The Christmas Plan (Sapphics in the City #4)

5. Rose

5

ROSE

There was almost a comfort in the steamy subway platform as the doors of the train car slid open and a rush of people shoved onto the tiled floor.

But as Rose and Drew pressed through the crowd at the Union Square station, Rose decided she might never leave the house again. The warmth of the underground tunnels was far better than the frigid December air above ground but the throng of clambering people would never be worth the effort.

Clutching her camera bag to her side, Rose made her way up the steps and through the turnstile at the top of the stairs.

Drew followed closely behind, weaving through the mass of people to stay just a few inches from Rose’s back.

By the time they were breaking out of the sweaty mass of bodies, they were greeted by a rush of cool air at the exit. There, a rush of noise met their ears. Instead of the screeching subway cars, the bustle of traffic and pedestrians zipping through the sidewalks filled the air.

Drew pulled ahead. “This way.” Reaching down to Rose’s hand, Drew intertwined their fingers with hers. With a soft smile, Drew tried to bring Rose back down to earth.

After a moment, they broke through the crowd and into a more open area.

Pulling off to the side, just next to a small park where a few benches sat, Drew looked around Union Square. “You okay?”

“Yeah.” Rose nodded as she tried to get her bearings, loosening the knit scarf around her neck to let the cold breeze meet her chest.

There was a reason that Rose avoided Manhattan’s 14th Street this time of year… really every time of year. It was always too busy and full of tourists. But now especially, with the Union Square Holiday Market in full swing just across the street from where they stood, the entire place was crawling with moseying visitors.

Drew rubbed their hands together as the chill set into their fingers as they popped open the camera bag slung around their neck. “Okay, so the goal is to just capture some candids. There’s no plan, so you’re just going to have to see what happens.”

“I’m not sure this is all that different from an engagement shoot.” Raising her eyebrows, Rose grew suspicious of Drew’s plan.

Scoffing, Drew wrapped an arm around Rose. “It’s not, but it’s about baby steps. There won’t be any staged moments here. So anything you capture will have to be wholly organic.”

But looking over at the slow-moving market crowd, Rose’s chest tightened. Suddenly the safety of a pre-planned proposal seemed a lot simpler than this. Maybe it’s silly to try and expand out.

“Worst case, we’ve just gotten to walk around this beautiful market.” Drew winked as they guided both of us to the crosswalk whose light was just changing to green.

Sighing, Rose’s shoulders dropped as she followed Drew’s lead. It was a pretty night, and the market’s twinkling lights seemed inviting.

By the time the pair were at the edge of the market, – a collection of plywood huts painted to look like a wintery village – the smell of hot chocolate and nutmeg filled Rose’s nostrils. It smelled just a little like home.

After a moment, Rose gave in to Drew’s idea and opened her own camera case whose weight was starting to wear on her neck.

With the digital camera in hand, Rose took in a deep breath and let Drew lead her inside.

The walkways were narrow, space heaters from each stall warming the space outside the shacks.

Smiling vendors waved down customers, displaying their wares for anyone to see. As Drew lifted their camera to their eye, aiming it at a young child who stretched out their arm toward a hand-woven ornament of a labrador puppy wrapped in Christmas lights, Rose saw exactly what they did.

It was exactly the kind of moment Rose needed to get better at spotting.

Drew’s shutter clicked a couple of times before they lowered the device away from their face and smiled over at Rose. “What?”

“You’re just very good is all.” Rose shrugged, able to hide her blush with the chill of the evening air. Even after being together for a few months, Rose was still often amazed by Drew’s talent.

When they first met, Drew hid their passion pretty well. Instead, they played it off like they were just an aloof ass with no interest in making friends.

But after a while, Rose broke through. It was inspiring, the way they worked so hard to do more than even photography. Rose had tried to make the same leap but was never able to follow through.

But this will be different.

Drew came back over to Rose and pulled her in close, flattening her puffer jacket as they pressed tighter.

Walking together, Rose kept getting distracted by the stalls. It was wildly impressive all of the items each person was able to make. There were food stands, hand-made clothes, specialty decorations, and so much more.

