I couldn’t think of any other way to get Stella to let me in other than simply showing up and springing it on her. She is the most stubborn girl, and I didn’t want to argue with her. I just wanted to … push on her. Crawl under her skin so she can’t get rid of me. I pull out my phone and stare at Liza’s text from a few days ago: I may need to reconsider our contract for the commission. As soon as I saw it, I knew what she was up to. She wants me to leave Stella alone, and she thinks this will do it. It should have been enough. Instead, I’m here, taking a chance. Risking my livelihood. If I try to be with Stella, I’ll have to make my living with teaching and commissions—without offering orgasms on the side. I couldn’t put on my usual show anyway, because Stella won’t leave my thoughts. She’s always in there, poking holes every time I try to fool myself. In all my life, no girl has ever gotten into my head like that. So I’m here. Seeing if she’ll let me in. If she does, I’m in this.
