“Isn’t that so cool?” Sutton leans over to whisper in my ear.
I nod in approval, putting an end to the fidgeting of my hands and leg before she notices. I muster my best smile, all the while mentally plotting my escape.
As long as it isn’t air travel, I’ll take whatever option gets me out of here the fastest.
The overhead lights dim suddenly, casting a shadow over the exhibit and directing everyone’s attention to the stage at the far end of the hangar. A large silhouette of a plane stands out against the backdrop, prompting people to look at each other in curiosity. Whispers and murmurs ripple across the room before everyone starts walking in its direction.
“Looks like we’re about to start,” Adam says as he moves with the flow of the crowd.
Sutton is about to follow when I latch onto her wrist, giving it a tug backward.
It’s now or never.
A smile plasters itself across my face—one I hope masks my inner turmoil. “I need to head to the washroom, but I’ll catch up with you later, okay?” I deliver the line I’ve been practicing for the past thirty minutes without a hitch.
Sutton smiles in return. “Sure, I’ll come with you.”
“Not necessary!” I follow up a little too quickly, causing her brows to furrow. “I’ll beokay. Go have your moment. You can’t miss this.” I emphasize the word okay, knowing that had I said anything close tofine, her suspicion would have heightened.
She lets out a shallow breath, gaze shifting to Adam, who’s waiting a few steps back.Hazel eyes turn to me, still filled with hesitation, but the fact of the matter is, she has no choice but to go.
At the end of the day, attending this event and capturing content for it is part of her job. She’s worked too hard for so many years to throw away an opportunity as big as this.
I see the moment her resolve crumbles.
“Text me when you’re done and on your way back. I’ll be in the crowd.” Sutton points to where the majority have migrated, phones in hand, ready to capture whatever unfolds next. “If something bad happens or you think you’re on the verge of being kidnapped, call me immediately, okay?”
I manage a curt smile and dash away before she changes her mind—never mind the dam of salty streams that finally breaks free.
———
One minute, I’m in the washroom, leaning against the stall door as the tears I’ve held back slip out, and the next, I’m in this beautiful garden, walking down a stone path leading to a large, intricately detailed fountain.
I’m not sure how I find myself here, and honestly, I couldn’t care less. The plane hangar is out of sight, and that’s all that matters.
I take a seat on one of the nearby wooden benches, letting the cool breeze expand my lungs as the mist from the fountain hits my skin. My eyes flutter close, and the tension in my shoulders drops as a genuine smile spreads across my face.
There’s a bite to the air—cool, crisp, fresh—and a calmness you’d never find within the city. The faint sound of crickets intermingle with the swooshing of leaves as the wind ruffles through the trees. The stars in the sky are visible with unbelievable clarity. It’s peaceful, beautiful even.
And for the first time in a while, my mind is quiet, unburdened by the stress and pressure I put on myself tosucceed. There’s no future in sight. No disappointment with the way my life has turned out. Just the soft glow of the moonlight as it shines over—
A loud rustle of grass startles me.
I jump back from the bench, losing my footing as my head snaps in the direction of the noise.
A silhouette—with a height and build that can only be that of a man—takes a step forward, his attention diverted to the ground. His movement triggers a nearby lamppost to turn on.
Clean black trousers. A too-white button-up rolled up to around mid-forearms. Squeaky clean shoes. It’s all too nice for someone with the intention of having it stained with blood.
A loud laugh bursts from my chest, and it isn’t long after that the stranger’s head lifts toward me in shock.
“I am so sorry.” I wave off, unable to control myself. “It was an intrusive thought. You scared me for a second there. I was convinced I was going to die.”
I must have made the right decision in speaking up when a warm chuckle escapes his lips, his shoulders shaking lightly. “I could say the same for you.”
My stomach drops at the sound of his voice. Deep and inviting. Masculine but not scary.It sounds so good.And I have no clue how a stranger can go from possible threat to wildly attractive in a matter of seconds.
“The event is inside. I wasn’t expecting to see anyone out here,” he continues, casually marching over to where I’m standing, hands tucked in his pockets.
