Page 69 of Strings

“You know my name? And here I thought you barely knew I existed.”

“Of course I know your name. I make it a point to get to know everyone.”

“Well, in that case, would you like to get to know me a little better?”

Oh geez. Just as I’m afraid it’s gone too far, I notice Sebastian standing near the door. His hands are stuffed in his pockets.

I decide to keep up the charade. “What did you have in mind?”

Sebastian clears his throat. “Am I interrupting?”

“Mr. Corronov. No. Um, I saw Ms. Pearson back here by herself and I offered to help her clean.”

“Could you excuse us for a moment, Stuart?”

“Of course.”

“Actually, Stuart, my ride is waiting for me. Would you mind walking me out?”

“Talia…” Sebastian’s voice sounds like a warning and I don’t care.

Stuart heads out first. I lift my bag and follow closely behind. Sebastian sticks out his arm to block me from leaving. “Talia, we should talk.”

I lean toward him and whisper, “This isn’t real, remember?” Then I slip under his arm and walk away with Stuart.

I thought it would feel better than it does, but instead of feeling elated, I feel ill. Stuart and I walk in silence for a few minutes before I decide I need some time alone. I don’t know what I’m feeling right now, and having him with me makes it all so much worse. “Stuart, you go ahead. I can make it from here. Thank you.”

“Are you okay? I didn’t mean to cause any problems between you two.”

“No, you’re fine. There were problems before you got there.”

Cherese is waiting for me in the employee lot. I slide into her car, my head hanging low.

My phone buzzes. It’s Sebastian. I take it out of my pocket and stare at it for a moment.

Bash:We need to talk.

Cherese sees the text as I turn it over and place it in her cup holder.

I gaze out the window and pull at the skin on my lips.

“Talia, I swear to you. There is nothing going on between Sebastian and me. I know what it might have looked like to you, but I would never ever go after the boyfriend of a friend.”

I nod. “It’s fine. I’m not sure I care.”

“Oh God. If you guys are fighting because of me then I am so sorry.”

I smile at her. “You didn’t do anything. This is all me.”

“The conductor called me out during practice. I missed a note. It’s totally unlike me. This diet shit is making me feel all out of sorts.”

“Cherese, you don’t owe me an explanation. No one owes me anything.”

“I can tell you’re upset, and obviously Sebastian didn’t clear things up for you.”

“No. He made things crystal clear.”

“Ugh. He can be such a pain in the ass when he feels cornered. I bet he explained nothing.”