Page 22 of Break Me Beautifully

For a few minutes I show her the basics of how I work. She's hyper-focused on everything I do. When I hand her the pencil, letting her sketch, I notice my face is hurting from smiling so hard.

"That's really good!" I gush, marveling at her drawing of a dragon that's nothing like mine, but impressive in its own uniqueness. She's got natural skill. "If you practice, you'll blow everyone away."

"You really think so?" she asks, her dimples growing bigger.

"Definitely."

"Sarah!" a male voice calls out. The little girl startles, winding around on the bench, then waving at a man coming our way. He's got on a brown jacket, a bit of scruff, probably a little older than Marshall. "There you are," he says, staring from her to me."

His scrutiny makes me self-conscious. "Sorry! I was sitting here and she came up and wanted an art lesson. I'm Leona."

"Daddy, look what I drew!" Sarah holds up my sketchbook proudly.

"That's amazing, Sarah," he says honestly. The tension seeps out of him; he offers me his hand. "I'm Chris, her dad. Sorry if she was ..."

"She was fine," I say, waving my hands.

"She loves art," he chuckles, holding out a hand towards his daughter. She grabs it before leaping into his arms, climbing onto his back with a toothy grin. "And using me as a jungle-gym."

Sarah puts her hands over his forehead with a giggle. "That lady said I could blow everyone away someday."

"You could," he agrees, "I believe it."

"Then I can help out at the theater!" she crows.

"Theater?" I ask curiously.

He hesitates, like he's shy to admit something. "I work on the backgrounds for some of the stages out here. Well, me and my team. There were some final changes needed forPhantom'sopening tonight, which is why I was on the phone for so long and didn't notice Sarah come over here."

"Itoldyou I was going to the bench," the little girl sighs dramatically.

"Phantom? As in thePhantom of the Opera?" I ask.

"That's the one."

I'm so surprised that I quickly jump to my feet. "That's amazing! I love that musical! Last time I saw it was probably nine years ago."

"That long?" he laughs, giving his head a shake. "You need a refresher. Why not come see it tonight?"

"I'd love to! But didn't you say it was the opening? Aren't those always sold-out weeks ahead?"

"Always. Luckily I get a few seats to hand out."

"Oh, no, I couldn't ask you for that!"

"Yes, you can!" Sarah yells. "Ask him! Ask him!"

Her father rolls his eyes, then reaches into his back pocket. He hands me a small red card with the name Chris Montifer on it. "Tell the front desk my name when you arrive. You can bring a friend, if you like, just be there before seven. I've got to go. Thanks again for hanging out with Sarah!"

"Wait, here, take this." Tearing out the little girl's drawing I hand it over. "She really is talented."

"Thanks," he says earnestly. They both wave at me as they wander out of view. I wave, too, but it's instinctual. My mind is on autopilot.I'm really going to see “The Phantom of the Opera” tonight!How lucky was I? Eyeing the card, a little flutter roams through my chest.He said I could bring someone.Was I seriously going to ask Marshall to go to the theater with me?

My phone vibrates, I yelp, surprised by it. Unzipping my pocket I read the message.

Unknown: It's Marshall. Where are you?

I don't breathe easier. If anything, I'm more nervous knowing it's him talking to me. I save his number, then I start to type.

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