Page 4 of Whispers in the Dark
“I don’t know.” I slide my arms into my sweater, then step out of my skirt and into my jeans, shimmying them up my thighs. Wearing clothes that actually cover my body makes me feel a semblance of relief. “Being on stage with guys staring at me…” I pull my puffer coat over my arms and zip it up. “I don’t particularly like attention. Especially not that kind. I hate it enough just serving drinks to these idiots.”
She lifts a shoulder. “You get used to it.” She shows a small smile and pats me on the shoulder. “Just think about it. Who knows? Maybe one night on that stage could change your life. Perhaps some sexy billionaire will see you and fall head over heels in love with you, offering to buy you the whole damn world.”
If only… Then all my problems would be solved.
I laugh. “Yeah, maybe when pigs fly.” I close my locker and pull my phone out of my pocket. Seven notifications stare back at me. One missed phone call from Dad, one group text between me and my best friends Madeleine and Scarlett, two bill reminders, and three new matches from the current dating site I’ve joined.
The thought of having to endure one more date when the guy only talks about himself and how successful he is, never once asking about me, makes my stomach churn. I groan as I shove it back into my pocket, ignoring that slight problem for now. “I should get going before the roads get bad. I’ll see you in a few nights. Have a nice Christmas with your family.”
“See you, girl.” She struts out of the room, pushing up her boobs. “Merry Christmas!”
Thankfully, the streets are pretty bare in this part of New York as I drive as cautiously as I can through the flurries of snow that descend from the dark clouds above. Approaching a fork in the road, I stop, finding myself wishing I could take a left toward the place I spent most of my childhood.
A place where I’ve always felt safe and loved.
The Alarie Estate.
Being that it’s Christmas Eve, their annual Christmas party is most likely already in full swing with laughter, dancing, and drinks. It was an event I looked forward to. One I was sure to always attend.
Not this year, though,I think.
Shaking my head, I continue right, staying along backroads until I eventually arrive at the designated lot, pulling alongside the sign that reads, “Parking for Mindful Care family members only.”
Shutting off the engine, I rest my head against the worn leather steering wheel and take a deep breath, trying to compose myself. It’s never easy coming here. Some days are better than others. The only problem is, I never know what kind of day it will be until I see him.
“Please let it be a good day,” I whisper to the universe, praying they give me this one night.
The vibration of my phone alerts me to a new text, and I reach into my pocket, quickly swiping my finger across the screen.
Unknown Number
Time is running out.
My heart rate picks up as my eyes bounce to my window, expectinghimto be nearby, watching me.
But I’m alone with no one in sight.
Ignoring it, I shove the phone back into my pocket and reach behind me, pushing some books aside to grab the bag of presents I bought and the cookies I made, and then step into the chilly night air, hastily making my way toward the front door.
Warmth hits me as soon as I enter the building. My eyes follow the trail of bright lights and the Christmas garland strung throughout the space. A giant Christmas tree stands tall in the corner, decorated with silver and gold ornaments, white lights, and sparkling bows.
There’s something about Christmas that makes you forget all your problems.
“Ms. Fowler,” Andrea greets me with a kind smile. Her red and green Christmas sweater has blinking lights across the top,making me love this woman even more. “I thought we wouldn’t be seeing you until tomorrow.”
I return her smile, wiping the snow from my shoulders before removing my coat and hanging it on the hook near the door. “My evening cleared up, and I thought I would surprise my father.” Does anyone in my life know that I spend my nights working at a gentlemen’s club? Absolutely not. As far as everyone is aware, I work for Greyhaven Academy, a prestigious school not too far from here, and I plan on keeping up that story for as long as possible. Or at least, until Greyhaven actually returns one of my calls or emails, offering me a position within their school, then it would no longer technically be a lie.
I reach into one of my bags, retrieve a small white box with a red bow, and hand it to her.
“You didn’t have to get me anything,” she tells me as she hesitantly takes it from me.
“I know.” I lift one shoulder. “But I wanted to.”
She opens the lid, revealing an aqua cashmere scarf that matches her eyes. “It’s beautiful.” She runs her fingers along the fabric. “This is the softest thing I’ve ever felt. I’ll wear it all the time.”
“I’m glad you like it.” I look around her in the direction of my father’s room. “How is he today?”
“He’s having a good day.” She drapes the scarf around her neck, adjusting it so it doesn’t cover her twinkling lights. “I just set him up with a cup of tea and a book.” She takes a step toward the front desk and slips her hand inside the drawer, retrieving an envelope. “I hope this doesn’t take away from the holiday spirit, but this came for you.” She holds it out for me.
