Then I take a long, steadying breath, reapply my lipstick, square my shoulders, and whisper to the mirror, “Alright, Hayley. Boobs out. Battle stations.”
Chapter 16
Eyes Open, Hayley
Hayley
The bathroom door swings open, and I step out, freshly powdered, still blotchy in places, and armed with a pep talk from an old woman who once witnessed a poultry–superglue incident
I’m halfway down the corridor to freedom when my eyes collide with the last thing I need right now: an actual Adonis.
Tyler.
He’s leaning against the wall like he was painted there, one foot braced, arms folded. The mask’s still in place, but it’s his eyes that pin me. Not amused. Not smug.
Just… watching.
“You alright?” His voice is low, softer than I’m used to.
I blink. “Are you seriously loitering outside the ladies’ like some sort of satin-clad stalker?”
He just shrugs. “Wasn’t sure if you were planning to climb out the window.”
“Tempting,” I mutter, brushing past him, except he shifts, blocking my path without apology.
“Hayley.”
I stop.
Not because he said my name, but because of how he said it. No banter. No smirk.
“You look upset.”
I fold my arms. “What gave it away? The running, or Helen’s subtle suggestion that I belong in cold storage?”
His jaw tightens. “Helen can be… a lot.”
“Ah. So you did notice her trying to socially assassinate me with a single eyebrow-raise.”
“I didn’t ask her to come,” he says quietly. “Didn’t even know she was invited.”
Something stupid flutters in my chest, and I try to crush it.
“I wasn’t jealous,” I blurt.
“Didn’t say you were.”
“Good. Because I wasn’t.”
Silence stretches between us, thick with every unsaid thing.
Then he looks at me properly. Not like I’m comic relief. Not like I’m the girl who crashed the cheese tower. Just… me.
And then, gently, he tucks a strand of hair behind my ear.
“You look beautiful tonight, Hayley.”
The words land between us like they weigh something. And the worst part? I think he means it.
