Bend for Me

by Jessica Yeh

  Melody nodded. “Jordan told me about the fitting for his tux and that you went along with him and the guys. You didn’t have to.”

  Kadence smiled, brushing it off with a wave of her delicate hand. “It was fun! The gold vests are going to look so classy. Don’t worry, everything for your big day is going to be just fine.”

  “Yeah…” Melody trailed off as her eyes found Jordan.

  “Now look who’s being gross.” Kadence’s teasing earned her a noogie and a head full of messy hair.

  ***

  The group concluded the evening by stargazing into the night sky. Lola and Jayce huddled in the hammock, a blanket draped over their legs as they shared a canister of hot tea. Danny found a tree to sit against, Emma settled in front of him, between his legs as she leaned her back into his chest. Melody and Jordan were propped against a fallen log, the bride-to-be resting her head on her fiancé’s shoulder. Kadence and Avery remained on their own blanket, lying side by side.

  Kadence wanted to reach out and clasp their hands together, but they hadn’t discussed where they stood in terms of public displays of affection. She opted for subtle, just barely extending her pinky to rub against Avery’s wrist. Their eyes met as Avery turned her head. The stars seemed far duller in comparison to the brightness of Avery’s smile, white teeth glowing in the moonlight.

  “You tired?”

  Avery shook her head, but a yawn escaped from her lips at the suggestion of sleep.

  Kadence stifled a giggle behind her hand before pushing herself upright. “I think we’re going to call it a night.”

  A chorus of goodnights rung out amongst the band of friends as they shook off their blanket. Avery grabbed one set of corners while Kadence grabbed the other, walking toward one another to meet in the middle.

  “Hey.”

  “Hi.”

  Avery grinned. Kadence grinned. No one else noticed. She bit back a smile as they returned to their tent, and Avery kicked off her shoes. Kadence chuckled, straightening them next to her own while Avery zipped the tent flap. Avery flipped the switch on the small lantern in the corner of their tent before turning sheepishly to Kadence.

  “Look.” She revealed a large leaf that had been chewed up by the insects in the forest.

  “Avery, why did you bring that in here?”

  Avery quickly rearranged the light, holding the leaf just in front of the source, creating different sized specks that danced on the interior of the tent.

  “Now we have our own stars.”

  Green eyes soaked in her makeshift skyline before locking with amber eyes.

  “Beautiful.” The single word escaped her lips with a catch of breath.

  Avery’s cheeks turned pink. “Cuddle?”

  Kadence chuckled. “Of course.”

  They arrange themselves into a comfortable position. Avery’s arm secured around Kadence’s hip, both women snuggled under the blankets so far that only their noses poked out.

  “Cold feet.” Avery nudged Kadence.

  “What?” Kadence hummed sleepily.

  “You have cold feet,” Avery whispered.

  Kadence loved how easily their limbs had tangled together. She slid her hand across Avery’s leg, fingers pressed to the warm skin. “Not about this. Not about you.” With her eyes still closed, she pressed her feet against Avery’s warm shin. Everything in her heart vibrated as Avery dropped a kiss onto Kadence’s cheek.

  “Goodnight, Kae.”

  “Goodnight, Avery.”

  ***

  A low grumble and the tossing and turning of Avery in her arms brought her out of her slumber. Kadence inhaled sharply before rubbing at her eyes. “I take it back, there are bears here,” she muttered, rubbing her thumb on Avery’s skin as she cuddled closer. “Quiet down, little bear.”

  “Sorry.” Avery apologized into the darkness. “Go back to sleep. It’ll pass.”

  When Avery’s stomach growled, Kadence tied her hair into a messy bun as she retrieved her phone. She then proceeded to use the flashlight application to assist her as she squinted, eyes adjusting to the brightness as she shuffled through her belongings. Within seconds, she produced a can of spaghetti, tossing it in Avery’s direction.

  Avery popped open the top, eyes widening at the sight of processed tomato and sodium drenched noodles. Kadence sat beside her, leaning her body into Avery’s as she handed her a spoon. Avery started munching away. Kadence switched off the light, resting her head on Avery’s shoulder as she rested her eyes.

