Finding Gene Kelly

by Torie Jean

Locks, to me, are a symbol that even if the relationship ends poorly—and it definitely ended poorly for Lainey and Brian if the massive c-word scrawled across their lock is any indication—two people were happy enough in the moment to put a lock on a

gate, and in real life, sometimes, isn’...

My heart has found its home. I just never imagined home would be a person.

“I’m going to win you, Evie. That’s the only thing between us I’ve ever cared about. If you let me, I want every ounce of you to call to me like I’ve always called to you.”

“Whatever you need, I can’t stop you. But Evie, I need you to understand something since you’re talking like you’re somehow a fucking burden. All I’ve ever seen you as is my other half. I wasn’t thinking irrationally about this move. I know you, Peaches. And I love you. All of you. I think there’s a chance we could have something great, that maybe we could have that once-in-a-lifetime shit I never wanted to believe in, and I’m willing to take a risk for that, but I can’t force you to see that.”

Give yourself the grace you give others.

I’ve been trying to detach myself from the societal pressure that sexual intimacy is the be-all-to-end-all in a relationship. Because a relationship is a sum of its parts, not this one defining feature. Do I wish it was easy and amazing for me to have sex? Absolutely. Is that reality? Unfortunately, no. But that doesn’t mean I’m not worthy of being in a loving relationship.

The shitty thoughts I’ve been learning to tell myself are just thoughts, not reality,

“You can take care of me by letting me take care of you,” he murmurs against my skin.