While I’m not heartbroken over tonight’s revelation, I’m angry. However, it’s more at myself than him. I convinced myself that we weren’t together publicly because we were so passionate about our careers. I believed Blake saw me when he really just loved the way I doted on him. I was grateful for his parceled affection, but he didn’t actually care about me.
I hate what he did, but I hate that I allowed myself to be something for him he would never be for me. He doesn’t deserve me. He never did.
As soon as Lark emerges from the wings, I break out in a smile for the first time tonight. She’s stunning, an ethereal swan moving across the lake with poised precision. My attention flits to Delilah. She stares at my best friend like she’s the most magnificent person in the room. And to Delilah, Lark is.
I wantthat.
I hold back tears the rest of the show.
Once it’s over,I nearly dash out of the theater, Delilah on my heels. “Jolie, you want us to get you home once she comes out?”
“That’s okay, Lark should stay and celebrate.”
“You’re more important to her than celebrating,” Delilah tuts.
“I know. Which is why I need you to stay and keep her here. Tonight is too big of an opportunity for her to waste. I’ll metro back.”
“At least call an Uber,” she insists, typing into her phone. A minute later, I get a notification that she’s sent me money. “Share the trip details with us and text us when you get home.”
“Thanks,” I say, voice a bit wobbly. I’ve never been more glad that Lark has Delilah than I am in this moment.
Giving her a quick hug goodbye, I scoop up my skirts in my arm and head toward the exit. I force a few smiles along the way at those who recognize me, avoiding any small talk. The last thing I want is to be here when the performers come out from backstage. I’m certain if I see Blake I won’t be able to resist the urge to slap him again, and that would do neither of us any favors in front of all these instructors, benefactors, and columnists.
My breath fogs the air as I descend the stony stairs and wait near the valet stand. For the next ten minutes, I pace back and forth to combat my shivering. Whether I’m shaking from the cold or anger, I’m not completely sure.
A silver sedan pulls around the loop, and I match its license plate to the app. The window rolls down, revealing a young woman with cropped black hair and nails to match. “Jolie?”
“That’s me,” I confirm before gripping the door to get in the backseat.
Fingers fidgeting in my lap, I keep my attention out at the DC monuments, beautifully illuminated beacons in the starless night. It’s easy with the daily hustle and bustle to forget that I live here. I rarely come to this area, tending to avoid the touristy attractions at all costs.
A gust of wind whirls through the car’s interior.
“Brr…” The driver—whose name is Mindy, according to the nameplate at the front of her car—reaches for the temperature dials. “Let me get that heat going higher.”
“Thanks.” I smirk to myself, knowing that whatever she does won’t shift the chill or stop our breaths from clouding.
Jax is here.
My gaze drops to my chest where my scar’s buried beneath layers of lace and mesh. Did I unintentionally summon him?
“Hello, Tempest.”
He doesn’t say anything else, the comforting chill of him sidled next to me in silence the rest of the trip. When I get out of the car, he speaks again.“I was worried about you.”His voice is low and brittle. Hesitant. Like he—
“Did you know about Blake? Is that why you scared him off the other night?” I unleash the questions much louder than I intend to.
“Scared who off?” a voice shouts from my left. I swivel to find a homeless man seated on a park bench, a grocery cart full of clothes and items next to him. He gives me a pitying smile. “Sorry, fancy girly, but I think you’re confused.”
I guessconfusedis politer than calling me crazy.
Giving the man an awkward wave, I hobble on my heels that are now killing me and pull out a ten-dollar bill, wishing him a good night. When I move to offer him my coat, he waves me away. “I’ve got plenty, keep it and get yourself home safe. You’ll catch a chill out here.”
Little does he know thatchillwon’t be leaving once I get home. Even if he blends in with the cold winter air, Jax’s lingering presence remains, trailing me like an invisible shadow.
“What happened? I scared him off because I felt like it… Because…”
“Because what?” I snap, not having the patience right now to be met with riddles and half answers. I fumble for my key and open the door, kicking off my heels as soon as I enter the apartment. Hanging my coat on the hook, I turn when a flash of movement skates by my peripheral vision.
