Page 59 of When You Stayed
Motherfucking shit. I glanced up and saw the next set being transitioned onto the stage.
Rev:…
Me: TYPE FUCKING FASTER
Dad elbowed me in the arm right as another text came through.
Rev: Yes.
Fuck.
“Ford,” my dad whispered angrily.
I handed him the roses. “Sorry, I have an emergency. Give these to Ellie, please.”
His eyes were harsh as he watched me stand up and walk out. I felt guilty as hell for causing a disturbance as they were right in the middle of an intensely dramatic scene. The violins were in a loud crescendo as some man dipped Ellie. I was about to push through the exit doors when I caught sight of a familiar face.
I did a quick double take, but when I looked back, he was gone.
My eyes had to be playing tricks on me, but to be sure, I quicklysent out a text.
Me: Did I just see you in Rose Ridge at a ballet concert?
I tucked my phone back into my pocket as I made my way outside. My bike was parked next to the building. Once I reached the leather saddlebag, I pulled my cut out and slipped it over my shoulders. That’s when my phone buzzed again.
Rook: What the fuck sort of question is that?
I smirked down at my phone while I quickly typed out another message.
Me: I swear I saw you in the Rose Ridge theater of arts.
Rook: Well, I’m not. Besides, why would I show up to watch your sister dance?
He was right, of course, and I laughed off the notion that I saw him until I realized…
Me: Never mentioned Ellie was dancing.
Rook’s dots danced a few times, then stopped. He was difficult enough to reach, so I decided not to push it and changed the subject.
Me: How about this…you tell me if you’ve been in the cottage recently, so I don’t go tear your house apart board by board to make sure there isn’t some person leaving behind boot prints in your bedroom.
Rook: …
I glanced around me while I straddled my bike and punched out a reply.
Me: Just answer please.
Rook: Don’t tell anyone, I don’t want it known that I’m back. Yes, it was my boot print, and me outside when Royce was finished cleaning. She looked really upset by the way, and then I think I scared her.
I tipped my head back in frustration, but also relief. The tightness in my chest was unbearable, thinking Royce might have been in the cottage while someone else was there.
Me: I won’t say anything…but you were at the recital?
Rook: What difference does it make if I’m at the recital, maybe I’m dating one of the dancers.
I laughed as I punched out a quick reply.
Me: Whatever you say, but if you are in town would it kill you to find a way to come see me?
