The sun had barely started to rise when Jackie stirred.
The room was quiet, the window cracked open just enough for a breeze to slip in and rustle the curtains. The lake outside glimmered in the early light, and the world felt... still. Safe.
Catherine lay beside her, her head resting against Jackie's shoulder, her breath slow and steady. One arm draped across Jackie's stomach, fingers curled loosely as if to say: you're not going anywhere.
Jackie didn't move. Not yet.
Instead, she watched the light crawl across the ceiling, her mind unusually still. No rehearsals. No press. No masks. Just this moment. Just them.
But then she remembered the message.
Her phone was still powered off, face down on the nightstand, a quiet refusal of the real world. And yet, Wade's words lingered like a shadow behind her eyes: "We need to talk. Something's come up."
She sighed softly.
Catherine stirred at the sound, her eyes still closed, but her grip tightened slightly.
CATHERINE
(murmuring)
You're thinking too loud again.
Jackie smiled and kissed the top of her head.
JACKIE
Sorry.
CATHERINE
You're allowed. But only if you stay in bed for five more minutes.
JACKIE
Ten. Deal?
Catherine grinned sleepily. "Pushy."
But she didn't let go.
Morning Routine
The kettle whistled over the small stovetop. Jackie poured hot water into two mugs while Catherine sat cross-legged on the couch, wrapped in a blanket, her laptop open in front of her.
They had spent the morning in slow motion—brushes of skin while getting dressed, half-awake kisses in the kitchen, a shared laugh over how horrible the coffee tasted. It was their own little rhythm now. And Jackie was in no rush to break it.
She walked over and handed Catherine her mug.
JACKIE
I miss our French press.
CATHERINE
I miss a mattress that doesn't have a spring stabbing my hip. But the sex makes up for it.
Jackie raised a brow. "The sex?"
CATHERINE
(teasing)
Okay, your sex. Your very, very good sex.
Jackie smirked. "That's better."
They sipped in silence for a moment. Catherine's laptop screen glowed softly in her lap. Jackie leaned over and caught sight of the tab open.
It was a ring shop.
JACKIE
(surprised)
Are you... looking already?
Catherine flushed, but her smile didn't waver.
CATHERINE
I told you I'd find you the perfect ring. And I want to. I know it's not about the diamond or the price—God, especially not the price—but I want something that feels like you.
JACKIE
You could give me a paper ring and I'd say yes all over again.
CATHERINE
Well, good. Because I ordered twelve.
Jackie laughed, nudging her with her foot. But she softened when she looked at Catherine's expression—focused, thoughtful, a little uncertain.
JACKIE
What are you thinking?
YOU ARE READING
Bloomington
RomanceJackie an ex child movie star decides to take a break from acting and go to school all the way across the country in Indiana. There she meets a young Professor, who is known for having affairs with her students. Will Jackie be different from her oth...
