Don't Get It Twisted, page 29
“A lot of you may not know this, but I’m a storm chaser. I hunt tornadoes for a living, and last summer I almost died when I was hit by a tornado, trapped in my car with no escape route. But the terror of that was nothing compared to how afraid I was to come out publicly as a demisexual, pansexual woman and live my full life authentically.
“Being visible is a privilege, and I have been so honored to find acceptance in my community online, as well as our community here in Tulsa. Yet, there are still so many of us who may not fully understand who they are yet, or who may not feel safe coming out, and I’m here to say: you’re still valid. We still see you. And we’re fighting for you, every day.
“This award isn’t just for me, it’s for all of us. It’s for the trailblazers who came before and demanded space for us to be ourselves, to love whoever we fall in love with. It’s for those still waiting in the shadows for their light to come. And I commit to continue using my platform to amplify our presence for those who need it most.
“To my friends, my chosen family, my incredible girlfriend, and this community: thank you. You’ve shown me that my identity is more than a label, it’s a celebration of who we are. Your courage and creativity have inspired me. You’ve taught me what it means to be proud of who I am. Thank you.”
Haley exited the stage to a standing ovation, falling into Claire’s arms when she returned to the table.
“You were brilliant,” Claire whispered, her heart bursting with pride.
“Best speech of the night,” Noah added, while the rest of their table nodded in agreement.
“Thanks, guys,” Haley said, looking around the table with tears in her eyes.
The emcee made her closing remarks and some of the other attendees came by the table to congratulate Haley and take pictures with her while the catering staff cleared the tables and a DJ set up by the dance floor at the back of the banquet hall. As soon as the first song came on, Haley dragged Claire to the center of it, pulling her in close and taking the lead. They danced under the scatter of mirrored light from the disco ball until they were both sweaty and the bartender was calling last call. It was, hands down, the best night of Claire’s life.
“Final song of the night,” the DJ announced. “Let’s slow it down for the couples.”
A sultry love ballad floated from the speakers, tenderness and longing reverberating through the chords. Haley’s hand drifted to the small of Claire’s back, closing the space between them and guiding her in slow circles across the dance floor as everyone else melted away. There was nothing but Haley.
“I love you,” Claire whispered as the song crescendoed towards its final notes and Haley’s face tilted up for a kiss.
About Author
WREN TAYLOR is a sapphic romance novelist. A passion for history and stories of empowered women serve as her primary inspiration when writing. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her two dogs. When she’s not dreaming up her next book, Wren enjoys reading, cooking, gardening, and enjoying the natural beauty of the world.
Also by Wren Taylor
Contemporary Romance
Homestead for the Holidays
Historical Romance
The Captain's Choice
The Pirate's Pursuit
Wren Taylor, Don't Get It Twisted
