Page 122 of The Darkest Note

I instantly regret snapping at her. My shoulders sag. I scrub my forehead with my hand. “Vi, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have yelled. I’m just… there’s a lot going on.”

“You think I don’t know how hard you work? You think I’m not grateful?” She shrieks. “I’m just worried about you. There’s only so much you can do, Cadey. Eventually, you’re going to break and I couldn’t survive that.”

“Yes, you could. You’re stronger than you think, Vi.”

“No, I’m not,” she insists. “Mom’s gone and if you go too, I’m going to be all alone. I’d fall apart without you.”

My heart twists painfully. I think about the letter in the mail and my call with the bank. There’s so much at stake right now. I can’t let her tears sway me.

“Vi,” I swallow hard, “I’m feeling much better. You don’t have to worry.”

“The doctor said you should rest for three days. It has not been three days, Cadey. If you go out there and faint or something for a few bucks—”

“I won’t faint. I really need this job and I really need to go, okay?”

She sucks her tears back in and nods.

I’m halfway to the door when I turn back. “And Vi?”

“Huh?”

“Lock the doors tight behind me. Don’t open it for anyone.”

“Why do you keep telling me that. I’m not a child,” she huffs.

I think about the letter from the bank. “Not for anyone okay?”

“Okay.”

Heart in my throat, I throw the door open and run down the stairs.

* * *

Jinx: How long are you going to resist me, New Girl? Or should I say Cadey? Redhead? A rose by so many names doth smell as sweet. Will your petals finally be plucked tonight?

CHAPTERTWENTY-EIGHT

CADENCE

The last thing I expect to see at the pop up event is my brother, but Rick is circling around the stage wearing a black T-shirt with the words ‘SECURITY’ on it.

I duck my head, tugging on my red wig in case he recognizes me. It’s a pretty futile adjustment.

It’s not like I’m invisible. I’ll be in front of him, playing the piano the entire time. At that point, there will be nowhere to run.

Still my heart thuds until I successfully sneak past and climb on stage.

The pop up event is being held in the park. Stars twinkle overhead and a gentle breeze teases my red hair. Out on the sprawling green lawn, the lounge places fancy tables and black chairs, inviting guests to sit and sample wine.

Gorge’shas never done an event like this before and I’m a little surprised that they would call me in. The chef tends to hold grudges and he wasn’t happy when I handed in my resignation letter. I was sure that my business relationship with the lounge was over.

My boots thud against the wooden steps. Behind me, string lights decorate a beautiful arch. It’s fitted with vines and flowers in bloom. From the beautiful fragrance sailing to the piano, I’m sure those petals are real.

It’s a beautiful set up. Well-thought out. So I’m not sure why Gorge’s waited until the last minute to ask me to play. Maybe their hired pianist bailed?

I lift the case and set my hand on the black and white keys. The first note shatters the air around me. People who were in their own worlds get drawn into mine, lured by a sound that speaks to something in their souls.

I don’t look up, but I can feel their inquisitive stares. It makes me antsy. I’m not in my element, here in the spotlight where the entire park can see and judge me, but I feel less nervous than usual.

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