Page 109 of Sex Positive

“Charlie, don’t say that. You’ve worked so hard, and it can still be a huge success.”

“Why, though?”

He looks thoughtful. “You said there are a lot of other clinics across the country that are struggling like yours. Raise the money for them. Keep them open so their communities can benefit.”

“What’s the point of trying to do any good in the world if the rich hold all the power because they can use their money to make anything they want happen? Corporations, politicians,religious groups. They simply throw money at things and force people to do what they want—”

“Hey, hey, hey.” Wes frames her face with his steady, capable hands, his thumbs caressing her cheeks. “We’re not going to do that. We’re not going to go all nihilist right now, okay?”

She glares at him, which only makes him smile. How dare he know her well enough to keep her from spiraling into despair?

He presses his lips to her forehead, her temple, and she leans into his touch, basking in the solid surety of him.

Standing, he takes her hands and pulls her to her feet. “Come sit with me for a second.”

She wants nothing more than to collapse into bed and pull the covers over her head. But she accepts his hand, and he leads her to the couch. Pulling her down next to him, his strong arms wrap around her, tugging her against his chest. She breathes in his scent—fresh laundry and eucalyptus—and they sit in companionable silence for several minutes, his hand rubbing soothing circles over her back. She’s grateful he doesn’t feel the need to fill the silence with weak reassurances and false optimism.

“What do you need?” he asks, his voice a low rumble in her ear.

“You,” she replies automatically.

His arms tighten.

“I don’t know where to go from here,” she whispers. “I worked so hard for nothing.”

“It wasn’t for nothing,” he insists.

She doesn’t respond. He keeps rubbing her back, and she picks at a loose stitch on one of the throw pillows. If she tugs on it, will it unravel like all her plans?

“Can’t wait to tell my mother her prayers were answered. One abortion clinic down. Praise be to God and all that rot.”

He huffs out a laugh. “You know it doesn’t work like that.”

“Obviously, but she’s going to gloat about it anyway.”

He squeezes her closer. “I’m sorry.”

Tears leak out of her eyes, and she’s grateful. She hasn’t gone completely numb.

He keeps rubbing a steady rhythm on her back while she silently cries into his shirt. After a few minutes, he draws back, tipping her chin up with his fingers.

“I love you, Charlie,” he whispers. “I want you to achieve everything you’ve worked so hard for.”

She frowns. “Wes—”

“I’m going to ask my dad to buy the clinic.”

She sits up, sucking in a sharp breath. “You can’t.”

“I want to. I would do anything for you—you have to know that. This would be a drop in the bucket for him.”

“Oh,great,” she scoffs. “Another wealthy white man throwing money at a situation. Do you know how out of touch that sounds?”

He sits up straighter, his face flashing with irritation. “You justsaidpeople with money and power make change—”

“But I don’t want that! Especially knowing what it will cost you!”

He smiles at her, resignation in his eyes. “It’s worth it to me.”