It Started with a Kiss

Somehow, Gemma had turned into her north star, and going back to Cornwall had only heightened that sense. Nothing had felt right there. Yet as soon as she was back in Surrey, she’d felt at peace. Places you belonged were never about the location itself. They were always about the people, the memories you held, and the ones you hoped to make. Gemma and Skye fell very much into the final category.

Gemma checked her watch. A couple of hours to sunrise. That was a whole lot of time for them to kill in their new normal. Skye had clearly thought about it, too. 'I can't really stick around all night, but I'd be happy to come back to help put out the bougies at sunrise. I don't think us spending time together now is the most ideal thing in the world, is it?' Gemma's heart stalled. This was her fault. She had no right to feel sad. Yet she did. Nothing in her head made sense. 'I promise, no kissing.' Skye gave her a sad smile. 'That's not an encouraging promise, just in case you were wondering.' Gemma winced. She wished they could work things out. That she could run a finger down Skye's porcelain cheekbones. That she could smooth the wrinkles in Skye's mind. 'I'll make you coffee, and tell you another secret about me. Something you didn't know already.' She sounded desperate. 'What if I already know more than I want?

I just don't get it. Weirdly, I am mostly over it, despite what this looks like.' Skye waved a hand in front of her face. 'It's just, these past 24 hours have been a head fuck. I knew they were together, but now they're engaged.' Skye threw up her arms. 'We were together for five years. She asked me to marry her after two, and things were great then, truly.' Skye's eyes misted over for a moment. Then she shook herself. 'We had a big wedding - at the same hotel would you believe? - and when I said my vows, I meant them. For better, for worse. In sickness and in health. I don't recall there being a vow that said, "until the next young thing comes along, and I get a better offer.' She slumped forward and rested her forehead on her fore-arm.

It was always nice to meet someone who understood exactly where you were coming from. Somebody who knew that when women dated other women, the whole idea of a sisterhood went out the window. Nobody could break your heart like a woman.

I’ve put my line in the sand.” “But you know the thing about sand? Every day, the tide comes in and washes the line away. You can draw it again, or choose not to.