I turn into him, let him lift me off the ground in a hug that's more relief than romance. "We did it."
"You did it. Your testimony, your bookstore, your belief that this mattered."
"Our win," I say, echoing his words from last night. "Always ours."
He sets me down but keeps his hands on my waist. People stream past, some stopping to congratulate us, others just staring. Let them stare. I'm done hiding what I want.
Tess clears her throat. "Media's requesting statements. You two up for it?"
Stone gazes at me. I nod. "Together."
We give a short interview on the steps, nothing fancy, just honest gratitude and hope for what comes next. The reporter asks if our relationship influenced our advocacy, and Stone answers before I can.
"My feelings for Lacy taught me what it means to be seen and valued for who you are, not what you represent. That's what this program should do for everyone."
The reporter eats it up. Tess gives me a thumbs up from behind the camera.
Afterward, we escape to a quiet coffee shop three blocks away, the kind with mismatched chairs and decent espresso. Aunt Rene orders a celebratory slice of cake, Tess gets a latte the size of her head, and Stone folds himself into a chair that's comically small for his frame.
"So what now?" Tess asks. "The program's approved, but you've got actual businesses to run."
Right. Reality rushes back in. The pop-up week depleted Stone's savings and my energy reserves. The bookstore's lease runs out in six weeks. I still don't have stable funding.
"I have a meeting tomorrow," I say. "Riverside Co-op wants to discuss a partnership."
Tess perks up. "The community space on Fourth? That's perfect for you."
"It's modest. Shared retail floor, percentage of sales instead of flat rent. But it's stable, and they specifically want local vendors with cultural programming." I glance at Stone. "They asked if I'd be interested in hosting ongoing exchange events."
"Are you?"
"Yeah. I really am."
We talk logistics until the coffee goes cold, sketching plans on napkins. Aunt Rene offers to help with weekend coverage. Tess volunteers her PR skills for the co-op partnership launch. Stone mentions that several orcs from his enclave want to sell their crafts through human retailers, and maybe the bookstore could be a pilot site.
It's not the fantasy version of success, the one where I own my building outright and never worry about bills. But it's real, and it's mine, and it's built on something that matters.
My phone goes off. Evan's name on the screen.
I excuse myself, step outside to take it. The afternoon sun's bright after the dim coffee shop.
"Hey."
"I saw the news." Evan's voice is careful, neutral. "Congratulations."
"Thanks."
Silence stretches. I wait him out.
"Look, Lacy. I meant what I said about wanting to help. The job offer still stands if you want stability. But I'm guessing you don't."
"No. I'm partnering with Riverside Co-op instead."
"Good. That's good." He exhales, and I hear the shift, the letting go. "I wanted you safe, and I confused that with small. You were never meant for small."
My throat tightens. "I'm sorry I couldn't be what you needed."
"You were exactly what I needed, for a while. We just grew different directions." A pause. "He makes you happy?"
