Happy Medium

by Sarah Adler

Because the other rule she lives by, the one that’s unwritten but perhaps more important, is that the beautiful, masterful pictures she paints are only for other people. Not for her.

“Hm. Well, the first thing you need to know about Charlie Waybill is that he’s a genuine good egg. And his yolk’s real runny.” Gretchen grimaces. “What’s that mean? It sounds gross.” “It means he’s got the softest heart.”

Everett hovers his hand over her knee, motioning up and down. “Imagine I’m patting your leg affectionately,” he says, “to demonstrate that I hold you in great esteem despite your flaws.”

“Mm, yeah, no. I can’t deal with you using Guy Fieri catchphrases.” “Well, that’s not very Flavortown of you,” he says, frowning.

The man is a flame. But maybe she is too. Hopefully, she doesn’t misstep and burn it all down.

“Acorn suits you,” he says after a brief silence. His fingers continue combing through her hair, periodically tugging on a strand, making her body buzz all over again. “A little thing, tough on the outside, a world of potential within.”