  “Thank you.”

  Kadence nodded with a hum.

  “Want some?”

  “Bleh.” Kadence squished her face in disgust.

  “It’s good.”

  Kadence let out a puff of air through her nose in disapproval.

  “You sure you don’t wanna try some?”

  Kadence replied with a grunt.

  A cold, sticky material slithered between her lips.

  “Avery,” Kadence sat up with a yelp, smacking her lips as Avery unsuccessfully suppressed her laughter.

  “Sorry. I couldn’t resist.” Avery grinned, finishing off the spoonful of pasta that Kadence had batted away.

  “Oh, that’s it.” Lithe fingers snatched the utensil from her hand. She scooped up her own spoonful, aiming for Avery’s face.

  “No,” Avery squealed, tripping as she attempted to untuck her legs from the sleeping bag. Kadence followed quickly, chasing her around the tent. They looked absolutely mad, falling on one another and their belongings in the confined space. They were so distracted by their foolish antics that they failed to notice the tent flap opening until the beam of a flashlight scanned across them.

  “What the?” Emma looked between them. A can of shaving cream was nestled in her hand.

  “What are you doing?” Avery pointed to the aerosol.

  “What are you doing?”

  “We were having a spaghetti fight.” Kadence grimaced at how ridiculous it sounded.

  “Uhh, okay. Cause that’s normal.”

  “You still haven’t told us what you’re doing up,” Avery pointed out, ignoring the jab.

  “Well, I was gonna prank you. I already got Jayce, and I wouldn’t dare do Melody, so you were next on the list.” She smiled evilly, holding up the spray can.

  “Psh, you’re gonna have to do better than that,” Avery challenged lightly.

  “Yeah.” Emma snorted. “Not sure if I want to. I’d rather have caught you two making out. That would have been way less weird than whatever you’re doing.”

  Kadence felt her face flush.

  “Go away,” Avery groaned, taking her spoon and holding it between her fingers, ready to fling the spaghetti at the intruder.

  The tent flap closed a second later as Kadence let out a nervous chuckle.

  “Well, that was…”

  Avery rubbed the back of her neck. “Yeah. Do you think we should tell her?”

  “Do you?”

  Avery shrugged. “I guess she’ll figure it out eventually.”

  “True.” Kadence nodded. They re-zipped the tent door, attaching the interior lock this time.

  Kadence let her finish up her meal before they settled back into their previous position. “You wouldn’t have anyway.”

  “Wouldn’t have what?”

  “Wasted canned spaghetti by throwing it at Emma.”

  Avery’s lips turned up at that. “You’re right.” She snuggled closer. “I only give it up to people I like.”

  Kadence chuckled. They laid silent. Along with the crickets, Kadence chirped the faintest “I like you, too.”

  ***

  They made it exactly eighteen hours before anyone suspected anything, or at least, that was what Kadence thought. She had kept enough distance from Avery during their hike, mainly because Avery had lagged in the back with Lola while she and Melody marched up front with Emma, Jordan, and Danny.

  They were fine at breakfast. They shared the same log as they sat by the fire, but so
did all of the other couples. It was the only logical option. Kadence believed everything had been discrete, even her stolen glances at Avery. But as the group started to say their goodbyes, Kadence leaned to place a kiss on Avery’s cheek, as Avery turned and pressed forward. Their lips met just in time for the entire group to witness their unintentional display of affection, garnering a vast array of reactions.

  “I fucking knew it.” Emma pointed between them while Danny hushed her, adding he was happy for them both.

  Jayce congratulated Avery with a muttered finally and a friendly thumbs up to Kadence while his girlfriend raised her brows.

  Jordan smiled while Melody pretended to violently retch, shouting gross as she gagged.

  But to be honest, the best reaction, was Avery’s, who simply leaned forward, and kissed her square on the mouth again.

  Chapter Twenty-six

  THEY ALTERNATED BETWEEN ONE another’s apartments. On the days when they were at Avery’s place, they spent the majority of the time in the studio, Avery drafting ideas and Kadence working on paperwork or wedding tasks. At Kadence’s, they would cook together, watch television, or just enjoy the other’s company. Occasionally, Avery would dash to the kitchen to grab a napkin to doodle if she suddenly came up with an idea for her showcase, but all in all, things were easy.

