Don't Fall in Love with the Flirt

Chapter 19: Calling It Quilts

"Growing up, I had mixed emotions about quilts."

Jasmine watched Sebastian on the small stage of the art center. He looked amazing and enigmatic. As one of the biggest sponsors of the gala and being a celebrity in his own right, he was asked by the art center director to give a speech,

"On one hand, I thought they were amazing works of art. But on the other hand, I knew that each quilt represented a story. A story about a person's life. And for me, that was scary."

The crowd laughed and Sebastian smiled before continuing.

"My grandmother was addicted to quilting. She said it was her therapy. She wouldn't stop quilting. She would always have a new quilt on her lap, working on it day and night."

Jasmine could see the pain in Sebastian's eyes as he spoke about his grandmother. She knew how much he loved her and how close they were.

"I would always ask her, 'Grandma, why do you keep making quilts? You have so many already.'"

Sebastian paused and took a deep breath before continuing.

"And she would always say, 'Sebastian, a quilt is a collection of your memories. It's like a blanket of your life. And I want to make sure that when I'm gone, I leave you with a part of me.'"

Moisture was forming in Sebastian's eyes and he had to pause again to compose himself. The crowd was silent, touched by his words.

"The quilt displayed in the middle was not particularly my grandmother's best work, according to Adelaide," Sebastian said, gesturing to the art center director. "But I chose it because it had a unique story."

"If you look closely, the quilt is made using old shirts my brother and I used to wear as young boys. When my grandmother was finishing this quilt, she was missing one more shirt to put in the middle. She was looking for one when I came home from a birthday party with my brand new shirt all stained with pink cake!"

Sebastian smiled at the memory.

"My grandmother was upset at how I messed up my new shirt. When I told her the story of how I got the stain, that the girl I liked had put cake all over my face and shirt, she started laughing so hard she cried."

"She said that was the best story she had heard all day and that she should put my shirt in the quilt, without getting rid of the stains."

Sebastian's eyes scanned the crowd and landed on Jasmine.

"I will always cherish this quilt because it represents my grandmother's love for me. I will always remember how she assured me that if I loved with all my heart, the girl would love me back for who I am, cake stains and all. And for all of us, it's a reminder that even the stains in our life can be turned into something beautiful."

Jasmine felt her eyes fill with tears. Sebastian's words were so moving and they hit her right in the heart. She knew exactly what he meant. The quilt was a representation of their relationship, of life. It was unpredictable and imperfect, but it could also be full of love and beauty.

Sebastian ended his speech to roaring applause and Jasmine wiped away her tears, feeling proud of him.

Sebastian made a beeline for Jasmine as soon as he got off stage and held out his hand. Jasmine took it and he pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her in a tight hug.

"That was an amazing speech, Sebastian," Jasmine said, her voice choking with emotion.

Sebastian smiled down at her and brushed away the tears on her cheeks.

"I'm not going to sell the house, Jasmine. I've waited so long to have you in my life again. If you'll still have me, I want to stay right here with you."

"You're staying?" Jasmine asked, her eyes wide with surprise.

"Yes, I'm staying. I'm in love with you, Jasmine."

Sebastian loved her? Her heart was overflowing with happiness but she still can't make herself believe it. Of all the guys she had dated, Sebastian was the first guy who said these words to her.

"Do you really mean it?" she asked, her voice trembling. "Haven't you heard? They said don't fall in love with a flirt like me. I'm just going to break your heart."

"I guess it's too late for that," Sebastian said with a soft smile. "I think I've loved you since the day you put cake all over my face."

Jasmine laughed despite her tears and threw her arms around Sebastian's neck.

"I'm in love with you, too, Sebastian."

Sebastian leaned down and kissed her softly, his lips brushing against hers in the most perfect way.

--

Wait, that kiss may be sweet but there's one more chapter. Please read the FINAL chapter!

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