Page 124 of The Temptation of Truth
AURORA
The backstage hallsare a hive of activity as I follow Jones to the band’s dressing rooms.
Each step closer heightens my nerves. I haven’t been in a dressing room since embarrassing myself in Adelaide. I’ve been avoiding them at all costs, but tonight, I’m driven by a strong desire to see Mabel in person.
I can’t wait until after the show. It needs to be now.
I’ve spent all day thinking about her. Stewing. Panicking. Then grinning like a fool with every text she’d send.
Logically, I know it’s quick. I know I shouldn’t be basing huge life decisions on Mabel Rossi, famous drummer for the world’s biggest band. But the more I think about it, the more I realize that it’s been a long time coming.
I’ve been living in the dark for so long. Being away from Brady has brought me back into the light. It’s not just Mabel’s influence that’s helped with that; it’s been Sav, Callie, and Claire, too. I’ve witnessed healthy relationships and strong friendships. I’ve been treated with respect and compassion. I’ve been reminded that I matter. What I want matters.
Sav said she and Levi are a team. He wants what she wants. I deserve that kind of partnership.
Callie said she’d leave Torren. She said she wouldn’t compromise her bodily autonomy for anyone. I shouldn’t have to either.
I’m anxious. I’m nervous. I’m so, so scared. But for the first time in years, I’m feeling brave and confident, and I can’t let those feelings fade back into the darkness.
“It’s right here, Ms. Sinclair.”
Jones’s voice pulls me from my thoughts, and I look up to find him standing in front of a door. The dressing room. My nerves spike once more. I tear my eyes from the door and look back at Jones, stalling.
“You can call me Aurora,” I remind him. “I really prefer it.”
“Of course. Apologies.”
“Actually, Payton is your first name, right?”
He shakes his head. “Yes, ma’am.”
“Can I call you Payton?”
“Yes.”
“Payton. Please, for the love of God, don’t call me ma’am. Or Ms. Sinclair. I hate them both. It’s just Aurora.”
A rare smile crosses his face as he responds. “Okay, Aurora.”
“Thank you.” I nod toward the door. “I’ll see you later?”
“I’ll be back to escort you to the front before the show.”
When he leaves, I turn to face the door again.
Shoulders back. Chin up.Suck it up, Aurora Jade. Be brave.
I take two deep breaths, then knock.
“Enter,” Sav calls from the room, so I open the door and step inside.
My eyes find Mabel immediately, but they’re pulled back to Sav when she speaks again.
“Oh, hey, Aurora.” She gives me a weird, plastic smile that doesn’t reach her eyes. “Did you come to hang out before theshow?” She gestures to a spread of food where her bodyguard is casually picking grapes off a fruit tray. “You can help yourself. There are drinks in the fridge, too.”
“No. Uh, thanks, but no.” I flick my eyes back to Mabel. “Actually, I was hoping I could talk to you? In private?”
Mabel’s smile doesn’t reach her eyes either, and it makes uncomfortable chills skate down my spine. I frown, almost expecting her to turn me down, but she nods and stands from the vanity where she was sitting.
