As much as I’d love to protest, because Ryder was supposed to eat some cookies, I won’t disagree with Agatha. Not when she’s giving her blessing to our…whatever this is. So I wave to them both as they stand and say goodbye. But as soon as they’re gone, I go full-teenage girl and squeal, kicking my feet in the air.
Best. Night. Ever.
Over the next week, Ryder comes to visit me at eleven in the evening. I finally made him watchThe Count of Monte Cristo, and he complained the whole time, but I could tell he actually enjoyed it. Then we headed over to the theater. After practicing for a few hours, while Ryder read a book or sometimes took a nap, we walked back home. I got to play the piano AND hang out with Ryder. It’s like a dream come true.
I don’t let myself dwell on the fact that the clock is ticking, though. Ryder has a job in a few weeks, and then what?
I don’t want to think about it.
My sleep schedule is really off, but I’m still able to get my schoolwork done in the afternoons and evenings. So I’m not complaining. And Ryder isn’t doing much other than helping with the school play every few days, so he says he’s fine with our late nights.
On our fifth night walking back to Agatha’s tower, Ryder asks, “How would you feel about Gwen coming to watch you play one night?”
I furrow my brow at him. “Would she want to?”
“Lily.” Ryder stops walking, and I stop and turn to face him. “Anyonewould want to hear you play. You’re…” He shakes his head. “Watching you play, listening to your music, is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.”
My breath catches in my throat. Every time he’s been in the theater, except for the first piece I played, he’s acted nonchalant. “I didn’t know you felt that strongly about it.”
He grins at me and opens his mouth like he’s going to say more, but his eyes dart over to the side.
I follow his line of sight and see a flicker of movement. I can’t place where or what it is, but something is moving.
My heart drops, and my eyes strain to find the source, but it’s too dark for me to make it out. “Is someone here?” I ask, my voice quivering.
Ryder starts walking and pulls me by the hand. “I don’t know. I thought I saw something in a house over there,” he whispers. He looks at my face and quickly says, “But I’m sure it’s nothing.”
I try to stop the paranoia from creeping in, but it’s hard not to. Someone might have seen us. And then they’ll tell someone, who’ll tell someone else, and then my dad and brothers will find out that I’ve been getting out, and then…
We’re at Agatha’s house before I can finish that thought. Ryder opens the door for me. “You go on up. I’ll check out the area and see if I can figure anything out.” He squeezes my hand quickly before letting go. “Don’t worry about it.”
“Okay.” But that’s a lie. I know I’ll be up all night worrying about this.
CHAPTER 21
Lily
JOHN FIELD — NOCTURNE NO. 2 IN C MINOR
Ihardly sleep. Having an overactive imagination is really a disservice in times like this. It’s what got me in trouble with Tristan, over-romanticizing everything between us, and now it’s making me certain that I’m going to get a phone call from my dad and brothers any day now, demanding answers.
And two days later, when my phone buzzes with a text from my father at eight in the morning, my stomach drops.
Dad
Lily, are you available this morning for a group call?
This is it. The consequences of my actions are here to bite me in the butt. I can be brave and face them. I’ve matured. I won’t shrink back like a little girl. I’ll show them that I’m mature enough to decide if I’m going to stay in this tower or not.
I type back.
Me
Yes, I’m free.
Dad
We’ll call you in an hour.
