something special with all the guys.”
“Sounds good to me,” she said, her smile wavering as we said goodbye.
26
Snow
Iwoke up to the sun beaming in through my window, and a knock on my door. It was my last day at the resort—Sunday had come too soon. I would be heading back to work the next day.
