At the heavy sigh from Richie, the way Amber bounces on her heels, my heart pulls in my chest. I can’t help but look over at August, and he’s locked onto me, jaw tight, like he might explode any second. Shashi dips her head at me as encouragement; Amber winds her hands in expectant circles.
What else can I do?
“I’ll be here. We’ll talk after the show.”
August stands, walks the small space to the wall, and leans there, head on his arm, his face hidden from me.
I want to die.
But of course, Jon doesn’t notice him, too busy gripping my cheek like I’m about to escape. “We’ll talk?”
“Yeah. After the show. Alright? I’ll stay and watch you. Then we’ll talk.”
“You’ll stay?”
I dip my head in small, reluctant acquiescence. “Yeah.”
The haze clears from his eyes as the smile descends. “And we’ll talk?”
“We’ll talk, Jon.”
“Jon,” Richie calls from the doorway.
“I’ll look for you,” Jon says, taking half a reluctant step away.
“I’ll see you.”
A few steps towards the door, then a second later, Jon turns back and grabs my hand. He drops a kiss on my knuckles, and how that would have made me melt a few years ago. But now all I want is him gone and on stage, and for August to come near me again. It’s like his distance is the only thing I can feel in this room or on this entire planet.
“After the show?” Jon confirms one last time.
“Yep.” I nod and force a smile. Then, with Richie and Amber half dragging him, they’re finally gone.
Everyone except me and August.
His eyes are blazing.
He’s furious.
And I know it’s over.
It’s done. I’ve fucked this.
He hates me.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
BAD AUGUST
BAD MEDICINE
Iwant him so badly.
Ineedhim.
He’s beautiful. He’s perfect. Iwanthim.
And I can’tfuckingstand that guy.
