I haven’t even shared this with Lunar, and yet, here I am, admitting to Effa that I feel like a failure because of EllafuckingSlade.
Effa steps closer, placing her open palms on my chest. Strangely, it calms me instantly in some weird kind of way. Shemeets my gaze, her gentle eyes looking back into mine, and she offers a reassuring smile.
“Youaregood enough, Danger. Just because one girl didn’t see the wonder in you doesn’t mean a better woman won’t. You just have to recognize what’s right in front of you. The people who surround you. Youareloved, Danger, and it’s in that strength you must live. Not in the pain of the past.”
“Wow… you are quite insightful,”I respond, but it just makes me think of Lunar and how much I’ve grown to care for her—perhaps a little too fucking much.
She was supposed to be someone for me to fuck.
A distraction from the bullshit Ella put me through.
But now, I find myself wanting her more than I should.
Between the ghosts of Ella and this newfound pull toward Lunar, it’s messing with my head. My focus should be solely on Recoil and getting us back on track, not on how much I’ve come to rely on Lunar. The absolute last thing I need to be fixated on is the fact that Lunar is Australian through and through.
And I am American.
My life is in the States.
This is so fucked!
I have got to get my shit together.
Because this complicateseverything.
“I have positive healing energy flowing through my hands into your chest right now.” Effa smiles as I look at her palms, splayed out on my chest.
I feel like a damn idiot.
“Well, thanks… I think?” I reply awkwardly, unsure how to respond to Effa’s unconventional… whatever this is.
She removes her hands and leans down to pick up her guitar. “Now… sing from your heart.”
LUNAR
The entire day, I’ve been in meetings for the foundation. Unfortunately, the discussions with my advisors didn’t go as planned. They conveyed that donations aren’t flowing as quickly as we had envisioned, and we need a strategy boost. We think one of the galas will need to be advanced and transformed into a charity auction to raise funds for the school project we had in mind.
I’m stressed, and I haven’t heard from Danger all day, which I guess is good because I assume it means he’s been busy creating lyrical magic with Effa.
Upon entering the hotel room, I am greeted by an unexpected flowery jasmine fragrance that catches me off guard and instantly tickles my nose. With a puzzled expression, I try to place the odd scent. As I cautiously step inside, the calming melody of ocean waves fills the air. To my surprise, Effa and Danger are seated in the middle of the floor, facing each other in a crossed-legged meditative posture, palms pressed together. Without uttering a word, I stare at them silently while the sound of crashing waves and distant seagull cries fills the room.
When I quickly survey the room, I notice scattered balled-up paper and empty energy drink cans strewn across the floor.
What the hell?
And what on earth have they been doing all day?
I sit on the edge of the bed, trying not to interrupt the Zen flow of their…whatever the fuck this is.
“Welcome, Lunar. Would you like to join us? We could make a serenity circle?” Effa asks, suddenly breaking my train of thought.
I clear my throat. “Nope, you two are good.”
“Deep cleansing breath in,” Effa instructs, and they both inhale deeply. Suppressing a smirk, I chew on my bottom lip.“And out…” They exhale. “Well done, Danger. I’m proud of the progress you made today.”
Looking around the room, I can’t see much progress apart from paper wastage. So I’m not sure what planet Effa is on right now.
“Thanks, Effa, you helped to clear my head… a lot,” Danger states matter-of-factly.