  “So, how’s the speech writing going?” Avery asked as Kadence rounded the couch, handing her a plate. While Kadence settled into the corner of the couch, Avery took a bite of the meal Kadence had prepared. She pulled Kadence’s legs into her lap. It was a recently developed habit of theirs that they sought comfort in, partially because Avery loved Kadence’s legs, but also because she just liked having Kadence close. She set the plate with her lunch on the armrest, using her left to eat her sandwich while the right rested against Kadence’s shins.

  Kadence chewed and swallowed before answering. “It’s okay.” She shrugged, but Avery saw the turmoil behind her eyes. “I keep rewriting it. I just think I’m overthinking it. Every time I think it’s good, I come up with something else, or remember that I forgot something and have to rewrite it.”

  Avery rubbed her knee. “It’s a lot of pressure. I can try to help, if you want. Though I’m not very good at expressing myself unless it’s with a paintbrush.”

  Kadence gave an appreciative smile before her face lit up. “Actually, speaking of, I was thinking…” she trailed off with an impish smile that had Avery both nervous and excited.

  “Uhh oh. Don’t hurt yourself now,” Avery jested lightheartedly.

  Kadence balled up her napkin and threw it in Avery’s face in retaliation, kicking her feet to nudge Avery in the side. Avery shrieked, squirming as her ribs tingled from her most ticklish area being stimulated.

  “Okay! Uncle! I’m sorry, continue.”

  Kadence gave a satisfied grin as Avery retreated. “As I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted,” Kadence rolled her eyes and a gave subtle smile. “I’ve dragged you to yoga willingly and unwillingly.”

  “Mostly unwillingly.”

  “Exactly. So, I was thinking that maybe we could do something more along your line, like…I don’t know. I was hoping maybe we could paint together.” Green eyes shone with sincerity. “I know it’s your thing. And it’s personal so I understand if—"

  “Yes!”

  Kadence’s face brightened with eagerness. “Really?”

  “Absolutely. Just let me know when and I’ll—”

  “Does now work?”

  Before Avery could reply, Kadence was already swinging her legs off her lap, grabbing both of their plates before leading Avery to her bedroom.

  “Wait, aren’t we going to my—”

  Kadence stood next to an arrangement of newly wrapped canvases, an assortment of paints, brushes, and pallet, all resting on top of a large tarp on the floor.

  “Kadence,” Avery said breathlessly, in awe from the sweet gesture.

  “I know it’s not your studio or anything professional, but I just thought you’d like to have some supplies here, too. You know, in case you get inspired. That way you don’t have to keep drawing on napkins or searching for random pieces of paper I have lying around the apartment.”

  The way Kadence chewed her lip was so adorable. Avery’s chest swelled. “I…I’m…I…” She fought the three words threatening to blurt from her mouth.

  Kadence grinned. “Very articulate. You’re right. Words are not your forte.”

  Avery opted to express her feelings in another way. She stepped toward Kadence, wrapping her in her arms before leaning to press her lips against Kadence’s plump ones. The world stopped spinning and her heart pounded against her ribs.

  Kadence, having finally recovered from the momentary surprise, moved in tandem, lacing her hands behind Avery’s neck. Avery let her fingers trail to the small of Kadence’s back, pressing her palms to bring them even closer. When Kadence broke again, she loosened her hold, only to find emerald eyes locked on her.

  “Wow.” Kadence breathed as the syllable left her tongue. Somehow it was both powerful and gentle at the same time, reverberating in her ear.

  “I’m inspired.” Avery ran her fingers up and down the ridges of Kadence’s spine.

  Kadence flushed so red Avery could feel the heat emanating from her cheeks as she pressed her lips to each of them, then her forehead, and finally against her nose. Kadence’s arms dropped to encircle her waist.

  “We should start while your inspiration is still fresh on your mind.”

