Page 73 of Holly Jolly July

After washing and preparing for bed, it’s nearing two in the morning, but I’m still not tired. I snuggle up on the couch and open my phone to rewatch our video over and over. I relish the moment of Ellie being close, of her nose gliding up my throat, of the way she looks at my lips, the way our eyes meet, and Iknow—I justknow—that the video captured something new and beautiful and uncertain. Somethingreal.

An ache grows within me, a need for more, to relive that moment. But not until it’s just the two of us and no uncertainty and no cameras, to fully explore that spark, to see where it leads. My imagination takes me further, to all the places I’d kiss, how I’d trail my fingers along Ellie’s delicate collarbone, up her neck, along her jaw, then down lower, relishing every inch of her skin. When my body can no longer take the temptation, I slip my hand between my legs and rock against myself, rubbing circles slowly at first, then faster, until I find quiet release, mouth muffled against my pillow, and finally drift off to sleep.

Interstitial

Int. Brewed Awakening Café - Day

Annie storms into the café, angry.

Kate is behind the till. There are no other customers.

ANNIE

Do you know where your boss is?

KATE

No, sorry, last I saw he was with you.

What’s wrong?

ANNIE

He left us! He abandoned my nephew and me at

the park. I’m not from here and it took me an

hour to find my way home.

KATE

Oh my goodness, I’m so sorry!

ANNIE

I didn’t have my phone on me and we wandered around for an hour. It was cold and the sun sets so early this time of year. I was so scared, and I worried my sister sick!

KATE

I’m so glad you two are okay. You know,

I saw you walk by earlier and I should

have said something.

ANNIE

Said what?

KATE

He... Look, James avoids babies, okay? They’re a sensitive spot for him. When I saw

you two out with your nephew I thought it

would be okay, maybe it’s been enough time.

I was wrong.

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