The Seat Filler

by Sariah Wilson

“You know, when I said that thing about women falling at my feet, I didn’t mean for it to be an invitation.”

If you don’t want us to love the villains and root for their redemption, then why do you give them soulful eyes, muscled chests, disheveled hair, and heartbreaking backstories? I’m just not that strong.”

“Having worked with so many doors in my profession, I can tell you this—that’s the thing about doors. Once you close them, they’re designed to be opened again.”

“This was very thoughtful.” “You’re easy to think of.”

Zoe gave me a knowing look and then patted me on my arm. “If anyone knows how you’re feeling, it’s me. Because I’ve been there, done that, and given the way he is staring at you right now, you are in very deep trouble.”

But I can’t spend all my time looking back and reliving the worst parts of my life.”

“That’s not really my thing. I’m more of a violently-struggle-against-the-flow type of person.”

“I don’t know what I’d do without chocolate.” “My guess is twenty-five to life.”

“You’re supposed to think of five things you can see, four things you can feel, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, one thing you can taste. When your mind is racing, going through those steps is supposed to bring you back to the present so you can focus on what’s happening to you physically instead of being caught up in your brain. And deep breathing is supposed to help, too.”

“Black, like my soul.”

“You’re delightful, do you know that?” “Did you just call me delightful? I’m not your four-year-old granddaughter.” “Sorry not sorry,” he said while shrugging. “It’s how you make me feel. You delight me.”

But it feels like I’ve been waiting an entire lifetime for you to touch me like this.”