Page 109 of Phantom

His fingers dig into my shoulder, telling me he’s lying, but his words still couldn’t have cut deeper if they’d been knives. I use all my acting chops to stay blank faced, despite the blood fleeing it.

“Really?” Rand frowns. “I thought he was just being a bastard and not talking to her. But he doesn’t care about her anymore? Just like that?”

“Just like that.” Jaime snaps for emphasis and I jump.

“Interesting.” Rand’s brow furrows even more. “Well, if you don’t mind, I’d like my date back.” He gives me a small smile that reminds me of when we were younger.

My own smile is thin. After experiencing all these emotions whirling in my body, the last thing I want to do right now is be around Rand. But I also don’t want to hurt his feelings. He’s been there for me since I left Sol. I’ll placate him tonight, then go back to my dorm and think over what the hell just happened. Tomorrow I’ll face all of this.

Hopefully I won’t be too late.

“Oh sure.” Jaime beams back at him with a grin he only saves for the stage. “Talk to you later, Scarlo. Text me.” His face falls before he bends into my ear with a whisper. “Think about what I said.”

I almost ask which part, but he’s gone just as quickly as my phantom was. Like the shadow he is.

Scene 28

ROOFTOP CONFESSIONS

Scarlett

Iwanted to go to the bathroom to get a moment to myself, but now I just want to go to bed.

“Seriously, are you okay?” Rand asks, his frown apparent through his devil masquerade mask.

“Yeah.” I nod. “I’m okay. Just ready to call it a night.”

“Do you think what Jaime said was true?”

I shrug. “I’m not sure. But can I be honest?”

“Of course.” His voice is smooth and coaxing. “You can always tell me anything, Lettie.”

Stop using my dad’s nickname for me.

It’s on the tip of my tongue to say the words, but I bite them back instead. He’s been sour all night, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t grateful for the reprieve in his mood.

“I don’t know if what Jaime said was true, but I think I might’ve drawn the curtain too soon with Sol. I think… I think I need to talk to him. At least apologize for the way I left.”

Rand’s lips thin as he nods slowly. “Why don’t you think on it tonight? I’ve got something in mind that might cheer you up.”

My tense muscles lighten at his suggestion. “Really? What is it?”

“Always so curious, Lettie.” He smirks. “I left your drink on the table, hold on for a second and I’ll go back and get it—”

“Oh, no that’s okay.” I wave him off before he turns all the way around. “Let’s just go. I’m guessing I’ll be getting my surprise somewhere else? I was kind of hoping to just go to bed. I’m pretty wiped.”

“This won’t take long, I swear. Just trust me.”

Those last three words are almost enough to make me say no, but the pleading in his eyes softens the blaring alarm bells in my mind.

Without my answer, he still grabs my hand and guides me through the hallways and staircase that lead up to the New French Opera House. But instead of going toward my dorm, we continue up the stairs.

“Where are we going?”

“There’s something I think you need to see.”

The speakeasy is meant to be hard to get to and depending on how you get in, you have to go through the inner trappings of the opera house to get there. Bordeaux students have free rein and we’ve learned the ins and outs, but somehow Rand knows exactly where he’s going.