Something True (11 page)

We're exhausted when we finally pass out in Walt's bed. He tucks me into his chest, spooning me from behind.

“I love you,” he murmurs sleepily into my hair when he thinks I've fallen asleep. It doesn't surprise me, not anymore. It isn't the first time he's said it when he thinks I can't hear him.

And I know that soon, very soon, when I'm sure that these feelings I have for him – the ones that make my heart race and my body warm all over, the ones that make me feel breathless with excitement yet safe and content at the same time – when I'm completely and totally sure that those feelings are love. . .then I'm going to say it back.

I can't wait for that day.

NATHAN'S A HELL of a guy; the dude really pulled through for me. Ibbie and I took some of my best work down to her hometown so he could have a proper look, because a photograph just ain't the same, and he was really enthusiastic. Showing my art was never something I'd had the courage to do before, but for the first time in my life I feel like I'm traveling down the path I really want for myself. And it's all thanks to Ibbie. The whole thing was scary as shit at first, but she's unstoppable when she puts her mind to something and she refused to let me chicken out.

That was a week ago. Now, I glance down and straighten my tie, feeling uncomfortable in my all black suit. But tonight I'm supposed to be making a good impression, and Ibbie told me I needed to dress up smart. I'd refused at first, but then she went and got all fucking naked and when she does that I find myself agreeing to anything she asks of me. Nathan's gallery is pretty big and definitely successful, and I'm not the only artist whose work is being shown tonight, but so far people seem to like my stuff. When he explained to me the stickers by my pieces meant that they had already sold, I almost fell to the fucking ground. I owe the guy a lot – I doubt any other gallery owner would have made this happen for me so quickly.

People dressed up in fancy clothes are milling around the room, appreciating the art, eating canapes, talking over the low background music. But my eyes are drawn only to one woman. Sensing my gaze, Ibbie turns from the picture she'd been studying, shooting me a beautiful smile as her eyes meet mine. She saunters over in that tiny red dress – the one I'd ended up yanking off her the first time I'd seen it tonight because I'd needed to take her right then and there – and hands me a glass of champagne. It's not my kind of drink but I accept it anyway, cringing when the bubbles fizz on my tongue.

“Hey there,” she says, grinning up at me adoringly. She's been practically bursting with pride for me ever since we got here. The look on her face matches everything I feel inside each time I see her up on stage. It's moments like these that it really hits home how much she cares about me. Not gonna lie, I'd doubted it at first. I was too enshrouded by my own insecurities and the knowledge of what an ass I'd been to her. Half of me had thought she'd only wanted me physically, and the other half just kept on waiting to wake up. But the more time we spend together, the more I'm realizing how important I am to her – maybe almost as important as she is to me. One thing I'm sure of – Ibbie would never abandon me the same way my parents did.

“Hey.” I hand my almost full glass to a passing waiter and throw my arm around Ibbie's shoulders, more proud to have her here with me than I am of any of my art pieces. “You excited about your audition next week.”

She nods. “I must have read the script a hundred times. The adaptation of My Fair Lady is so frigging amazing – I really want the lead.”

“You'll get it,” I tell her, kissing her forehead.

“We'll see.” She bounces on her tiptoes when she spots Blair on the other side of the room and waves. “Oh look, Dahlia and Fábia are holding hands. I think they like each other. Like, with
feelings
.”
 

“It happens to the best of us,” I tease. “You're fidgety tonight.”

“I was so excited for you about your show that I didn't sleep much last night. I'm totally hopped up on the bean right now.”

I'm pretty sure that means she's had too much coffee; I'm beginning to find it easier to understand the weird way she talks.

“Yo, bro.” Aleix steps up with Fauna in tow and gives me a congratulatory pat on the back. I'm still fucking pissed at him for how he treated Ibbie and Fauna, but I'm slowly getting over it. Mainly because I got the girl, and Ibbie doesn't seem to give a shit anymore – I'm taking credit for that. “Congrats. This is awesome.”

Fauna nods and leans up to kiss my cheek. “I had no idea you were so talented. I wanted to buy a piece but they were all sold out – I'll have to commission one from you.”

“Thanks guys.”

After a few more words of praise, they move on to join Grandma and Grandpops on the other side of the room and I'm greeted by more guests who want to compliment my work. It's surreal.

When we're finally alone once more, I slip my arms around Ibbie from behind, tugging her against my chest. “Not sure I like being the focus of so much attention,” I admit.

She just grins. “I can tell. But you'll get used to it – this is your world now. People just wanna tell you how awesome they think you are.”

I kiss the curve of her neck, never able to get enough of her. “
You
are my world,” I correct softly.
 

Her body stiffens in my arms and I go cold with fear as I realize I've just revealed too much. I've been so careful about hiding my true feelings for her, not wanting to throw her in the deep end and freak her out.

But then she spins in my embrace, wrapping her arms around my neck. “I love you too,” she breathes.

For a long, gormless moment I just stand there, staring down at her with a gaping mouth. I love you
too
? Did I. . .did I say that I loved her out loud?
 

Then it occurs to me that she must have overheard me saying it one night when I'd thought she was asleep. I almost berate myself for being so careless before her words pierce my brain.

I love you too
.
 

She loves me back. She fucking loves me back.

I let out a joyous laugh and clutch her soft cheeks with my hands, pressing my forehead against hers. A couple of nearby guests are watching on in interest, but I ignore them. I also ignore the sound of Jemma's voice when she declares that seeing us together is still weird. “I'll love you for as long as I live,” I promise, so quietly that no one but Ibbie can hear. This moment is ours and ours alone. “And I'll show you just how much, every single day, with all of my heart and all of my might.” And I mean it, because the love we share, it's something true. It's the truest thing I've ever known.

Her answering smile is sweet, overcome. “I know,” she says, and then she kisses me.

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I Hate Everything About You
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I Am Dust
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I Believe
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Hide
by RED
 

Do Or Die
by Thirty Seconds To Mars
 

What's Up
by 4 Non Blondes
 

Stupid
by Sarah McLachlan
 

Eet
by Regina Spektor
 

You and Me
by Matthew Barber
 

Thank you all so much for reading Something True. Walt and Ibbie were a hoot and a half to write about and if you enjoyed them then I'm a happy little author.

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