Epilogue

EPILOGUE

R ebecca fidgeted with the lapels of her blazer as she stood in the green room. She always felt a little out of place in these settings, worlds away from her normal, every day life in rural upstate New York. But she was here for Quinn.

A buzz of anticipation hummed through her as she watched the TV on the wall. Quinn came out in a black dress that showed off her figure and greeted the host with a practiced ease. She acknowledge the audience as she made her way to her seat beside the host's desk.

Rebecca couldn't wait to ring in the New Year with Quinn by her side, and when this interview was over, that was exactly what they were going to do.

Rebecca had no idea how she could make this look so easy. The playful banter, the quick remarks, and then they were talking about her latest movie.

Quinn listened as the host gave some background about the movie, and then he asked her, "So I know actors have to research certain roles or spend some time with people who have been through the experiences of your character. I'm curious, what did you do to prepare yourself for this role? I know a lot of actors receive some criticism for playing gay characters, and that's not what I'm doing here. I think you did an amazing job, and I'm curious what preparations went into it."

Quinn's smile could light up a room. "Well, if I'm being totally honest, I didn't have to do much. This role taught me more about myself than any preparation for it could. While I was filming this movie, I realized that I wasn't a straight woman playing a queer character. I was a lesbian playing a queer character."

The audience erupted into a mix of applause and cheers along with a few gasps. Or maybe that gasp had been her own.

Rebecca sunk down into the sofa, her mouth falling open.

"Did you just come out right here on my show?" the host asked with a grin.

"I think I just did," Quinn answered with a charming smile of her own.

"Well, congratulations, and I'd like to wish you a very Happy New Year."

They'd cut to a commercial with the audience still cheering, and Rebecca had barely stood up when Quinn was coming through the door.

"What just happened?" Rebecca asked with a smile. "Did you plan that?"

"I knew I wanted to," Quinn said as she came around the couch to stand beside her. "Doing it was another thing."

"I'm so proud of you." Rebecca's hands went to Quinn's face.

Quinn held her gaze for a second before her eyes fluttered shut as she leaned in, brushing her lips over Rebecca's.

Rebecca kissed her back, one hand on her waist, and it was moments like this that felt almost too good to be true.

Somehow, Sarah had come around. Quinn had waited her out, and when they did speak, she'd managed to convince her to give them a chance. A few days later, Sarah reached out to Rebecca, asking to meet for coffee, and it hadn't taken long for Sarah to see how serious Rebecca was about Quinn.

And spending Thanksgiving and then Christmas with the Fallons had just cemented it.

"Let's go ring in the New Year," Quinn murmured against her lips as she pulled away, a playful smile on her face.

Rebecca took Quinn's hand in hers. "I can't think of a better way to start the new year."