“Shut up.”
Dimitri leans against the wall and crosses his arms. “Oh, then she can use your membership unlimited times? Playroom access without your attendance?”
“No!” The word comes out of me with a primal force.
Dimitri grins. “He’s jealous, like the Phantom is with Raoul.”
Jade gives him a side-eye glance.
“I have no idea what the hell you are talking about.”
Dimitri scowls. “Uncultured swine.”
Kitten comes out of the locker room and giggles. “It's so weird to see you in the bright lights.”
Neither of these interactions makes me feel better. But when she crosses the room with a big glowing smile and touches my arm, my annoyance diminishes.
I clear my throat. “Pick a time that works for you. I’ll make it happen.” I don’t know what to do with my hands. Should I touch her, jam them in my pockets, put them on the counter? There are too many options, so they hang loosely at my side. “When you’re with me, there’s no charge.” Through gritted teeth I add, “If youwant to experience the Playroom or someone else, you’ll have to pay the drop-in rate.”
She shrugs like this phrase didn’t make me want to vomit, and inside the mask, it would be very messy.
“Sounds totally reasonable.”
Dimitri walks toward us and puts his massive hand on her shoulder. “Take care of Erik over here, Christine Daae, he’s a good guy.”
She blinks a few times, and I snap at him, “That’s not my name.” I lean into her, repeating softer, “That’s not my name.”
But she radiates joy and happiness as she kisses my cheek.
“I should get going. Same time next week?” We both glance at the receptionist, who looks at her screen and gives a little thumbs up.
Kitten hitches her bag on her shoulder and walks toward the door. I clear my throat and say, “Text me so I know you got home okay.” Jesus, what the hell is wrong with me?
She wiggles her fingers over her shoulder as she walks out the door. Without her, this room feels empty. But I remember this feeling. I’m safe here. It’s my preferred mental location. Empty and dark is better than pain in the light.
The door crashes on its hinges as Kitten comes running back in, pointing wildly at Dimitri. “Erik and Christine!Phantom of the Opera! I’m ashamed it took me so long to get it.” She shoots Dimitri finger guns. “It’s ’cause he wears a mask!”
“Yes!”
“Funny!” She nods with approval. “You’re a funny guy.”
“Please tell my girlfriend that. She doesn’t believe me.”
Jade frowns and furrows her eyebrows, “Wait, the Phantom of the Opera has a real name? And you know it?”
Kitten seems equally confused. “This is common knowledge, isn’t it? I thought everyone knew that."
I shake my head. “No, it’s not.”
“Sorry, I guess I just let my inner theater geek show.” She smiles and shifts from side to side. “Okay, I’m leaving for real now.”
And this time she does. Dimitri slams his giant hand on my shoulder. “Treat her well. She’s out of your league.”
