Tracing Invisible Threads
Page 39
Alexa tugged Eleanor behind a column where the security cameras and the twinkling lights wouldn’t reach them and pressed her lips to Eleanor’s, unable to resist. When Eleanor whimpered, Alexa angled her mouth for a deeper kiss. Her phone pinged. No way. Alexa tightened her hold around Eleanor’s waist, ignoring the interruption, and poured everything she had into their kiss.
The damn phone pinged again. Alexa groaned.
Eleanor gently eased away. “Go on, you’d better check it.”
“Bugger. Sorry. I’d better.” She pulled the phone from her jacket pocket. “Jac says we have fifteen minutes. The Mayor has asked to meet with you to have a copy of your book signed.”
Eleanor’s eyes widened. “What do you mean? Where did she get my book?”
Alexa leaned down to kiss her tenderly but briefly. “Silly me, I forgot to tell you. The copies arrived this morning. They’re already on sale in the Library shop.”
“Really? That’s awesome.” Eleanor’s eyes shone. “Thanks to you and Katherine for slicing through the red tape and getting them here in time for the opening.”
“Hey, they’ll be walking off the shelves. There’s been such a positive response to your exhibition already.” Alexa’s heart swelled with pride. “It’s remarkable, darling, and I’m not just saying that because it’s so incredibly personal to me.”
“It wouldn’t have happened without you.” Eleanor laughed. “Obviously.”
Alexa pressed a quick kiss to Eleanor’s cheek before reluctantly pulling away. “We’d better not keep the Mayor waiting much longer. She wants to be introduced to the talented photographer.”
“And her muse,” Eleanor said cheekily. She lifted Alexa’s hand to her lips, placing a single kiss on the inside of her palm. “You were amazing out there tonight. I am so proud of you.”
“I’m glad my nerves didn’t show.” Alexa burrowed her face in the hollow of Eleanor’s neck. “Every time I made eye contact with you…” Alexa took a couple of deep breaths and gazed at Eleanor. “I could feel your encouragement and your love.”
Eleanor gave her the sweetest of smiles.
“You are absolutely stunning in this shirt. Bright colours really suit you.” Alexa stroked the top of Eleanor’s shoulders, brushing the crimson red and white shirt, allowing her fingers to linger on the stand-up collar. “I totally get why the President of the Chinese Historical Federation commented on your perfect choice of shirt and swooned over your exhibition.”
Eleanor laughed out loud. “Did she? I bought this in London, but it does have a Mandarin collar.” She held onto one of Alexa’s fingers.
Alexa played with the button on the cuff of Eleanor’s shirt. Something had been tugging at her mind for the past few days, and she figured now was as good a time as any to ask. “Would you consider something?”
“Definitely. I’d love you to take me home as soon as we finish here.” Eleanor grinned.
“Well sweetheart, that goes without saying. It’s been so busy, we’ve hardly seen each other for days.” Alexa stroked Eleanor’s cheek. “But that’s not what I mean.”
Eleanor looked at her earnestly. “What is it?”
Alexa blinked under her gaze. “Would you come to China? I’d love to have you with me when I trace the footsteps of my ancestors.” She bit her lip, trying to keep her voice as casual as she could. “And now that the library has located some of the Yang family’s descendants in Guangzhou, we have a clue to help us discover why Helen had the negatives.”
Eleanor didn’t hesitate. “Yes, I’d love to.”
Grasping Eleanor’s shoulders, Alexa managed a shaky breath. “If you’re sure, let’s go and buy the tickets right now.”
Eleanor stared into Alexa’s eyes and laughed.
“Are you sure you don’t mind going on a big trip with me? China is a lot further than Chewton, and I do have a very slight tendency to run late.” Alexa smiled sheepishly.
“You can’t put me off that easily.” Eleanor winked.
Alexa sighed contentedly. “Good.”
Eleanor gave Alexa a self-assured and adoring smile. “I’ve travelled many roads…but the most important journey brought me home and led me to you. This is the beginning of our story, Alexa. Our life together. I love you.”
Alexa felt a rush of love so strong. This was the first time she’d given her heart to someone and let go of her fears, and she was already reaping the rewards. Alexa slid her hands down Eleanor’s arms, clutching her wrists. “You make me so happy, Eleanor. I love you too.”
“I look forward to kissing you in hundreds of amazing places. Starting right here.” Eleanor’s mouth moved over Alexa’s with exquisite tenderness, and she kissed her so passionately Alexa worried it might short circuit the library’s lighting system.
The phone pinged again, and they slowly broke apart. “I could just toss it over the balcony,” Alexa said, a little breathlessly.
Eleanor’s eyes danced; they mirrored the great joy in Alexa’s heart. “Lead the way, darling,” she said, reaching for Alexa’s hand.
Alexa intertwined their fingers. She knew she held the winning hand. Whether their ancestors had played a part, or it was pure destiny that brought them together—with Eleanor, Alexa had found love, hope, and a lifetime of infinite possibilities.
THE END
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About C. Fonseca
As a small child, C. Fonseca had imaginary friends. She told these friends stories and her family even set them places at the dinner table. When she grew up, she lost the imaginary friends, but she continued writing poetry and stories.
She lives in Australia, by the sea, with her Kiwi wife and their beloved Burmese cats. She is an expressionist landscape painter and can often be found at a cliff-top platform overlooking the Southern Ocean, daydreaming, plotting, and planning her creative adventures.
CONNECT WITH AUTHOR
Facebook: www.facebook.com/cfonseca1au
E-Mail: cfonseca1au@gmail.com
Tracing Invisible Threads
© 2021 by C. Fonseca
ISBN (mobi):978-3-96324-482-7
ISBN (epub): 978-3-96324-483-4
Available in e-book and paperback formats.
Published by Ylva Publishing, legal entity of Ylva Verlag, e.Kfr.
Ylva Verlag, e.Kfr.
Owner: Astrid Ohletz
Am Kirschgarten 2
65830 Kriftel
Germany
www.ylva-publishing.com
First edition: 2021
No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are a product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to locales, events, business establishments, or actual persons—living or dead—is entirely coincidental.
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Credits
Edited by Hayley Price and Sheena Billet
Cover Design and Print Layout by Streetlight Graphics
Copyright: Radium Girls by The Orbweavers from the album Deep Leads. Written by Marita Dyson and Stuart Flanagan
Mistletone Records 2017