Page 218 of By His Play

My body moves on autopilot as I get ready for our dance class.

I’ve been so excited to attend again, but now, all I feel is dread.

I never should have told Kieran I had a date.

What if he’s downstairs waiting for me?

Waiting for my date?

Not only have I lied to him, but I’ve potentially implicated one of his best friends.

Before I reach for my purse to head out, I grab my cell.

Effie: I screwed up. I told Kieran I have a date tonight.

Brax: Is that your way of asking me out?

A laugh erupts from my throat.

Effie: No, it’s me warning you that he might do something stupid.

Brax: What’s new there?

Brax: I can handle Kieran.

I sigh, irritated that he’s not taking this seriously.

Effie: He didn’t take it well.

Brax: I wouldn’t have expected him to.

I hesitate, unsure how to respond.

Brax: You’re not doing anything wrong. Hold your head high and put on your dancing shoes. See you soon.

“Fuck,” I hiss.

My hopes for him giving me a reason to cancel were futile.

Deep down, I knew they would be, but still.

Stuffing the last of my things into my bag, I throw it over my shoulder before grabbing my purse and heading out.

The whole way to the parking lot, I’m looking over my shoulder.

I wouldn’t put it past Kieran to follow me.

But as I make my way across town, I don’t see any evidence that I’m being tailed. Not that I have any experience with such things.

By the time I park outside the studio, I’m confident that I’m alone, and with a new sense of excitement for tonight, I head inside.

Unlike last Monday, I walk through the building with my head held high, like I belong.

It’s nice.

The lady at the reception desk welcomes me back, and I walk toward the class with the warm fuzzies from being remembered.

No sooner do I step inside, Brax turns to look at me with a wide smile on his face.

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