Page 17 of A Sky Full Of Stars

God, I hope she’s right.

“You’re very easy to talk to, Lainey Bennett. Much easier than your brother. Or anyone I know. Thank you.”

“I didn’t do much.” She laughs shyly.

“You listened,” I say honestly, but it’s more than that. I wanted to talk to her. I wanted to share my fears. I’ve never felt comfortable doing that before, but there’s a peace surrounding Lainey that she somehow transfers to me. While it might have something to do with her opening up herself and showing me a vulnerable side, I also just like talking to her.

“So, what’s—” Lainey begins but my phone rings, cutting her off.

I move to silence it until I see Jenna’s name on the screen and wince.Shit.How the hell did I forget about that?

“That’s my ride,” I say with an apologetic grimace.

“Right, okay. Sure.” Her brows furrow but she quickly recovers. “You should answer.”

“Jenna, hey,” I say, turning away from Lainey, hiding my expression. “Are you here?”

“I’m out front of the address you gave me, but it doesn’t look like there’s a party here.”

“You’re at the right spot. It’s the party that’s in a different location. I’ll come out now.”

I hang up and give Lainey’s hip a squeeze to get her attention. She’s staring up at the stars again.

“Sorry, I was lost in thought,” she says, her gaze dropping to look at my hand still on her, making me pull away.

“I’ve got to run. Sorry. I kind of invited a friend to hang out and now she’s out front. Who would have thought?” I comically shrug as I laugh.

Lainey’s eyes briefly widen, but before I’ve had the chance to question it, she laughs with me. “The nerve of her,” she jokes as she playfully rolls her eyes.

“Right?” I smile. “I better not keep her waiting.”

“Of course. Take care, Thomas. And…I’m here if you need to talk.”

“Same goes for you.” I smile back, forcing my legs to move when a little part of me wants to stay. “Thanks, Lainey.”I really hope you’re okay.

Chapter Six

Lainey

Thomas walks away, and I have to pinch myself to make sure it was real. I’m not going to lie and say my heart didn’t crack when he said, “she’sout front,” but it’s hard to be upset after sharing one of the most real conversations I’ve had with another human. And for him to open up to me too…

He’s definitely not helping me shake this crush I have. In fact, we’re moving into dangerous territory. Me, not Thomas. To Thomas I’m still very much his friend’s little sister, and that hurts.

When he moves out of sight, I walk back to the couch and lie down, staring up at the stars, the events of the night replaying in my mind.

I’d come home from school in a great mood. I was going to have the house to myself. I didn’t have any assignments due. I had grand plans of junk food and Hallmark movies.

Until I found the letter.

Mom had written a note for me to wait until she got home to open it, but I couldn’t. I had to know.

We regret to inform you…

I didn’t get in. All my dreams shattered in a matter of seconds. I should have auditioned years ago. Or even last year.Now I’m stuck with a future I don’t want to be a part of and a family that’ll be over the moon about it.

Having Thomas here tonight saved my soul. He didn’t change the outcome, or even help with a solution, but helistened…which is a lot more than anyone else has ever done. My parents are supportive, sure, but they’re only supportive if I’m following the path they thought out for me. As long as I’m dedicated, focused, and working towardourgoals, they’re happy. But if I deviate… they won’t hear it. It’s the same when it comes to football and my brothers, although my parents are a little more lenient with regards to them because they don’t have the pressure from my gran the way they do with me. It’s a double-edged sword. Gran’s support from day one has always been an inspiration for me, but now that my dream is closer to a reality, it’s becoming a burden.

This works in everyone’s favor. Except mine. I know my parents will be disappointed for me because they’re not heartless, but me not getting into San Francisco Ballet School works for Gran and by extension works for them too.

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