“I’m yours, Sofi, I always have been. I don’t know how to love anyone else. I’m sorry I doubted you, but I love you and I will be by your side for whatever comes next. And I’m going to thank the universe every day for giving us this chance.”
“And I’m going to release this song for you, for us, because you made a video that is frickin’ awesome and because I wrote every word for you. Every word. I love you. I’ve always loved you, I’ve just been a bit slow at realizing the rest of what I needed to do.”
As they kissed again, Sofia heard a bang on the window from behind them. They looked up to see Mateo’s pajama-clad body pressed against the upstairs window. He was alternating frantic banging with frantic waving. Ashley appeared to pull him away hurriedly.
“I was going to ask you to stay over and tell you that Ashley had offered Mateo a sleepover, but, ” she shrugged and smiled, “I think we’ve just been busted.”
Sofia reached down and took Maddie’s hand, leaning against her. “I’m happy with a play date.” She leaned in and kissed Maddie. “I mean he’s going to sleep eventually, right?”
Maddie laughed, her eyes sparkling. “He’s spending the night with his auntie. Let’s go say good night to them both. You can have your play date with him tomorrow. Tonight, at the risk of sounding like a bad songwriter, you’re all mine.”
Sofia could have floated into the house, she felt so happy. Which, considering the kind of week she’d just had, was kind of incredible. But then so was Madison Martin, the love of her life, the one who almost got away.
Epilogue
Maddie put her arm around Sofi’s waist and pulled her a little closer, wanting the feeling of security that having Sofi’s body pressed against her provided. It had been a long time since she’d been on a red carpet and the shouted questions and incessant flashes from the cameras had her senses overloaded. Sofi looked across at her and smiled reassuringly before returning her attention to the TV host standing in front of them both with a large microphone.
She had hold of Mateo’s hand, and she felt him pull a little on it. She looked down to see he was swiveling on his heels, looking bored. He was dressed in a tuxedo jacket, purple bow tie, and his favorite Spiderman sweatpants. She couldn’t help but smile. The outfit was all his own work. He’d seen them cooing over dresses the day before and asked if he could also play dress up. The wardrobe people had found the tux and bow tie. The sweatpants were, as they say, the model’s own.
They were at the VMAs, and though Maddie couldn’t quite wrap her head around it, it had been a year since Sofi had been scheduled to perform and not made it past the falling down stage. It had been a year in which Maddie had been the happiest she’d ever been.
The TV host had excitedly called them over as soon as they had finished having the formal photos taken.
“This is a big night for you two. Two nominations in the Best Video category. Does it ever get competitive in the Flores-Martin household?”
It was no secret that Maddie and Sofi were living together. Sofi had moved in with her six months ago. They’d been tempted by Sofi’s bigger house, but Mateo was settled where he was and they decided they would wait and move there when they had more kids.
“Not at all.” Sofi laughed. “We woke up today and were both so excited that it was like Christmas morning. To have the nominations and to have the VMAs here in Miami is just perfect. And I’m just happy to be here supporting Maddie. It’s great that ‘Not This Time’ has been nominated because I’m super proud of that video, but if it wins, it’s her award not mine. She conceived it, designed it, filmed it. I just turned up and did what I was told.”
“Mostly did what she was told.” Maddie leaned into the microphone with a raised eyebrow and a smile.
“And, Madison, you’ve also been nominated for the video you made for Kehlani’s last single—which I loved by the way—so that must feel amazing too.” The host moved the microphone to Maddie.
“Yeah, thanks. It is pretty dope. We had so much fun making that video. We filmed it here in Miami, in Little Havana and at Sofi’s house, believe it or not, and it’s a blast to see it get some recognition. Personally though, if I could, I’d vote for ‘Not This Time’ because it meant so much for us to be working together again after so long apart. It’s hard not to be sentimental about it.” She gazed at Sofi, not able to hide her feelings about them being here together, finally showing the world their love.
“And what are your plans for the future, Sofia? When you announced you were taking a break, you said six months, but it’s been longer than that. How are you spending your time? Are you working on something new? I’m sure your fans would love to know there’s something in the pipeline.”
Maddie felt Sofi tense a little. They’d talked about what she might say if this question came up. The reality was that, for the first six weeks, they’d spent as much time at home, and in bed, as Mateo had allowed them to. And for the next six months, Sofi had cooked, got really good at Jet Skiing, played her guitar on the beach, and hung out with Mateo while Maddie worked. And only now was she ready to really jump into her next project.
