Piñatas and Paintbrushes by Ashton Cade

Sebastian:
He’s a shining star, I’m a black hole. Complete opposites. And just like our astronomic counterparts, there’s no way Marty’s light is ever going to brighten me. Black holes don’t let any light escape. They devour it all. And that’s what will happen to Marty if he doesn’t keep his distance from me. I want to warn him, but there’s a selfish part of me that can’t do it.
Like a moth, I’m drawn to Marty’s light. I know I should stay away—for his sake more than mine—but I can’t. A better man would do the hard thing and stay away. Not me. The fact that this time the easy way lines up with my self-centered desire to spend more time with him, is only a bonus.
He doesn’t know that I’ve already declared this over in my head. He thinks he does, but he’s lying to himself. Part of me resists it as well, though. Part of me is determined to give this a real go and not lose my chance with him. Because if I back out now and regret it later, it could be too late.
Which is worse? Missing my chance, or opening myself up to the agony I already know so intimately?

Marty:
Me: I know what I’m doing, and I know Sam’s not after anything serious. It’s fine. I can handle it.
Narrator: He could not handle it.
Some folks say I live in a dreamworld. It’s partly true; I run a party planning business in the idyllic town of Snow Lake and I love every minute of it. But when I watch my friends partner up and look so happy, I hide the sadness that threatens to engulf me. Nobody needs to know how deep that particular pit goes.
When Sebastian arrives in Snow Lake, I bring him a welcome basket, like I do for everyone. But when I actually take in that tall, muscular frame and dark artist’s mystique, I practically want to organize a parade complete with marching band and an interpretive dance about how much he turns me on.
So what if he says he only wants a casual thing? A hookup is better than not getting my hands on that body. And besides, how can he not fall in love with me?
I’m charming. I deserve love. Right?
Right?