Page 125 of Conquering Conner

Conner.

He’s standing at a high-top table draped in a canvas drop cloth. On top of it is a car part, a group of kids gathered around him while he shows them how it works. How to fix it.

“Scalpel,” he says, and the kids laugh when a pretty brunette slaps a screwdriver into his hand.

Kaitlyn.

The woman from the bar.

I couldn’t forget her if I wanted to.

I must’ve moved. Made a sound because all of a sudden, he’s looking right at me.

They’re all looking at me.

“I’m looking for the lead volunteer.” I feel like a ventriloquist dummy. My mouth is moving but the sound feels like it’s coming from somewhere else. Somewhere far away.

The kids point at Conner. He’s still staring at me. Kaitlyn’s staring at me too. “The intern at the front desk told me I could leave a message with you. For Margo.”

“Alright.” He still looking right at me, but I have a feeling he can’t see me. Like I’m a ghost.

“Can you please tell her that Henley O’Connell came by to apologize.”

That elicits a reaction. A quiet chuff, half laugh, half scoff. “Sure.” As soon as he says it, he gives the kids in front of him a grin before he drops his gaze back to the car part in front of him and continues his lesson like I don’t exist.

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