by Bryce Oakley
She saw how Billie and Vero fielded questions about their relationship non-stop, especially since their engagement.
Even Domino and Sabrina were asked personal questions about themselves on the red carpet.
The media was ruthless, especially about queer women.
Pia and Zoey had answered some form of, "We're keeping our relationship out of the spotlight," for the past few months. They weren't hiding anything. Zoey was unapologetically vague about her sexual identity — Vero had given her plenty of tips on how to answer those types of questions. She was still figuring it out, and she knew once she made a statement about it, that's how she'd be labelled forever. She was just as careful about that than any information about Pia.
The downside of trying to be private about their personal lives was that it made the paparazzi ten times worse.
Their homes had become their little sanctuaries, where they could spend time together sans the prying eyes.
Zoey's phone dinged with a text.
It was a picture from Freya with Meg and Isla in the background with a single line of text: Single Girl Squad takes WeHo!
Zoey laughed, showing the text to Pia. "Introducing Freya to Meg and Isla is maybe one of the most dangerous things we've ever done," she joked.
Pia smirked. "You sure you aren't missing that?" She asked.
Zoey turned so that she was facing Pia. "Remember Madonna's party? I was miserable there. It was only fun when you came along," she said, wrapping her arms around Pia's neck. "Why, are you wanting to go out? Continue your kissing bandit ways?" She giggled, pressing kisses over Pia's face.
Pia rolled her eyes. "No, I'm right where I want to be," she said.
"Even if I'm boring and tired?" Zoey asked.
"Even when you are old and grey and full of sleep, my love," Pia said.
Zoey grinned, recognizing the line from their poem.
"I do have one kind of serious question to ask you, though," Pia said.
Zoey straightened, a rush of adrenaline surging through her body. Pia wasn't going to ask her to... No, she wouldn't... Would she?
Pia laughed. "Oh my God, Zo, you don't have to look terrified just yet," she said.
"Just say it," Zoey said, steeling her nerves.
"I know it's a big step, and I know we've talked about spending this time getting to know one another out of the spotlight, and strengthen our relationship without the public, but," Pia said, pausing as if finding the right words.
Zoey's mind raced through the possibilities of what she was going to ask. "Go on," she urged as gently as possible.
"I've been asked to host the Oscars in February," Pia said quickly, as though she didn't know exactly how to say it in a more humble way. "They had to fire that comedian kind of last minute, and they asked me to do it."
"What? When?" Zoey's jaw dropped, her eyes widening. "That's fantastic!" She smiled then reached forward to wrap her arms around Pia tightly. "I'm so fucking proud of you."
Pia hugged her back, and before Zoey knew it, the dogs were getting excited and licking at their faces.
She laughed with pure joy, sitting up again. "When did you find out? We need champagne! We need to celebrate!"
"Yesterday," Pia said, beaming. "It's kind of last minute and a little overwhelming, but I'm excited."
"I can't believe you held it in that long," Zoey said, grinning. She stood up and ran into the kitchen, grabbing two flutes and a bottle of champagne out of the wine fridge.
She eyed the new toaster that Freya had given Pia — when Freya had given it to her as a Christmas present days before, they had both laughed until they nearly peed their pants, but neither of them had explained why it was so funny.
"I wanted to surprise you," Pia said.
"Well, it worked," Zoey said, sitting back down on the couch.
She handed the bottle to Pia, who opened it expertly, barely spilling any of the precious liquid. Pia poured the bubbles into the flutes and Zoey clinked hers against Pia's.
"That's not all, though," Pia said, taking a deep breath.
Zoey paused halfway to taking a sip. "What?"
"I want you to be my date," Pia said, lowering her own flute and fidgeting with the stem. "I think we're in a really good place, and I want to walk onto that red carpet with you by my side."
Zoey pressed her lips into a firm line. "You're sure? After we've been so firmly anti-public relationship?"
"I'm not saying we have to suddenly start parading down Santa Monica, but I want to celebrate what we have," Pia said, taking Zoey's hand. "I love you, and I think we're ready."
Zoey's smile softened and she reached out, running her hands through Pia's messy brown hair. "I love you, too, and I'm honored that you would want me by your side at such a special event. I'll be there," she said, nodding.
"Really?" Pia said, her eyes flashing with excitement.
"Why on earth would I miss an opportunity to wear a beautiful gown?" Zoey teased.
"I should never have doubted you," Pia joked, catching Zoey's lips in a kiss.
Zoey tasted the sweet champagne on Pia's mouth, smiling against her lips.
The kiss quickly deepened, and Zoey climbed into Pia's lap.
She pulled away, taking a sip of her bubbly. "I have an idea of how we can countdown to midnight this year," she said, adding a silly wink.
"Oh, do you? Enlighten me," Pia said.
Zoey stood up, tugging on Pia's shirt to pull her to follow.
And later, as the clock hit midnight, they lay together in Pia's gigantic bed, naked, sated, and peacefully asleep in one another's arms.
Thank you!
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Acknowledgments
I am completely indebted to my sister for all of her editing, discussions, and late night texts asking her about plot points. Anda, you are incredible and this book would not have been written without you.
M, thank you for picking up all of the slack in terms of chores, cooking, and our social lives. I deeply appreciate all that you sacrifice for me to write, and I also appreciate you always pointing out plot holes to me, even when I tell you otherwise.
Madison Steele, write your damn book already.
Thank you to everyone who listened to me talk about this book. The LesFic community is an amazing one.
Most importantly, thank you to everyone who came along on Zoey and Pia’s adventure. Until next time.
About the Author
Bryce grew up in the mountains of Colorado with a taste for adventure and a head full of clouds. She never grew out of either.
She lives in Denver with her partner, two adorable rescue dogs who definitely eat sky jalapeños, and a very opinionated cat.
Also by Bryce Oakley
Undone
Bewilder
Most Wonderful