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Story: Fixing Hearts

Yet the prospect of going home with Jo, of exploring this newfound connection further, was incredibly tempting. “I... I don’t know,” Evelyn hesitated, her practical nature warring with her desires. “It’s getting late, and I have some things to do in the morning...”

Nodding, Jo pulled back. “Of course,” she said. “No pressure. I can take you home if you want.”

Biting her lip, Evelyn hesitated. She thought about going back to her own apartment, alone with her thoughts and the lingering taste of Jo’s kiss on her lips. The idea felt unbearable. In that moment, Evelyn decided. She had spent so much of her life playing it safe, always choosing the practical path.But tonight,she thought.Tonight is my birthday, and I want more.She wanted adventure, passion, and the thrill of the unknown.

“No,” Evelyn said, her voice stronger now. “I’d like to see your place. If that’s okay?”

Jo grinned, making Evelyn’s heart skip a beat. “That’s definitely okay,” she said. “Hop on. Let’s get you warmed up.”

The ride to Jo’s house was shorter than Evelyn expected, but no less exhilarating. She clung to Jo, relishing the solid warmth of her body and the way their forms seemed to fit together perfectly. They pulled up to a modest, well-maintained bungalow on a tree-lined street where Jo parked the motorcycle in the driveway. She helped Evelyn dismount, her strong handslingering perhaps a moment longer than necessary. “Home sweet home,” Jo said. “It’s not much, but it’s mine.”

As they approached the front door, Evelyn felt a nervous flutter in her stomach. She was at a turning point. Once she crossed the threshold, there might not be a way to go back to the safe, predictable life she had always known.

Jo unlocked the door and stepped inside, turning to look at Evelyn. “Still coming in?”

Evelyn stood on the doorstep, her heart pounding. In her mind, she heard the cautious voice that had guided her for so long, urging her to say goodnight, to call an Uber, to go home, and return to the safety of her routine. Yet, for once, a louder, more insistent voice drowned out her fears.I rode on the back of a motorcycle, she thought.I kissed a handsome stranger under the stars. Maybe it is time to start living. With a deep breath, Evelyn stepped forward into Jo’s home and into a new chapter of her life.

The door closed behind them with a soft click, and suddenly the world seemed to narrow down to only them. Jo’s home was warm and inviting, with a lived-in feel that immediately put Evelyn at ease. A mix of vintage car and motorcycle posters adorned the walls and, surprisingly, framed wildlife photography prints. Comfortable-looking furniture was arranged around a stone fireplace, the focal point of the room.

“Make yourself comfortable,” Jo said, gesturing to the aged but inviting couch. “I’ll get the fire going.”

“Thank you,” Evelyn answered, but while Jo busied herself with the fireplace, she took the opportunity to explore the room. Her eyes were drawn to a bookshelf in the corner filled with an eclectic mix of titles. Everything from motorcycle repair manuals to modern classics. “You’re full of surprises, aren’t you?” Evelyn mused, running her fingers along the books’ spines.

Jo looked from the fireplace, a small flame now flickering to life. “Oh yeah? How so?” she asked, and Evelyn gestured to the bookshelf.

“I didn’t peg you for a Harper Lee fan.”

A smile crossed Jo’s face. “Ah, well, there’s a lot you don’t know about me,” she said, meeting Evelyn’s eyes. “Yet.”

Satisfied with the state of the growing fire, Jo stood. “Go ahead and relax,” she said, watching Evelyn study one of her prints on the wall. “Do you like Riley Keaton’s work?”

Turning, Evelyn nodded. “I do,” she replied, walking closer to the artwork. “Her eye for nature is incredible. And so is your collection.”

Pleased that Evelyn noticed, Jo gestured toward the couch. “Thank you,” she said. “Do you want to sit down? Maybe have a drink?”

Evelyn smiled, a hint of nervousness in her eyes. “That would be nice, thank you.”

“Be right back,” Jo said and made her way to the small kitchen as Evelyn settled on the couch. Finally, she was in familiar territory. Bringing a woman home, offering her a drink, and setting the mood for what would inevitably be a passionate but fleeting encounter all made sense.But something feels different this time,she thought, and her hands hesitated over the bottle of everyday whiskey she usually reached for on nights like these. Instead, she found herself pulling out a bottle of wine she had been saving for a special occasion. “Red wine okay?”

“Perfect,” Evelyn answered, and Jo poured two glasses, her movements deliberate. She was stalling, she realized, taking more time than necessary.Why am I so nervous?she wondered.This is my element, isn’t it?

Yet, as she grabbed the glasses and made her way to the living room, she felt a flutter in her stomach that had nothing to do with physical desire. “Here you go,” she said, handing one to Evelyn. Their hands touched during the exchange, and Jo felt the chemistry between them crackle at the contact.

When Evelyn sucked in a breath, Jo knew the woman felt it too. “Thank you,” Evelyn said softly, her eyes meeting Jo’s over the rim of her glass as she took a sip. “Mmm, this is very good.”

“I’m glad you like it,” Jo said, setting her wine glass on the end table, unable to miss how her hand shook.This is crazy,she thought.I am not nervous.Suddenly, she wasn’t ready to sit and motioned to the stereo system in the corner. “Would you like some music?”

“I would like that.”

“Any preferences?”

“Not really,” Evelyn said with a shake of her head. “Whatever you like.”

At the stereo, Jo scrolled through her playlists, finally settling on one she usually reserved for quiet nights alone. Mellow indie tracks filled the room with a gentle, relaxing atmosphere. Turning back to Evelyn, Jo saw her studying her wine glass as if lost in thought. Jo’s heart raced as she approached and took a seat next to her. Close, but not too close. Not yet.

“Well,” Jo said, setting a more playful tone. “What do you think of my home?”

Visibly relaxing at the simple question, Evelyn laughed. “It’s wonderful,” she said, her eyes twinkling in the firelight. “I love how you’ve made it your own. Those classic car and motorcycle posters mixed with the wildlife photos? Unexpected, but it works.”