Page 36 of Unmasking Secrets
“Whatever you want to do. I support you, whatever you need.”
“The things I told you.” I walk closer and place my hand on his forearm. “I haven’t told anyone everything, not like you.”
Archie brushes a piece of my wet hair behind my ear. “We’re best friends, forever and always. You can tell me anything, and I will be here for you.”
I nod and lean into his touch before being pulled into his arms. My body instantly relaxes, as if his shoulders are strong enough to take the weight of it all.
“I just want things to get to normal, whatever my new normal looks like.”
He pulls back and looks down at me. “We’re going to get there. I’ll help you.”
I nod.
His eyes flicker from my eyes to my lips, and back up again.
Being here with Archie—it’s like no time has passed. The feelings are there. Different. Stronger. I’ve never felt the urge to make a move like I am now. All I can think about is kissing him. As if it will make the rest of the world disappear. I want to forget for a moment like my life isn’t crumbling around.
I like to play pretend, it’s like cosplaying. I can be in the moment. I can be someone else. If real life could be more like make believe, maybe things wouldn’t be so bad. I’m just a girl. Archie is just a boy. I could pretend that all was right in the world.
Would it be easy?
I slowly slide my hand up his chest, my fingers dancing across his hard muscles before crossing over his large shoulders. My other hand moves from his arm, up until it connects with my other near the back of his neck.
The microwave dings, and Archie rests his forehead on mine. “Let’s get you fed.”
We pull away slowly.
He moves to the microwave and grabs the food. “Do you want to eat in here or out there?”
“In here.” I move to the stool near the counter and sit. “Will you stay in here with me?”
Archie grabs a fork and then passes me the leftovers. “Of course.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
TABITHA
Most people probably think not working feels like a vacation. While I enjoy the fact that I get to make my schedule most of the time, I don’t enjoy sitting around doing nothing. It’s only led to me spiraling into a dark place. I’ve barely managed to get back out of it.
I refuse to go back.
My job is my escape. Even when it’s stressful, when I’m racing deadlines or juggling messages from sponsors and my agent, it’s mine. It’s control. And right now, control is exactly what I need.
The package isn’t even addressed to me. A generic name, plain box, and no return address. Precaution for my safety.
I carry it upstairs, my fingers itching to tear it open. Once the bedroom door clicks shut behind me, I let myself breathe.
I sit down on the bed with the box and lift the flaps. Inside is everything I need: the new costume, freshly steamed and folded, a travel ring light, pop-up backdrop, makeup, and accessories—all packed with care.
It takes a few minutes to clear a space in the corner. I want to use both the natural light from the window and the ring light. I pop up the backdrop and place the poles in place to secure it. Then, I raise the ring light and get it into position before plugging it in. The ring light hums quietly after I turn it on, casting a soft white glow toward the backdrop. I flip the light back off—for now.
I spread the makeup across the desk. Brushes, palettes, sponges, every tool needs to transform me into someone else. My phone sits propped up against a mug, the screen glowing with a reference photo of the character. Her confidence is the key—I need to channel that.
“Dramatic eyes it is,” I mutter to myself, selecting the first palette and getting to work.
A swipe on my phone screen brings up a playlist. It’s my get-ready playlist. All girl power. The kind of music that makes you feel like you can handle anything, even when you’re falling apart inside.
Once the makeup is perfect, I move on to the wig. I secure it with pins so it doesn’t move. The short white bob makes me look like a completely different person.
