I press my cheek against hers and speak softly in her ear."I thought you would be happy, thrilled to do it!"
She shrugs, "I should be.Honestly, I'm not sure why I'm not.I thought...."Her hand goes to the inscription on the choker and rubs it."Never mind."
"Tell me," I command.
"Maybe it's because you will be here, and I'll be there."
"Sometimes our schedules won't sync, but we will do this together or not at all, Baby Thang.Ok?"
"Promise?"
"I promise."
"Just hold me and let me absorb it," She wiggles closer, and I hug her tight.
"Take your time."
After a few minutes, she asks, "You think I can do this?"
"I don't think you can.I know you can.Think about your life so far, Siri.If you believe in Karma the way you say, you know your whole life has been playing out in a way that has prepared you uniquely for this role.This is an opportunity of a lifetime!And you are perfect for it!So hell to the fucking yeah, I know you can do it, and you'll kill it!"
"This is a big fucking deal, Maximus Aurelius Moore!"
"Yes, Siri Wild Thang Wright.It is."
"It will change my life forever!"
"Yes, it will.But you were not meant to be a runway dancer.You were meant for more.You are a Superstar who just found her venue."
She takes another deep breath, then lets out a long sigh."I would never forgive myself if I passed this up and then someone else did it poorly.Her legacy will live on and should be represented with honor.I'll do it.You were right."
I kiss the top of her head."I usually am."
17
* * *
Siri
* * *
Lightening the mood, telling me not to overthink it now that I've agreed, the details will be ironed out later, Aurei does his best to make me laugh.He throws bits of the meat into the air, and the dogs jump for it.Some are graceful, but some are complete klutzes, and I should be giggling like mad, but I only chuckle.
Walking back to the party hand in hand, I feel very uncharacteristically clingy.The enormous stress weighs heavy on my mind.Aurei stops every so often and pushes a stray hair behind my ear, or kisses me until I breathe in sync with him, or kisses my hand, but whatever he does, he looks into my eyes the whole time—analyzing and concerned.
Finally, he cups my chin and holds it still.He leans in, and his gorgeous green eyes drill into mine."Stop worrying!"
I roll my eyes."I can't help it."
"Sure you can."
"But there is so much to think about."
"And your team will handle it.Don't you trust them?"
"Of course I do."
"Then stop worrying."
