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I nod silently. Anything she wants, it’s hers. I reach out to hold her face, strumming my thumb across her cheek. As I lean in, a waitress speaks. I look up at her with a scowl for interrupting the moment, but the poor woman is just doing her job.
I place our orders and look back at Lex. She looks comfortable on the loveseat, her leg crossed over her knee. Her eyes scan the bar, taking in every detail.
“I’ll have to admit that New York is different than I imagined. It’s a mix of people and cultures. It’s fascinating.” She turns her body toward me.
“Yeah? It is a cool place to live.” I can’t deny I’ve had good times in this city.
“I can see that. It’s interesting and full of history. Don’t you miss nature, though?” She tilts her head, scrutinizing me.
“Upstate New York is a short drive, and it’s gorgeous. It’s nothing like the city and reminds me a lot of back home. Maybe I can drive us out there in the morning and hang out with my friends at night.”
“I’ve heard that. Wouldn’t it be like driving to New Hampshire, though?” Her nose scrunches up adorably.
“Nope. In two hours or so, we can be out of the city and in the countryside.”
“Wow.” Her eyebrows lift. I love that she’s enjoying the city and giving it a real chance.
“We’ll take a drive tomorrow.” I tap her knee, excited about showing her more of New York and chipping away any preconceived ideas she may have. I can imagine us living this life.
Our drinks are served, and Lex comments on the beautiful presentation before taking a sip and closing her eyes.
“This is so good.” She smiles over her glass.
I want to bottle up the moment. I wish I could be recording it, save it for eternity. Every time I spend with her is special, but something about tonight makes it feel different. For the first time, it feels like we’re already living our forever.
I refuse to let my thoughts about our reality interfere. Not tonight. Not when we’re this happy. Nothing will ruin this moment. I wrap my arm around her and lean her against me. Kissing the top of her head, I feel lightness fill my chest. For so long, I felt like I was running a race with no direction. I finally found my guiding light.
31
Lex
My body feels light, buzzing with goodness. I can’t get over how great it feels to be here, to be with Hudson. Last night was amazing. When I saw the hotdog place, I was so confused, but the speakeasy was such an incredible experience. We laughed and danced. Feeling his arms around me as we swayed to the soft jazz made my eyes water.
I’m excited about exploring the rest of the state today with Hudson and Tristan. I love being outdoors and exploring nature, even if it is freezing. Each season provides unique beauty to our world.
My phone rings on the nightstand, and I reach for it as I finish sliding my arm through my sweater sleeve.
“Hello?” I breathe out when I see that it’s Michelle.
“Hey, Lex,” she answers.
“Hey, what’s up?” I fix my sweater so that it sits right on my body.
“Not much. We didn’t get a chance to talk yesterday afternoon, but I wanted to thank you again for coming to the conference.”
“I should be thanking you,” I laugh. “It was an amazing experience, and I made some great contacts.” I took the liberty to socialize and network with peers. I talked about my students, their dreams, and was encouraged to tell them about the programs in the city for those interested in pursuing a professional career. I know Sarah is, though a few other students have talked about it.
“That’s actually why I’m calling…” Michelle stalls. “I know you have your studio, and it’s your baby, but my school has an opening that I think you’d be perfect for.”
My body drops on the bed. My heart stops, heat (not the good kind) filling me. I grip the messy sheets beside me. Words are gone, my voice lost.
“Hello?” Michelle giggles. “Did I shock you?”
“I’m not even qualified.” That’s the best that comes out of me.
“You have the teaching experience. It’s a Modern One class for incoming students, and you definitely have the capabilities and knowledge. My boss was impressed with your choreography. Of course, you’d have to interview like everyone else, so it wouldn’t guarantee the position, but I think you have a great chance.”
She’s speaking, but all I hear is the buzzing in my ears.
