Page 183 of My Real Love Affair

Austin kept my hand in his throughout the first act, occasionally leaning over to whisper something that made me giggle. His breath tickled my ear, and I had to fight to keep my attention on the stage instead of on him.

During intermission, we stretched our legs in the lobby, sipping overpriced champagne.

“What do you think so far?” I asked.

“It’s good.” He paused, searching for words. “I get why you wanted to see this.”

“You’re not just saying that? I know this is not your scene.”

“Baby girl, if I was bored, you would know. I don’t have a poker face.” He grinned. “But seriously, this is great. We should do this more often.”

“Go to shows?”

“Everything. All of it. I want to do everything with you.”

A woman approached us tentatively, her friend hanging back a few steps.

“I’m so sorry to interrupt,” she said, her cheeks flushed. “But are you Melody Stephens?”

I smiled, recognizing the familiar flutter of nerves in her voice. “I am. Hi.”

“Oh my god, I can’t believe it’s really you.” She was practically vibrating with excitement. “I just had to come say thank you. Your content changed my life. I used to hide my body in oversized clothes, thinking I needed to cover up. But watching you embrace your curves, dress in things that made you feel powerful? It gave me permission to do the same. And you look stunning tonight.”

“That means everything to me. Thank you for telling me that.”

Her friend stepped forward. “Same here. I’m a corporate lawyer, and I used to think I had to dress like a man in boring suits to be taken seriously. You showed me I could be feminine and curvy and still command a room. I’ve never felt more confident.”

I took in their outfits. “You both look incredible,” I said genuinely. “Seriously, those outfits are fire.”

Austin had stepped back slightly to give us space, but I reached for his hand, pulling him forward. “This is Austin.”

“We know who he is,” the first woman said with a laugh. “You’re a lucky man.”

“Don’t I know it,” he said, wrapping his arm around my waist. His charm was effortless and genuine as he asked them about themselves, where they were from, what they did. He made them feel seen and heard, and I fell for him a little more watching him interact with them. He was so down to earth. Humble. Easy to talk to.

“Could we maybe get a picture?” the lawyer asked. “If that’s okay?”

“Of course!”

We posed together, Austin offering to take the photo so we could all be in it. When he handed the phone back, both women were beaming.

“Thank you so much,” they said, practically in unison.

After they walked away, still giddy, Austin pulled me close and kissed my temple. “Your fans are a lot nicer than mine.”

“What do you mean?”

“Mine usually try to grab my ass like I’m a Chippendale dancer.”

I burst out laughing, earning looks from the people around us. “They do not.”

“They absolutely do.”

“Poor baby,” I teased, patting his chest. “It must be so hard being objectified.”

“It’s a burden I bear.” He was grinning now. “But seriously, that was nice. You’re really good with people.”

“Come on, let’s get back to our seats.”