Thirty-Six Evelyn
I followed Vanessa around as she introduced me to her friends, unable to stop smiling every time she referred to me as her girlfriend.
After a while, I slipped away for a break from all the socializing.
Standing by the window, everyone blurred together as I thought back over the last few days.
Offers had come in from several universities in Illinois, New York, and Wisconsin.
The holidays had been spent with my girlfriend.
It was hard to remember the last time life had felt this good, or if it ever truly had.
I took out my phone to answer a few New Year's messages from coworkers before sending more personal ones to Meghan and Blair. Blair and her boyfriend had gotten engaged after working things out, and even Meghan had found someone to spend the holidays with.
One last glance through my email seemed harmless enough. I'd been using it more often lately to keep in touch with relatives anyway.
Halfway down my inbox, one message made my breath catch. It had arrived before the holidays. The university in Seattle.
Everything seemed to narrow around that single subject line.
This was the missing piece. The decision that would shape what happened next.
Not only was the location ideal, but it was the most prestigious of the bunch as a whole. Though it lacked the strongest IT department, its pros outweighed each and every one of the other universities.
I took a few deep breaths, using the newest grounding method Vanessa taught me, before opening my eyes to read it.
We are delighted to inform you—
I clasped a hand to my mouth, holding back a squeal at the gloriously written acceptance. Although I shouldn't have been spending my New Year’s worrying about jobs, I couldn't help but read every last detail of their offer.
The moment I finished, I set off through the crowd in search of Vanessa.
She wasn't difficult to find.
Even from behind, she stood out. Her rich voice carried easily over the conversations around her, her posture was poised as ever, and her vibrant hair, always worn in the most sophisticated of styles. All the same as the day she first enticed me.
Just like that day, I stood watching from afar, trying to find the right opening rather than interrupt.
While everyone's eyes remained on Vanessa, she turned directly around as if sensing my presence.
A small smile crossed her face as she held out her hand.
I slipped mine into it, letting her draw me effortlessly into the conversation. We chatted for a few minutes before she excused us with practiced ease, leading me away before I ever had to ask.
"What have you been dying to tell me, sweetheart?"
"The university in Seattle—it worked out. I just saw the email."
"Was the offer as strong as the others? Comparable salary, benefits, and compensation?" she asked in a neutral turn.
“Yes,” I said, unable to hold back my smile. “Actually... it's stronger.” I didn't go into detail, not wanting to take up our time here worrying about a decision I had a while to make.
She studied my face for another moment.
"Sweetheart, there's clearly more.” Whatever restraint she'd been exercising moments earlier had given way. “Stop being modest and go on."
Her eyes had already brightened. Not because it meant I'd stay, but because she'd reached the same conclusion I had. This wasn't merely good for us. It was good for me.
"Not just stronger," I corrected. "Much stronger. They offered me startup funding for technology, workshops, and developing entirely new courses of my choosing. They want me to take a lead role in expanding the department."
My voice caught.
Reading the email hadn't made me cry.
Saying it out loud to someone who understood exactly what it meant somehow did.
Before another word could leave my mouth, Vanessa wrapped me in her arms.
A few tears escaped despite my best efforts, but this time they came with relief.
I'd worked so hard for this.
And I wasn't going to have to leave her after all.
"Nessie, we're starting the New Year's countdown, so you quite literally have two minutes to get to the living room," Elizabeth announced as she appeared around the corner, completely oblivious to the moment she'd interrupted.
I laughed quietly, wiping at my eyes before reluctantly pulling away. Just as I started to follow Elizabeth, Vanessa caught my hand.
She led me in the opposite direction.
"Where are you taking me?" I asked as she retrieved both of our coats from the hall closet, draping mine over my shoulders before taking my hand again.
She only smiled.
Instead of returning to the party, she guided me up the main staircase. The sounds of the celebration grew fainter as we crossed the second-floor hallway. At the end, she unlocked a pair of tall glass doors and held one open for me.
A rush of crisp winter air greeted us.
The balcony overlooked the city, now glittering beneath the night's darkness.
Before I could ask why we'd come up here, the first firework burst overhead.
A brilliant bloom of gold spread across the sky, followed by deep sapphire and crimson that shimmered against the clouds. Another exploded moments later, then another, each illuminating Vanessa's face in shifting colors.
"Nessa, this is—"
She silenced me with a kiss.
All alone, we made out, her kissing me with her usual intoxicating passion and something else—something still left unsaid.
Her fingers slid through the gold and aquamarine choker that without fail, always adorned my neck.
As the finale of fireworks began, she gently pulled me back by the slender metal band. It always proved to be stronger than it looked.
"I didn't want to lose you," she whispered, her vulnerability a secret meant only for me.
"I didn't want to leave you."
She cupped my cheeks with her hands, her warm presence engulfing me as the crackling fireworks in the distance faded.
"Sweetheart, you are mine. Completely and unconditionally."
She paused, before letting herself cross one final threshold.
"I love you, Evelyn.”