Elevator Pitch

by Evelyn Leigh

I’m a people pleaser in recovery. We prioritize everyone else’s happiness, even strangers who don’t mean anything to us. It’s just in our nature. Externally, I’m too fucking nice. Internally, I’m a badass like the women in my family. I struggle with displaying both sides in a way that is healthy for me.

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“Listen, ma’am. I don’t have anywhere to be, but if you’re going to keep eye fucking me…I’d appreciate it if you’d ask me my name.”

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You grabbed my attention and held onto it, all while you were focused on that novel. I wanted to earn your gaze.”

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“I’ve seen you do things to spreadsheets that make my pants tight.”

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“You want to buy me smut books?” “Yes.” “Paperback or hardcover?” “Anything you fucking want.”

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I’ve read a few romances she’s recommended, and I think this is what they call a slow burn. I can wait. The fire will be rewarding.

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“How do I look at her?” “Like if you blink, she’ll disappear. You look at her like you’ve found the peace you’ve been looking for all this time.”

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I need to give myself permission to let him love me while I’m still a work in progress.

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I wasn’t prepared for you. I didn’t even get a warning. You actually didn’t knock on my door at all. You used a battering ram and brought donuts,”

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