“You all right?” Riot asked, looking directly at me with concern.
I did my best to turn my worried frown into a smile. “Just still a little shaken up from earlier.”
“Excited for the ball?” he asked.
“Yeah,” I lied. ”You’re right, it’ll be like my very own birthday party.” I locked my phone and shoved it in my bag, hoisting it up over my shoulder. “I’ve got to go.” I made my way towards the stage stairs to the exit. “I have a class. I don’t want to be late.”
“I’ll see you soon, Aubrey,” Riot said.
“See you soon,” I echoed. “And thanks.”
“For what?”
“For sharing all of this. This room, this place. Yourself. Just thanks for everything.”
His lips twitched in a soft smile. Even though my heart was riddled with worries, he still managed to cut a swath of romance through the haze. I was tempted to stay longer, but I knew I would only upset him if he found out how disappointed and anxious I was about this ball. After offering to help me with the blackmailer situation, I couldn’t expect him to do any more for me today.
I turned and strode down the hall, looking at my watch. Class was starting soon.
Another time, I thought. There would be another time to go over these worries. For now, I’d just focus on class, get my work done, go home, and rest.
No need to worry Riot or the others.
I would take care of myself.
