Page 6 of Motion to Dismiss

“Here you are, Miss Winters.” She smiles, handing me a ticket. “Front row, seat seven.”

“Thank you.” I rush into the auditorium and take my seat.

Thirty minutes later, the lights dim and the world of Oz comes to life onstage.

And for the next two hours, my problems melt away as I watch Jeneva perfectly slip into the role of Glinda the Good Witch.

Tears well in my eyes at the final curtain, and someone from behind hands me a Kleenex.

“Thank you,” I say.

“My pleasure.” Jameson’s voice makes me suck in a breath.

I slowly turn around, and his beautiful eyes instantly meet mine. His chiseled jawline dares me to touch it again, and his scent…

I hold my breath so I won’t be lured to lean in and let it intoxicate me like it used to.

My memories haven’t done him justice in the slightest, and as a small smile crosses his lips, I almost forget that I despise him.

Standing up from my seat, I move toward the aisle and try to slip as far away from him as I can.

His presence follows me all the way to the lobby.

I manage to make it to the concessions, but he gently grabs my arm and pulls me across the room and into a corner.

Then he spins me around to face him.

I start to walk away, but the look in his eyes holds me still.

“So, you were never planning to call me again?”

“Were you?” I ask.

“Eventually, yes.”

“Let me guess,” I say, “when you were finished handling my father’s case?”

“Sometime next week.”

“So, you’re done with him?” I arch a brow. “He’s dropped?”

“Why isn’t your boyfriend sitting next to you?” He changes the subject. “He should know better.”

“He’s back in California.” I shrug. “I’m staying at his place in Los Angeles.”

He clenches his jaw. “I see…So, you’re fine?”

No. “I need to go tell my friend how amazing she was tonight,” I say.

“I’ll be here when you get done with that.”

No, I’ll be escaping through the back…

I step away from him and push my way through the crowd until I reach the hallway that leads backstage.

The cast is posing for pictures and raising champagne glasses to their first show.

I linger through the autographs and flowers until I finally catch Jeneva breaking free from the group.