“We make pancakes.” Mateo tapped the host on her thigh as he spoke. “Every day. Me and Fia, after Mommy goes to work. Though sometimes she doesn’t go and she eats pancakes with us. We have lots usually. I have blueberries and bananas with mine.”
They all laughed. Mateo’s intervention was perfect. And mostly true. Though Sofi had been doing a lot more than making pancakes. Sofi caught her eye, a questioning expression on her face. Maddie nodded. She was so proud of Sofi, she wanted everyone to know.
“We’ve set up a new LGBTQ record company here in Miami and we just signed our first couple of artists. I’m so excited about them recording and bringing their music to the world and,” Maddie squeezed her waist, sending encouragement, “letting them be their true selves as they record, promote, and try to make their careers successful.”
“That’s an exclusive for you,” Maddie cut in with a smile.
“Wow, that’s pretty unexpected, and kind of amazing.” The host looked genuinely surprised.
“I’ve had a lot of years of recording and performing, and it’s exciting to think that I can help bring new artists to the public’s attention. And I can make sure they’re valued for exactly who they are and not forced into trying to be something they’re not.”
“I was going to ask about that. I hope you don’t mind, but there were stories at the time that speaking up about the pressures you felt about having to hide your sexuality cost you not just your recording contract but half a million dollars in contract penalties. It’s kind of astonishing if it’s true. Would you care to comment?”
“It didn’t cost me the recording contract. They stood by me. We just agreed to pause things for a while.” Maddie watched Sofi struggle to find the words. “And I had pancakes to make with this one so it all worked out well.” Mateo hugged Sofi’s legs as she spoke, and Maddie felt her heart melt a little.
“But, yeah, getting out of that PR contract with Noah, speaking up about Little Boy, it could have cost me a lot. In the end, though, we all decided to walk away and not get too punitive about it.”
“But why choose that moment to speak up about everything? You were still at the top. It could have cost you a lot more than money.”
“Not speaking up would have cost me so much more. My sanity, my happiness, this beautiful life I have now.” Sofi sounded serious and a little emotional. Maddie couldn’t help leaning in to kiss her cheek. Cameras flashed around them.
“And we both had the experience of letting that pressure, that caring too much about what people think, cost us our relationship the first time around,” Maddie added. “But,” she waited a beat, “not this time.” She pointed a finger at the camera and pulled a face earning a groan from Sofi as the host laughed. “Sorry, couldn’t resist.”
“Good note to end on. Thanks, Sofia Flores and Madison Martin. Good luck tonight.” She bent
down to offer her palm to Mateo. “And thanks to you, adorable Spiderman in a tux.” Mateo grinned and gave her an enthusiastic high five.
As the cameraman and host switched their attention to the next set of attendees, Maddie turned with Sofi and Mateo to Ashley and Rosa standing a couple of yards behind them.
“How was that?” Maddie barely got the question out before being wrapped in a big hug by Ashley. She let go of Maddie and did the same to Sofi.
“So proud of you both.” She sounded a little choked up.
“Are you crying?” Maddie couldn’t keep the smile out of her voice.
“God, no.” Ashley lifted her eyebrows. “Okay, I might be.” She smiled. “Can’t I be proud of my big sis? Here on her own terms with the best looking man in this whole place, and a girlfriend that scrubs up pretty well too.” She smiled at Sofi.
Rosa put a hand in the crook of her elbow as Ashley threw an arm across Sofi’s shoulder and they all made their way as a family into the auditorium to find their seats. The chatter moved on happily to whether this was the first time Sofi had worn anything other than shorts this summer and whether she and Mateo should start a YouTube pancake making channel. Maddie couldn’t stop smiling. Later, they might or might not win an award, but it didn’t matter, none of it mattered as much as this. Happiness, family, and being in love. Maddie put a hand on Sofi’s back and stroked it softly. Whoever said love wins was on to something righteous.
THE END
About the Author
MA Binfield is a hopeless romantic living in the UK. She loves escaping into books, drinking strong tea, traveling, lip-syncing cheesy disco songs, and growing vegetables. She is a frustrated linguist who is overly tall and has always wanted to be left-handed. MA is a passionate public servant who has finally found the time to write—and it’s joyful. She’s happiest by the sea.
Home is always where the heart is.
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