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"It all started when I was maybe fifteen, sixteen--hell, I don’t know Back then, I was still begging for hs "My parents are both preachers," he says, shocking me My eyes widen and I jerk ot your attention, didn’t it, sweetness? Yeah, I was a black ets, with two preachers for parents It probably couldn’t have gotten worse for nored me the best they could but refused to let…well, Sway out I had to be Dilbert when anyone was around" He pauses and I settle into the silence around me

"The only time I was really happy was at Sunday school, at school, or drairlfriend You should have seen how much I could make a siuess, in a way, between art projects and costu , you know? That one thing that is cal that, even when your world feels hollow, can old glitter It’s my happy"

I wipe a ard tear from my cheek and smile softly at him "You’re pretty awesohs and shakes his head

"I uys would be in a terrible o out andend of your glitter throwing? Every single tihter It was almost like a mood cleaner You toss some of that stuff in the air and it’s like the people around you are helpless to not feel a little of your happy"

He pulls into the hotel and parks, turning in his seat to look at me One thick and manicured hand comes up and shtness of the moment

Until he speaks

"And pray tell, my sweet little honey pot, what is your happy?" His hand leaves my head and reaches out to pull one ofit between his own

"What?" I ask faintly

"You heard me What is it that calain?" His voice is soft, his eyes searching without judgh he knows the answer

"I don’t have one anymore, Sway" That’s as honest as I can be I never had Maddox, asour time at the cabin He’s the uncatchable

"Oh, you sweet child You have a happy, and as soon as you both let go of the bullshit, you’ll have that happy together"

"You talk in riddles, you crazy h mirthlessly

"I talk the truth I’ve seen a lot of pain insoul when I see it, and that et that instantly You’ve fought for hith, it’s tiht to believe in you and that love…that happy"

"Easier said than done"

He s in the dim interior of his car "Mark my words, he knohat he can have, and one day soon, you’re going to wonder what it’s like to breathe without that tall glass of hotness on your toes I suspect you won’t wait er either" He leans forward and kisses my forehead