“What do you think so far?” Drew’s low rumble of a voice cut through the light Christmas music playing over the speakers.

“It’s shockingly beautiful. I’m surprised you like it, considering how crowded it is.” Rose raised an eyebrow at them.

With a shrug, Drew laughed. “I confess, it’s not my usual scene. But it’s once a year, and look at how happy everyone is.”

Taking a scan of the crowd, Rose couldn’t pretend it wasn’t obvious. Everywhere she looked, happy people went about their night. Some of them held warm cups of cocoa as they browsed while others juggled bags of gifts for loved ones.

“True.” Rose bit her lip. Deciding to get a shot, Rose lifted the camera to her face and centered herself on the walkway. She created symmetry between each vendor, letting the path lead her eye down to the very end of the shops. Just as she clicked the shutter button, a seller winked at her. Amidst the chaos, he had noticed her.

Once Rose dropped the camera, the vendor had gone back to work.

In the time she’d taken the picture, she had somehow lost Drew. Looking around, Rose had no idea where they could’ve gone.

“Sorry, I just wanted a snack.” Drew laughed as they tapped Rose on the shoulder. When Rose turned around, Drew presented a cardboard platter of warm, Belgian waffles topped with strawberries drizzled in chocolate syrup and powdered sugar.

Rose’s mouth watered instantly. “Wow.”

Their cheeks lifted into a smile. “Did you think I wouldn’t reward you?”

Shaking her head, Rose giggled as she grabbed one of the waffles. “No, but this is definitely more than I expected.”

The two of them stepped off to the side of the market, each of them digging into their treat and watching as shoppers passed around them.

Rose used her plastic fork to cut off a square of the waffle, rubbing it around the chocolate drizzle before bringing it to her lips. The rich syrup smacked her taste buds just as the sweet strawberry followed it.

“Fuck.” Rose moaned as her eyes rolled back. As the food traveled down her throat, the warmth of the steaming waffle warmed her chest. She couldn’t be sure she’d ever tasted anything better.

Drew smirked at the nose, a familiar one. “Good.” As they ate, they kept their eye on Rose, having far too much fun watching her indulge.

But after a moment, Drew sighed. “I think you should bring your portfolio to the agency party.”

Rolling her eyes, Rose wiped her mouth with a napkin. “What? It’s a work event?”

Drew nodded. “I know. But the whole point is to recruit new talent. You’re unrepresented right now and if you want to make a serious leap, that’s a good step.”

“Drew, be serious.” Rose cut off another piece of waffle and shoved it into her mouth. Of course the thought had crossed her mind already. It would’ve been smart. After all, networking was the key to almost all of her past career success.

But something about carrying around a massive photography portfolio at a work event felt insane.

“I am being serious.” Drew scoffed. “It’s smart. Besides, Ari and Tommy would be impressed by your boldness.”

Unable to meet their eyes, Rose blushed. But this time, she wasn’t so sure she was hiding it as well.

Drew set their platter on the ledge just behind them. “Rose. You’re so talented, the world needs to see your work.” Bringing their finger to Rose’s chin, Drew lifted her gaze. “Will you do it for me?”

Rose swallowed hard. It was impossible to say no to a face like that. Biting her cheek, Rose nodded as she took her last bite. “Maybe.”

Pumping their fist, Drew smirked. “Thank you.” They wrapped their arms around Rose’s waist and pulled her closer.

Just as they got a few inches apart, a fleck of cold hit Rose’s nose. Looking up, she watched as a flurry of snow broke out over the Christmas market. A part of her felt like it was a sign. Or maybe, it was just the magic of being with Drew Hudson.

Meeting Drew’s gaze, Rose let her lips press against theirs. Even months later, the feeling of Drew’s mouth on hers was enough to send a wave of warmth through Rose’s entire body.

Shaking her head, Rose pulled away and smiled. “You’re one of a kind, Drew.”

“So are you.” Drew giggled as they pulled her in for another kiss.

If there was anyone on this earth who could make Rose believe in herself, it was not-so-grumpy Drew. Maybe they were right to believe in Rose so much. But there was only one way to find out.