The Paradise Problem

“Do your worst, Dad. It won’t change my mind.”

“I want to be your girlfriend. Your wife. Maybe let’s date until the wife thing feels right? Whatever my label is, I would very much like to go out on that porch and tell every asshole out there exactly where they can shove their news cycle.”

“I’m the only one here offering you unconditional support and love—and I’m not even asking you to choose me. I’m asking you to choose yourself.”

“God, your mouth is fucking amazing.”

“Gaze into my eyes when I’m speaking to you, like I’m the only person in the room. Try to remember what it felt like the first time you were truly, madly, insatiably in love. Look at me like that.”

"But allow me to be completely honest: Now that I’ve spent some time with you? And now that I’ve seen your crazy family? I want to be here on your team. Even if you told me the offer was all fake, and you don’t actually have two nickels to rub together, I’d still stay and help you pull this off. I’m your ride-or-die, West Weston."

“ We workout together every morning. Gets the blood flowing, doesn’t it.”

“So we’re in agreement? Collaborators with benefits? Vacation ride-or-die? No strings attached beyond this?”

“I need you back in bed. On your hands and knees.”

“I want you to know–I need you to know–that I am not ashamed of your path as an artist. Not for one second. I think the real you is wonderful, exactly the way she is. You are funny, courageous, creative, and silly. You are honest and vulnerable. You are forthcoming and self-reliant. You are sexy as hell and amazing in bed. I am well on my way to falling for you, and fuck anyone who makes you feel small. Fuck them.”

“I love you, too. I have been aching to say it for so long.”