Page 32 of Broken Rules
Smiling, I add, “Nah, a few seconds at most.”
“Yeah, that’s more like it. Gone.”
I giggle, then release a long breath. “Thanks, Enzo. You two always know how to brighten my mood.”
“Anytime, Bratface.”
“Okay, Zoey,” I retort, rolling my eyes.
“Alright, I’ll let that slide this time, but while I have you, what are you doing on New Year’s Eve?”
“I’m working.”
“What are the chances Gin would let you take a mini vacation?”
Slim to none.“Why, what’s up?”
“There’s a fight, two top contenders. Want in?”
It’s been a while since I worked the octagon. “I would, but you know New Year’s Eve is one of Vivid’s busiest days of the year.”
“I get it, same here at the bar, but the offer stands if you change your mind, though if you do, give yourself time to find security to accompany you. It’s a requirement now.”
“Thanks, I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Wait, here, I’ll give you back to Luca—” They bicker for a moment before Enzo continues talking in the background. His voice becomes muffled and turns my smile into a grin.
My boys are just what I needed.
“Hey, sorry,” Luca says with a sigh.
“It’s okay. Tell Zoey I said bye.”
He chuckles, and it warms my heart. “Alright.”
“I love you, Luca. Talk to you soon.”
“Love you too, kid.”
We end our call, and I breathe with ease, ready to head home and put today behind me, like I do every other day. The faster I forget, the easier it is to push forward, living with enough control to get through tomorrow, the next day, and so on. My smile falters—what a way to live.
* * *
Running out of the office, I go down the main stairs, looking for Mom with tears in my eyes, but too many people are blocking my way. I’m not supposed to leave the dressing room, just as Jared’s not allowed in there, but we have always found ways around that rule, sneaking through the emergency exits to see each other. Tonight, I needed him, to lose myself within him, but he was mean for no reason—that my problems were not his to fix and to leave him alone.
Mom’s on the stage, and she looks so beautiful dancing, her tanned skin glowing under the bright lights, her long hair bouncing as she flipped the dark strands from her face, showcasing her wide smile. I want her confidence to be able to stand up for myself. Be powerful and brave, not the scared girl with her heart ripped in two. I can’t stop the pain.
One look in my direction and her smile’s gone in an instant as she rushes off stage, yanking me into the dressing room.
“Everly, what were you thinking going out there!?”
“I’m sorry,” I cry, following Mom to her station. “I wanted to find you because—”
“You know you’re never to leave this room while I’m working.” Mom places her fingers on the bridge of her nose, breathing in and releasing the deep, shaky breath before adding with a calm assertive tone, “Do not leave this room again. Under any circumstances. Do you understand me?”
I nod my head quickly, taking in her disappointment in full strides before she leaves me alone. Tears roll down my cheeks, and I turn toward the table, resting my face in my arms while I weep, wishing I was home already. I pick my head up, only moments later to wipe my cheeks, and a little white paper bird is sitting in front of me. There are only a few Vixens around, freshening up, none of them paying me mind when I ask who left it here.
Picking up the little dove, I study each crease, how perfectly folded the paper is, not one wrinkle in sight. It’s so beautiful, and I smile, the kind gift making the ache inside hurt a little less—
