“Everything in my bathroom gets restocked every week. I thought that was a normal thing.” I can already see Christian’s confusion in my mind’s eye, and when I turn around to lean against the counter, it is the exact colour I picture.
Silence settles into the space as I sip my drink, and Tobias turns to pin me with a stare, a stunned scoff escaping his lips, “You’re joking.”
Sorry, Tobias.
I’m not buying your toilet paper.
“You’rethe one restocking my bathroom?” Christian exhales sharply through his nose, barely concealing his irritation.
“I don't know what you're talking about.”
I can tell from their faces that neither of them believes me, but to be honest if they did, I'd be disappointed.
‘Of course you did.’ I can almost hear Christian’s thoughts as he watches me with a familiar sigh in his eyes. I don’t think he’s noticed yet. That he’s watching me with both defeat and affection.
“Why didn’t you just tell me I needed to buy my own things?”
Because this way you’re using the things I buy for you.
He doesn’t wait for my answer. His eyes narrow as he comes to a new realization, but the energy around him is still wrapped in resignation, “Does that mean the clothes packed into my closet also aren’t a standard thing?”
Tobias looks up at the ceiling, mumbling, “You’re fucking kidding me.”
The best way to convince the universe you were mine… was to make sure the things you wore and used belonged to me.
It’s a spellBaachantaught me a long time ago.
I’ll have to thank her later because it did actually work.
“Re-focus, everyone.” Xavier’s voice breaks through the speakers on the desk, and three sets of eyes immediately snap to the monitors.
“Get in positions.” His voice is grim. “The shadow is moving.”
It’s like the light atmosphere from moments ago never was.
Christian stands so quickly, the chair falls backwards but Tobias and I are already at his side, scouring the cameras and muttering silent curses.
“We’re prepared for this, Evie.” Xavier addresses her from where she’s standing in her kitchen and for the first time, we can hear her breath tremble as she sends her words through the piece.
“Will… will it be okay?”
She’s scared. I don’t need to be there to see it.
“You’ll be fine,” Christian assures her firmly. It’s not often that Xavier gave him the chance to speak with Evie, but now he sends his words through without even a second thought, “All of us are right behind you.”
She visibly swallows on the cameras.
“Remember, you’re an actress in the making.” Christian’s voice is unwavering. His energy trembles, but there’s a sliver of pride shining through that fills me with a similar feeling, “Don’t doubt yourself. Be confident.”
Her breath stops shaking and she must have steeled herself, because she knocks the counter with her knuckles twice to get the actor’s attention and says in a strong voice, “The shadow is moving.”
He’ll know what to do from there.
It’s time to show Philip how much Evie needs saving.
Tobias throws the duffel to me after taking his own weapons and I grab my pistols as Christian loads his own with deadly swiftness.
“He’s not wearing the jacket tonight,” Xavier’s voice doesn’t slow us down, “but be ready.”
