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I scratch the back of my neck as I wait for her. “Uh, Bea?”

“This is going to be beautiful. Oh if you were wondering it’s Forest Witch for the theme. I can’t wait to get started. What day is the opening?”

“Still don’t know what that means, but thanks. It’s going to be July 31st, but I need you to do me a huge favor and keep this quiet. She doesn’t know that any of this is happening and I’d like to keep it that way as much as possible.”

She mimes zipping her lips as she leans in closer to me. “Your secret's safe with me. I’ll be there bright and early with all the sugary treats.”

“That’s one of the reasons that she’s my favorite person.”

Later that night as we are cuddled on the couch, her head pillowed in my lap, a Nat Geo documentary playing softly in the background, I run my fingers through her hair, twisting my finger around a strand. Something about snow leopards in the Himalayas. Her breathing is slow, even. One hand curled under my thigh as the other rests against her chest.

I settle back on the couch as I continue to run my fingers through her hair. The weight of her against me grounds me in a way nothing ever has.

On screen, a voice narrates, “Instinct is survival. But connection is what makes survival worth it.”

I don’t dare move, even if it means we sleep on the couch tonight.

Chapter 28

Caelon

Tuesday, July 29th – Bubbles & Big Breaks

Iwake long before Selene, who sleeps peacefully on her side of the bed. There hasn’t been a single day since her birthday that we have been apart outside of our jobs. My nerves are through the roof as the clock winds down on the reveal of her gallery. So many things I have left to do and I feel like there is not enough time to do them.

Padding down the hallway towards the kitchen, I start the kettle full of water for my morning cup of tea and decide to check my emails while I wait for it to boil. I almost drop my phone when I see the first email, right at the top.

Qamar, Lena: I would love to meet her!

My finger trembles as I click the email.

Dear Caelon Blackwell,

I am delighted to meet Selene. If her work is anything to go by, I can imagine she is an extraordinary woman indeed. If you could give me a call at 555-932-5783, I would love to set up a time to come meet her.

Sincerely,

Lena Qamar

“Told you. We’re genius wingmen,” Calix says smugly.

I can’t believe it worked. Granted, I knew that her work would catch the eye of someone, but I didn’t expect to have an almost instant reply.

I can't risk calling her while home. It would be my luck that Selene would overhear and everything would be ruined.

Stepping out the back door, I walk across my neighbor’s yard and onto the other road. Hopefully far enough away that if Selene wakes, she won’t overhear what I’m saying.

Clicking her phone number, I pull the phone to my ear. It only rings twice before an older, British accented-voice says, “Good morning, this is Lena Qamar.”

“Hello, Ms. Qamar. This is Caelon Blackwell, we spoke over email about Selene.”

“Oh, yes, dear, of course! I’m absolutely delighted to chat with you. I was rather hoping I could pop over quite soon?”

“Actually, she doesn’t know it yet, but I’ve been secretly putting together her very own gallery that is having its opening on July 31st. Would it be possible for you to attend that?”

“Oh, how absolutely delightful! I’d simply adore to attend. You can most certainly count me in on being there!”

“Thank you ma’am. This is going to mean the world to her. See you then!”