I take out my phone and quickly dial his number.
“Hey,” his charming voice breathes through the phone. He sounds the same but…at the same time, I can tell some things a little off. Maybe it’s the lack of ‘baby’ or ‘love’ at the end of his greeting that has me feeling a little uneasy.
“Hi baby, I just…wanted to hear your voice.” I walk backstage out of hearing ears.
He laughs softly. “Well, it’s nothing special.”
I shake my head. “That’s not true. If only you knew, T.” I breathe out deeply.
“I can’t wait to hold you again,” he says sadly.
My eyes look out to see Katelyn and Jamie joking around on the stage, playing with the swords.
It’s not that she doesn’t believe in my love —
it’s that she doesn’t believe I canstay.
I’ll show her.
“Well, you’re going to have to wait a little longer.” I rush out.
“What?” Tobias asks.
“Yeah, I…” I scratch my eyebrow. “I can’t come up this weekend, actually. Something came up with Flux and…I’m going to have to miss the party.” I bite my lip, trying not to smile.
“Elijah…” His voice is warm, but thin. Like he’s trying not to sound disappointed.
“Anyway, I gotta go. I’ll talk to you later, yeah?” I quickly say. If I stay on the phone any longer, I’ll let the secret slip.
It feels wrong keeping a secret from him, but at the same time, I know it’ll lead to nothing but happiness so it’s worth it for now.
“Yeah. Okay,” he answers.
“I love you. Bye.”
“I love you.”
I hang up the phone and think about my plan.
Tobias isn’t the only one who can surprise the person he loves.
27
Tobias
“You okay?” Claire asks, smudging the eyeliner on my bottom lashes with her thumb.
I look up, trying not to let my tears drop. I feel so dumb. Like a complete idiot.
I’m not sure why I even came out tonight after Elijah bailed on this weekend. I should’ve known he wouldn’t come. Nothingeverworks out for me.
“I’m sorry he couldn’t make it.” Claire squeezes my shoulder, before picking up her cooler off the bathroom counter. “If it’s any consolation, you make a sexy Jack Sparrow.” She winks.
I muster up a kind smile. “Yeah…I’ll be fine.” I grab my captain hat off the counter next to her and fit it on my head.
“Oh, just look at you. You’re a piece of art.” She turns me towards the mirror so I can see myself in all my glory.
I’ve never really participated in Halloween as much as this. I thought it’d be stupid to let the costume go to waste. But now, as I’m standing here in a puffy sleeved linen button-up, a leather vest and an ensemble of clunky jewelry, I feel a little silly.
