Page 71 of Lovers Like Us
I can’t. My muscles burn. We’re both pulling against a force that wants us to drawnear.
Do your motherfucking job,Farrow.
I need to step back, but I say, “You look like you want to punchsomeone.”
“I do,” he says. “I want to punch mycousin.”
“How about you take that down to an I-want-to-have-a-civil-talk-with-my-cousin?”
“Never heard of that one,” he says,sarcastic.
“Clearly.”
Maximoff almost smiles. He nods to himself, taking a deeper breath. This is where we’d hug or kiss or do something other than what I’m about todo.
Avert myeyes.
Stepback.
Let air fill the gap between my body andhis.
Doing my motherfuckingjob.
A short olive-skinned guy is next. He approaches Maximoff with an armful of Superheroes & Scones paraphernalia. Maximoff pops the cap to a Sharpie—the lights goout.
Darkness cloaks the conference room. Power cutting, voices blaring in my ear. Fans shouting, “Whathappened?!”
I block out every distraction, every possible threat orwhat ifin the pitch-black, and I moveurgently.
“Maximoff.” I seize his waist and direct him towards an exit. SFO marked Ballroom E as a “safe area” in case these situationsoccur.
We can’t see two feet in front of us, but I whip out my cellphone like a few other people and point my cameralight.
“Jane.” Maximoff tries to turn backaround.
My hand cuffs his forearm tightly. “She has two bodyguards. Don’t stop in thecrowds.”
There are five jaw-droppingly famous celebrities to one thousand adoring and semi-crazed fans. The lights could switch on or he could get stabbed in the dark. We’re not sticking around to find outwhich.
A tour organizer uses a microphone to speak. “We’ll have this all figured out soon. Please, stay calm and stay where youare.”
“They’re leaving!” a fan shouts, riling some people to chase after the celebrities and catch them before they go.Maximoff and I move assuredly in the dark, step-for-step, and I touch my earpiece as Akaraspeaks.
“Technicians are looking at the power. The entire first floor of the hotel is dark,” Akara informs us. “Lights won’t return for at least another fiveminutes.”
“Still go to Ballroom E,” Thatcherorders.
We push through a double-door exit, and sure enough, it’s dark everywhere. Phone lights swing back and forth. I’d say that I guide Maximoff, but I’m sure he’d tell everyone that he’s guidingme.
“MAXIMOFF!”
That’s afan.
I can’t see the person, but it sounded like a “wait up”wail.
“Take one picture with me, please?! I didn’t get one!” Hands are about to grab onto his shirt. I slip behind him and cut peopleoff.
“Move,” I tellMaximoff.
