Page 35 of Hiss and Tell
“I think,” I tell him, reaching for his hand, “you just reminded everyone why children’s programming is worth saving. And why you’re worth believing in.”
His smile is soft and grateful and tinged with something deeper. Through our growing connection, I feel his realization that he’s not fighting alone anymore.
“Now we wait for their verdict,” he says.
“Yes. Now we wait,” I agree. “Together.”
The moment we pick Milo up from daycare, he slips his hand into Sebastian’s free hand, linking the three of us together.
“Did we win?” he asks.
“We showed them what matters,” Sebastian tells him. “Sometimes that’s the most important victory of all.”
As we walk toward home, still connected by clasped hands and shared purpose, I realize Milo’s question has an answer that goes beyond budget decisions.
Yes, we won. We won something much more valuable than funding.
We won each other.
Chapter Twenty-One
Aspen
Friday morning drags by with the sluggish pace of waiting for news that could change everything. Sebastian’s presentation was on Wednesday, and the mayor promised a decision by Friday. Two days feel like an eternity when you’re waiting to find out if the person you’re falling for will keep the job that makes him light up with purpose.
I look at the time for the hundredth time today. 1:00. Five agonizing minutes since the last time I looked. I’m reorganizing my already-organized client files for the third time when my phone buzzes.
Sebastian:Still no word. Jenny says she’ll call the moment she hears anything. Trying not to pace holes in the children’s section.
Me:Want company? I could bring coffee and help you not pace.
Sebastian:Actually… yes. That would be perfect.
Twenty minutes later, I arrive at the library with two coffee cups and find Sebastian exactly where I expected—reorganizing the picture book section with unusual intensity. His snakes mirror his restless energy, shifting between confident postures and anxious coils.
“Any sections left unorganized?” I ask, settling into one of the tiny reading chairs.
“I’ve alphabetized everything twice and color-coordinated the easy readers.” He accepts the coffee gratefully. “Mrs. Randall stopped by an hour ago with her clipboard, taking notes about something. She looked… smug.”
“That’s not necessarily bad. Maybe she’s planning your victory party.”
Sebastian’s snakes droop skeptically, and I have to admit they have a point.
“When does Milo get out of school?”
“Two-thirty. Miss Lee said he can stay for the extended day program if needed, but honestly? I think his being here might be good luck. He’s been asking about the ‘big meeting’ for two days.”
“He understands this is important to you.”
“He understands this is important to us,” I correct, surprising myself with the admission. “He keeps asking if the council people will make you stop being our Sebastian.”
Sebastian’s expression softens. “And what do you tell him?”
“That some things are stronger than council meetings. That the people who matter most already know your worth.”
Before Sebastian can respond, Jenny appears at the edge of the children’s section with a phone in her hand and an expression I can’t read.
“Sebastian? Mayor Harrison would like to speak with you.”
