Page 90 of Saviors

It reminded me of my first morning here when he’d made breakfast. Picking the food and cooking. Taking action because I couldn’t. Just like how they’d touched me to heal me.

I was more than happy to let them. I couldn’t remember a time where I felt more secure.

* * *

The crowds grew thicker as we headed down the street. I still wasn’t sure where we were going, but apparently everyone else was going there, too.

“Sorry.” A man grunted as he bumped into me, sending my shoulder into another person. I could smell his expensive aftershave. Feel the heat of a body searing mine.

My chest constricted. Panic flooded my blood. I hadn’t been out like this since coming to stay with the guys. I kept to familiar, controlled places. The club. The community center. A restaurant.

I felt exposed out in the open. How could I be sure Simon wasn’t in this crowd? Waiting to take me again. To hurt me. My family.

Just as my anxiety was reaching a crescendo, a warm palm pressed into my back. Reid’s cologne filled my senses. It calmed my racing heart.

I wanted to lean into him. Wrap an arm around his waist and tuck my head to his chest. But I knew I couldn’t. His hand on my low back was all I got.

“I’m sorry.” He bent down to whisper in my ear, surrounding me. Protecting me from the crowd. “We should’ve come earlier or waited until just before show time.”

“Show time?” I glanced up as we entered a theater.

It was beautiful, with red carpets and wood-paneled walls. Chandeliers hung overhead as we made our way to the stairs. The banister was gold plated; worn in some spots from all the hands that had run over it throughout the years.

I noticed some people nearby weren’t as dressed up. I was thankful for the outfit Reid had picked. Theater was one of the places I still believed you should dress for.

He led me all the way to the top, where an usher opened the door to a private box. The chairs were velvet and from here we had the perfect view of the stage. I wasn’t sure what we were seeing, but now that we were alone, I could relax. My chest rose on a steady breath as I took my seat. I ran my fingers over my silky dress as I watched the crowd file in.

The lights flashed, and conversation died. I looked at the curtains with a quiet excitement. How many times had I stood behind a similar one? My heart racing as I waited to perform.

I still remembered the first time. How I’d rose from the piano bench with an overwhelming feeling of happiness. I was so ecstatic my toes tingled. But then I’d seen my mother’s pinched face in the crowd. My excitement turned into a fizzle. I’d spent the drive home listening to all the things I’d done wrong.

But tonight, I wasn’t performing. And I found that I didn’t miss the jumble of nerves. It had been a long time since I’d enjoyed it. I was relaxed in my seat until the announcer introduced the performer.

“Alexandra Auclair.” Her name came out on a breath, and I whipped my head to Reid. But he was focused on the stage.

A woman walked across the wood floor towards a grand piano. She had on a beautiful red ball gown. Her hair was swept over one shoulder.

She was just as wonderful as I’d always imagined. I’d never met her, but I’d followed her career for years. We were the same age.

When I was applying to Julliard, because it was the only acceptable school to my mother, she was their big star that year. I read an article about her in the paper. Envy had burned in my veins as I looked at her proud parents standing by her side as she signed a scholarship.

When I’d found a job playing at a piano bar, she’d signed with the New York Orchestra. And six months ago, a week before I’d been trapped in a closet, she’d started her first solo tour. I’d had tickets to go.

My heart jumped to my throat when I realized this was that concert. The one I’d planned to go to with Simon. Reid had no way of knowing. But the coincidence had my blood pressure rising. My eyes searched the crowd, looking for what, I wasn’t sure.

Before my mind could spiral any further, she started to play. The air stuck in my lungs. My heart settled in my chest again. My gaze went to the stage and her perfect posture.

It was instantaneous. The notes hit my ears, and I was lost to the music. To the thing I’d always loved.

My body swayed to the familiar song. I found myself leaning forward. My elbows rested on the wood banister. I was captivated by the melody.

I felt it in my chest. My heart. In my very bones. Song after song played, and I was transported.

I wasn’t thinking about my life. Instead I focused on the piece of music. On the stories I used to make up to go with each one. I honed in on how they made me feel.

When I listened to music I was outside of time and place. I floated on emotion and beauty.

One song hit me hard. The tone was brutal and sad. My hand reached automatically towards Reid, but when our skin touched, he pulled away.

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