Her shoulder muscles slump against mine. “Please don’t say that. You don’t know me, Basil.” I feel the rhythm of her breath change.
“But that's the thing. I want to. If you’ll let me.”
She shakes her head. “I don’t know if that’s possible. Plus, I don’t want to start anything I can’t finish. I’ve been hurt before too.”
“What happened?” I whisper into the void. I’m met with more silence. Maybe asking wasn’t a good idea.
“I risked my career to be with someone, and…” She huffs. “I realized too late that she never planned to choose me. Everything between us was a lie from the start. For her it was.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Me too. I’m afraid I’ll make the same mistake again. Maybe we both are good in the relationship department.”
We share a hollow laugh. Then I ask a question, catching myself by surprise. “What do you think our marriage would look like if it were real? I mean, I know this is fake. Just curious. I’ll start: you’re on spider duty.”
Feeling her body move as she laughs makes my lips turn upward. “Didn’t you catch line thirteen in our marriage contract?” Using her free hand, she swipes the open air. “Both parties must alternate spider duties every three years.”
“I guess that’s what a cat is for.”
“I didn’t think you were the animal type.”
“I’m not.” I chuckle. “But we all have to compromise sometimes.” That’s something I’d never thought I’d say.
“Where would we live?” she asks. “Hypothetically.”
“I don’t know. I’m open to moving from Seattle.”
She nods in agreement. “We could have a business—” She changes her voice to an infomercial: “‘King’s Apothecary. You've got a scratch, we’ve got your back.’”
I crack up laughing. “You’re ridiculous.”
“Or…” Caroline continues, “‘King’s Apothecary: Famous for soaps, oils and everything Basil.’ It’s street-side so customers can see our Sapphic Olympics trophy. If we win.”
“Whenwe win,” I correct her. Dropping out of the tournament is officially not happening.
“Outside of bragging rights, the brochure said winners get a trophy and free trip back to the island. The top three teams receive some type of ‘SM Box.’ Not sure what that is. Sapphire Merchandise? Sapphic Magic? All I remember is a picture of a black box with a red bow on it. There’s only one way to find out for sure.”
“Win,” I whisper. Victoria's words in my head attempt to ruin the moment, but I don't let them. “That all sounds nice.” It’s not my reality, but I’m enjoying thoughts of creating my own life blueprint for a change.
Our conversation continues, and we lose track of time. I tell her what it was like for me to grow up with a twin. I adore every second of hearing about Caroline’s genuine joy in being a godmother.
Some time later, she laughs. “I think we surpassed seven minutes. Lady Shiba would be proud.”
I don’t bother searching to see what time it is. “We probably should go to bed soon.” I turn my body to face her. She twists around, and we pause as if simultaneously remembering what’s supposed to happen next.
Her gaze drifts to my lips and back up. “After this...” Her hand finds the side of my face. She gently kisses me, and the butterflies in my stomach flutter at the tenderness of her touch.
I deepen the kiss, knowing seven seconds have come and gone. I break away, just barely. “I like this part very much,” I whisper against her lips.
“Me too.” She brushes our lips together, then rests her forehead against mine and lets out an exhale. “Me too.”
CHAPTER 17
CAROLINE
The gala is moreexquisite than I imagined. I scan the room while I wait for Basil. Crystal chandeliers hang from the ceiling, illuminating the sea of guests with a warm glow. The atmosphere has been a mixture of allure, elegance, and desire, from the double-door entrance, to the stage where the burlesque dancers are performing. Queer women, varying in sizes and skin tones and all dressed to the nines, are chatting, eating, and dancing as joy fills the air. The room smells of white tea and the summation of the delicate flower centerpieces at each round table.
“Caroline, your wife isabsolutelystunning. I simply adore that gown on her,” Mae tells me, seated two chairs down, as Basil re-enters the ballroom after freshening up.
