Chapter 30 - Not Pretending Anymore
Ginny stood in the middle of another glittering ballroom.
Fairy lights draped the ceiling. Crystal centerpieces caught the glow. A live quartet played something soft and romantic near the stage.
Normally, she would be running around fixing details.
Tonight—
She wasn't working.
She was attending.
With Jayna.
The difference felt surreal.
"Stop adjusting that," Jayna murmured beside her.
Ginny blinked down at her own dress. "I'm not—"
"You just tried to realign a napkin that is perfectly aligned."
Ginny huffed. "Occupational reflex."
Jayna's fingers slid gently around her wrist, lowering her hand.
"There," she said softly. "You're off duty."
The simple touch sent warmth up Ginny's arm.
God, she loved that.
Not the dramatic kisses.
Not the public confession.
This.
The quiet grounding.
They stood near the entrance for a moment, side by side.
No tension.
No pretending.
Just... ease.
Across the room, Apple waved wildly from the bar. TK stood beside her, dramatically wiping fake tears as if witnessing a royal romance.
Ginny rolled her eyes. "They're insufferable."
"They adore you," Jayna corrected.
Ginny glanced at her.
Jayna looked relaxed in a charcoal suit, sleeves slightly rolled, one hand casually resting in her pocket.
There was no guarded distance anymore.
No careful politeness.
Just warmth.
Ginny leaned slightly closer.
"You're staring," Jayna said without looking at her.
"I'm allowed to," Ginny replied. "You're my girlfriend."
Jayna turned then, raising an eyebrow. "Is that what I am?"
Ginny grinned slowly. "Do you prefer fiancée?"
Jayna laughed softly.
There it was again.
The sound Ginny once thought she could live without.
She couldn't.
They moved further into the ballroom, greeting familiar faces. A few people who'd witnessed the gym confession were present, watching them with knowing smiles.
Mable approached, elegant as always.
"You clean up well," she told Ginny coolly.
Ginny smirked. "You say that like you doubted me."
"I did," Mable replied honestly.
Jayna sighed. "Mable."
Mable's gaze softened slightly. "But I was wrong."
She turned to Ginny. "Don't make me regret that."
Ginny nodded seriously. "I won't."
This time, it wasn't bravado.
It was promise.
Mable gave a small approving nod and walked away.
Jayna watched her go, then looked back at Ginny.
"You nervous?" Jayna asked.
"About?"
"Being seen like this."
Ginny followed her gaze.
Hands intertwined.
Fingers laced naturally.
No performance.
No act.
She squeezed Jayna's hand.
"No," she said honestly. "Not anymore."
The band shifted into a slower song.
Couples began drifting toward the dance floor.
Jayna tilted her head slightly. "Dance with me?"
Ginny scoffed playfully. "In public? How scandalous."
Jayna tugged her gently anyway.
They stepped onto the floor.
No grand spotlight.
No announcement.
Just movement.
Ginny wrapped her arms around Jayna's shoulders. Jayna's hands settled at her waist.
Closer.
Comfortable.
Their foreheads brushed lightly.
"You're calmer," Jayna murmured.
"I'm choosing," Ginny corrected softly.
Jayna smiled at that.
"I like this version of you."
Ginny's chest tightened. "She's been here the whole time."
"I know."
The music swelled gently around them.
Ginny studied Jayna's face.
No hesitation now.
No distance.
Just someone who had stayed steady long enough for her to catch up.
"I meant what I said," Ginny whispered.
"I know."
"I wasn't pretending."
"I know."
Ginny exhaled slowly.
The fear that once ruled her felt smaller now.
Not gone.
But manageable.
Because she wasn't running anymore.
She pulled back slightly, eyes playful again.
"So," she said. "We're not engaged anymore..."
Jayna raised an eyebrow.
"No?"
Ginny smiled softly.
"We're worse."
Jayna's dimples appeared instantly. "Worse?"
Ginny leaned in, brushing her lips lightly against Jayna's before answering.
"We're in love."
Jayna didn't hesitate.
She kissed her again—slow, warm, chosen.
Not for show.
Not for proof.
Just because she wanted to.
And this time—
Neither of them pulled away out of fear.