Page 63 of Before Eve

I freeze. “I am?”

Ford nods and ushers me on. “They’re most interested in meeting West.”

West?“Um…”

One of the twins slips her hand into mine. Strangely, I’m filled with her happiness and know without a doubt that she’s loved and protected. I hope every little girl and boy experiences that basic feeling at least once in their life.

The little girl tugs at my hand, and I lead the family through the crowd to the backstage entrance in a sort of blur. Any second now, I’m going to see West.

The officer guarding the restricted zone unlatches the gate that leads to the dressing rooms and lounge. West’s name is taped to the third door on the right. I tap on it and wait, anticipation ping-ponging around inside of me.

The door swings open, and the same Asian girl I’ve seen a few times now is standing on the other side. My shoulders sink.

She smiles at us. “Hi, I’m Illana. Can I help you?”

The family looks at me, and I remember I’m their escort. “Ford asked me to bring them back to meet West.”

She smiles even bigger, and her gorgeousness makes me want to shrivel up. West steps up, and I’m surrounded by the soothing familiarity that is him. His scent. Oh God—I discreetly inhale—hisscent.

He passes right over me, leaving a chill behind. It’s like he doesn’t even know me. Like we hadn’t shared the most intimate moments of my life. We hadn’t even been friends.

He focuses on the twins. “Well, if it isn’t the birthday girls.”

They both giggle.

He squats down in front of them. “You’re awfully cute. I would’ve guessed you were at least ten, not eight.”

They flash him matching toothless grins, and the whole thing melts me. Illana gives us all a wave and excuses herself, and I find myself pleased to see her go. It’s not fair of me, but it’s how I feel.

Fans begin to trickle in, and West stands. “Well, unfortunately, I need to say goodbye. I’ve got promoters to meet with.”

“Thanks,” I tell him, hoping he’ll look at me.

He does with a blank expression that says he’s being tolerant of my presence because of the family. “No problem.”

I search my brain for something else to say, but come up blank.

West’s attention flicks down to the Bugs Bunny on my T-shirt and just as quickly back up. Is he thinking about the fact that we both like cartoons? Does he remember telling me that? I open my mouth to say something, anything, but West just shakes his head.

“See you around,” he says and brushes past me.

I’m barely able to focus the rest of the night as I work alongside Anne, taking the stage down and getting ready for the next city on our tour.

“West hates me,” I tell her right after we let ourselves into our hotel room.

“He doesn’t hate you. His feelings are hurt.”

I sink onto my bed. “I did what I thought was best.”

“Try to talk to him. At least try to get back to being friends.” Anne sits down beside me. “There’s only so many times you can kick a puppy before they get angry and bite back. This is West biting back.”

“What if he doesn’t even want to befriends anymore?”

Anne nudges her shoulder against mine. “Grow some lady balls and go find out.”

She’s right… I go to get up, and my phone buzzes with a call. I check the display.Brynn! “I have to take this.”

She nods and heads into the shower.