I Could Be Yours (Toronto Terror)

by Helena Hunting

For all fairytale lovers, the lovers of love, the hopeless romantics, and the underestimated.

I spin, and the excessively poofy skirt flares, returning to the appropriate location. I bet it looks so cool.

“Take your broody asshole down a notch, Nathan. Your black cloud is dimming my shine.” I brush past him. I can’t let him get to me.

“Fuck.” She throws her hands in the air. “We are going to die in here.” “That’s highly improbable.” But there is a chance we could be in here for a while.

He looks like he was carved out of marble and brought to life. Their level of attractiveness matches. I immediately dislike him.

The more time I spend with Essie, the more intrigued I become. Sure she bounces back after heartbreak, but it still hurts her. I could see it on her face, feel it in her stiff posture. How many scars does her heart have? How deep are they?

“I’m not complaining.” Kodiak’s phone is in his hand. He’s probably texting his wife. He spent ninety percent of the flight trying to get her to link pinkies with him across the aisle.

There’s such vulnerability lurking under that dark-cloud façade. I feel like I’m seeing a very different version of this man, one I want more of. I’m so used to staying, even when I shouldn’t, but I can give him connection without letting him take my heart.

He pats me on the shoulder. “I’m going to leave you and your sexual frustration to fester.”

“Essie sees beauty in everything and knows exactly how to enhance it.” He gazes down at me, expression intense. “But you’re not an alchemist; you’re a chemist and a creative.”

Nate frowns. “What are you doing?” “I have a dinner date with Trixie Rixie.” “You’re leaving?” “I’ll see you in forty-eight hours.” He links our pinkies and drops his head. “When will you be done with dinner?” “I don’t know.” I kiss his cheek. “Stay hungry for me.”

“I’m so glad all my friends are here with me!” Rix is channeling her inner exclamation mark.

I have my heart set on the fairy tale. I want someone who believes that love conquers all. I want a family and a cat named Teacup and a dog named Sparkles. I want romance and eventually babies and growing old and wrinkly together. I want someone who will love me even when the beauty fades.

Lexi shrugs. “Technically I know I’m your stepmom, which is all kinds of weird for both of us, but I view you as a friend. I will never repeat any of this to Roman, because it’s better that he lives in the land of make-believe where you do none of the things the rest of us do with our partners behind closed doors.” Hammer hugs Lexi. “I appreciate you.”

I’m desperate for some kind of magic recipe for relationship success.

Your devotion to each other has made me want to be a better person for myself and the people I love. I adore you both. I’ll always be in your corner, rooting for you. Thank you for sharing your hearts with all of us.”

The walls between us are crumbling, and I see so clearly the man before me. His shattered heart is in my hands, and I desperately want to mend the broken parts of him.

Anyone lucky to be in your orbit knows that you’re wickedly smart, and kind, and generous, and the space in your heart is limitless.

“The deepest, truest love comes to us when we’ve learned how to fight for it. When we know each other’s imperfections and our own, and can love ourselves and our partner wholly.

“How’s therapy?” He exhales a long breath. “That good, eh?” I laugh, but I’m nervous. “Half the time it’s as if she can read my mind. Like, how dare she know me so well already, you know? What is she, a witch?” He chuckles. “Mostly it’s good, though, even though it’s hard.”

“Thank you for taking care of your heart so we can be good at taking care of each other’s.”