  Avery smiled. It’ll take more than a few seconds for that feeling to disappear. But she obliged. They changed into some old T-shirts and settled on the floor, legs crossed under them as they start to unwrap the new supplies.

  “So, what are you thinking of painting?”

  Kadence stared blankly at the vast amount of white space in front of her while Avery, in contrast, had already laid out the entire landscape of her painting.

  “I don’t know.” Kadence tapped her brush against her knee. “You’re right. Coming up with ideas is hard.”

  “Why don’t we start with something simple like flowers or a bowl of fruit?”

  “Flowers would work.”

  “Okay, do you have a specific kind in mind?” Avery asked, already pulling out her phone.

  Kadence pondered for a moment. “Pink roses.”

  “All right.” Avery searched for a reference photo. She sketched the general form of a rose on Kadence’s canvas for her to use as her guide.

  “There you go.”

  After a few minutes, Avery observed Kadence’s posture and the frown on her face.

  “You all right?”

  “Yeah, I just don’t think I’m doing this right.” The green-eyed beauty shrugged. Avery found herself frowning.

  “May I?” Avery tilted her chin at the painting.

  “Please.” Kadence handed her the brush. Avery shook her head, flipping it back into position and gently readjusting the tool where it rested in Kadence’s grip. She then placed her hand on Kadence’s, guiding it to the canvas.

  “Don’t hold it so tightly. You should hold it kinda loose, but like a pencil. Keep your hand a little higher on the brush.” Avery gave a few light strokes with a darker shade of pink. She used her free hand to uncap a bit of maroon and black. She swirled the color until it reached the right hue and consistency before returning their joined hands to the canvas. She used the deep tone to add depth and shadows to the piece.

  “Oh, wow! It looks so much better already.”

  Avery blushed, turning her attention to her own painting, allowing Kadence to experiment with her brush strokes.

  After another half hour, Kadence decided to take a break and observe Avery’s progress. “I can’t believe you did all that in less than an hour! Why doesn’t mine look like that?”

  “Just need a little more practice,” Avery encouraged the sulking beginner.

  “Or…” Kadence smirked. “Maybe I just have a crappy teacher
who is hiding all her talent for herself.”

  Avery gasped. “Well, maybe you’re just a shitty student.”

  “No, you are most definitely a shittier student.” Kadence laughed, contorting into what was, admittedly, an accurate imitation of Avery attempting to do a basic yoga pose. Kadence wobbled, falling to the floor with a dramatic thud.

  “I already told you, I like it on the ground,” Avery threw back, pointing her brush at Kadence. Except Kadence moved at the same time to resituate herself, causing the brush to go straight to her face, streaking a deep green line across the rise of her cheekbone.

  “Oh,” Kadence grinned. “It’s so on now.”

  “Kadence,” Avery gasped as Kadence lunged for her. “It was an accident.” Her cries went ignored as Kadence wrestled her to the ground. Avery’s hat was knocked off as her back hit the floor. Admitting defeat, Avery relented to letting her smear a glob of pink across her forehead.

  “There. Now we’re even.” Kadence grinned, quite pleased with herself.

  Avery rolled her eyes before sitting up. Kadence refused to budge from her position, minimizing the distance between their faces, just centimeters apart. Amber eyes tracked between green crystals and inviting pink lips before deciding on the latter. She tucked a fallen strand behind Kadence’s ear, cupping Kadence’s cheek and bringing them together for a slow and tender kiss. Her thumb glided in the damp paint on her face, and she felt Kadence smile into her mouth.

  When they broke apart, it took a moment for either of them to fully open their eyes, blinking slowly. Avery swallowed at the sight of Kadence’s heavy lids, holding her gaze as they flickered with flaming adoration.

  “You know, paint is a pretty good look on you.”

  Kadence didn’t miss a beat, the corner of her lips tilting to the side. “Maybe, but it’s perfect on you.”

  Avery’s simple reply was to kiss until the paint evened out on both sides. Even with the clashing colors across her skin, Avery still found Kadence radiant. In fact, Kadence had never looked more striking than in this moment, truly taking Avery’s breath away with her inner and outer beauty.