Page 31
Story: Wet Paint
My throat closed. “Will…”
“They’ve already confirmed the placement,” he added. “It’s going up next weekend. Your name, your work. It’s official.”
I didn’t say anything for a moment. I couldn’t. My hand flew to my mouth and I just sat there.
Stunned.
Overwhelmed.
He reached for me across the table, his voice softer now. “You deserve to be seen, Ivy. I didn’t tell you because I didn’t want to get your hopes up. But when I heard back today, I couldn’t wait.”
I stood, rounded the table in two quick steps, and fell into his arms.
“You’re insane,” I whispered, hugging him tight. “You did this for me?”
“Of course I did,” he murmured into my hair. “You’re the most talented person I’ve ever met. I’d do anything to make sure people see that.”
For the first time in weeks, I felt more than wanted.
I feltrecognized.
And it was because of him.
“I love you, Will,” I whispered into the crook of his neck. My heart was pounding, and I was overcome with joy.
His arms tightened around me. “I love you too, darling. And I’m so fucking proud of you. Always remember that.”
I would.
And I would love him forever.
Because when a man like Will gave you everything, you gave him your soul and never once asked for it back.
“They’ve already confirmed the placement,” he added. “It’s going up next weekend. Your name, your work. It’s official.”
I didn’t say anything for a moment. I couldn’t. My hand flew to my mouth and I just sat there.
Stunned.
Overwhelmed.
He reached for me across the table, his voice softer now. “You deserve to be seen, Ivy. I didn’t tell you because I didn’t want to get your hopes up. But when I heard back today, I couldn’t wait.”
I stood, rounded the table in two quick steps, and fell into his arms.
“You’re insane,” I whispered, hugging him tight. “You did this for me?”
“Of course I did,” he murmured into my hair. “You’re the most talented person I’ve ever met. I’d do anything to make sure people see that.”
For the first time in weeks, I felt more than wanted.
I feltrecognized.
And it was because of him.
“I love you, Will,” I whispered into the crook of his neck. My heart was pounding, and I was overcome with joy.
His arms tightened around me. “I love you too, darling. And I’m so fucking proud of you. Always remember that.”
I would.
And I would love him forever.
Because when a man like Will gave you everything, you gave him your soul and never once asked for it back.