“What condition is that?” Michelle asked, her breath crystallizing in the air between them.
Audrey blinked, and more tears broke free. “That you want to stay in Vermont with me. I need to know it’s what you really, truly want.”
“Darling, this is exactly what I’ve been hoping for.” Michelle reached out to tuck a lock of Audrey’s hair behind her ear. “I told you I don’t feel trapped here any longer, now that it’s my choice to stay. I quite like my little house on the hill. In fact, I hope you’ll move in with me and Muse when your lease is up.”
Audrey grinned, swiping at her cheeks. “Oh my god, are we U-Hauling right now?”
Michelle scoffed, even as a smile tugged at her lips. “Hardly. We’ve been together formonthsalready. If anything, we’re moving slow by lesbian standards.”
“I’m not a lesbian, but I still love it.” It was starting to sink in now. She had finally landed a tenure-track job, and it was right here at NU, teaching one of her favorite classes. She and Michelle both had new jobs, and they were going to be so happy together.
“I’m sorry about your ceramics classes,” Michelle said.
“Me, too, but it’s okay. Maybe I can teach ceramics at the community center or something.” She paused as a new idea occurredto her. “What if I bring you in as a guest lecturer in my Women in Art class? You could teach about Eliza St. Claire.”
Michelle’s lips curved. “That might be nice.”
“And we’ll spend our summers in the UK and wherever else we want to go. It’s going to be perfect.” Audrey grabbed Michelle’s coat and pulled her in for a kiss. Her heart was absolutelyburstingwith joy.
“Oh my god!” someone squealed behind them.
Audrey turned to find Gia from the Pride Coalition standing there in a purple puffy jacket. “I knew there was a vibe between you two at the Halloween party. Sapphic kissing in the middle of the quad? I’m so here for it! Carry on ...” With a wave, she continued down the path.
Michelle chuckled. “What do you say we head home before we create any more of a spectacle of ourselves?”
“Home, yeah. I like the sound of that.” Audrey gave her another quick kiss. “So, how soon can I start moving in?”
“As soon as you like, darling. As soon as you like.”
Epilogue
Seven Months Later
Michelle’s thoughts were a whirlwind as she blew through the door into the garage, headed for her car. Audrey would be home in a few hours, but she couldn’t wait. Michelle had to see her now, and if she hurried, she’d catch her as she returned to her office from her Women in Art class.
The BMW’s tires spun on gravel as she backed out of the driveway a bit faster than she’d intended. Michelle exhaled slowly, doing her best to calm herself as she drove toward campus. The fall semester had begun two weeks ago without her, and while it had been a bit strange at first to be at home in September, she’d been so busy with the textbook she was writing, the transition had been easier than she’d expected.
Fifteen minutes later, she pulled through Northshire University’s front gates, faltering slightly as she realized she no longer had a pass allowing her to park in the faculty lot. Undeterred, she pulled into the visitor lot in front of the administration building.
The trees in the quad were beginning to change colors, bits of orange and red mixed in with the green. It was beautiful. Now that she was working from home and it no longer meant the dreaded start of a new academic year, she could truly embrace autumn as her favorite season.
“Dr. Thompson?”
She turned to see Nuala McGarry waving at her with a smile. “Hi, Nuala. How are you?”
“I’m great. You look very casual today.” She gestured at Michelle’s jeans and flannel, her new work uniform. “I heard you aren’t teaching anymore?”
“I’m not. Just here for a visit.”
“Well, good for you. Whatever you’re doing now, it obviously suits you.”
“Thank you,” Michelle said. “You know, you inspired me last year, reminding me we’re never too old to change careers. Thanks for that.”
Nuala’s eyebrows went up, and she grinned. “How about that? It’s good advice, isn’t it?”
“Very good. I hope your new path works out as well for you as mine has.”
“I do too. Nice seeing you, Dr. Thompson.”
