One Last Job

by Anise Starre

He takes a step closer to me, invading my personal space again. “Those were your design concepts, weren’t they, Amber?” Yes, I want to scream. Yes. Yes. Yes. They were mine.

“Don’t stay with someone that makes you feel small. Eventually, you’ll start to believe it.

“Okay, darling.” She rolls her eyes. “No.” “Why not, pet?” “Gross.” “What about hon, hon?” “Stop it.” “No, sweetheart.” “I—” Her voice catches in her throat and I smile. That’s the one. Sweetheart.

“You don’t have to do that around me, sweetheart.” I’m not going to dismiss you. I’m not going to make you feel like your wins don’t matter.

humour me,” I continue. “Let me still act like I’m the one in charge around here.” “As long as we both know it’s just an act.” “I’m well aware, sweetheart.”

“I’m going to marry you one day, Amber.” He says it so simply, like it’s a given fact of life. The sky is blue, the Earth is round and, one day, Finn Hawthorne is going to marry me. “I thought it made sense to get a start on our dream home.”