Page 63 of Rebel Romeo

There’s nothing innately sexual about it and yet, it’s the most intimate we’ve been in weeks.

I blink, lost for a breath in his warm, golden eyes.

Then, he exhales, relief melting his tension away. “There you are. Welcome back, Katherine.”

I wipe my palms over my cheeks in a futile effort to try to get rid of the evidence of my tears. “Thank you.” I glance around the theater and even though Amy is working with Nolan, Addison, and Ellis on the stage, everyone’s awareness is on me. Even if they aren’t staring.

Even Missy looks genuinely concerned.

“I’m sorry.” I duck my gaze, avoiding his intense stare that could always read me. “My dad called and?—”

“I heard.”

I gulp and my eyes fly to Holden’s. “You… heard?”

He nods and has the decency to look apologetic. “Before I realized you were on the phone, I came over to talk to you before rehearsal started and I… overheard.” He points to the ceiling. “Plus, good acoustics in here.”

A week ago, hell, even a day ago, I would have been livid that he was eavesdropping. But in this moment, I don’t feel anything except relief. Relief that I don’t have to explain the situation. That I don’t have to say the words aloud.

“I was hoping to get home for the biopsy, but…” My words fade. I’m not even sure why I’m admitting this to Holden right now.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” he asks.

For a second, I debate not saying anything. But I don’t owe Missy anything. And I do owe Holden the truth. “I asked Missy for the time off,” I admit. “But then Addison came on and, I don’t know. It seemed too risky for me to leave at a time when my position here isn’t exactly secure.”

A dark shadow crawls over Holden’s expression. His eyes grow stormy and swirl with anger as he flicks a glance at Missy still standing on the stage. “I’m going to take care of this, Katherine.” His gentle voice betrays the anger I see in his expression and he glides his hands down my arms. “I’m going to take care of you.”

Strong fingers link into mine, giving my hand a reassuring squeeze. For a moment, I can pretend we’re together. I can pretend this hand is mine to hold.

“There’s not much to take care of.” After another deep breath, I release Holden’s hand.

Because he’s not mine. The truth is, he was never mine… not even when he claimed he was.

And pretending otherwise is only giving me delusions of a life that will never come to be.

You and me, we’re the realists.

Dad’s right. It’s time for me to pull my head out of the clouds and act like the realist I truly am at heart.

CHAPTER TWENTY

I’m not sure if it’s because I’m so emotionally raw after that phone call or if Holden’s support unlocked something in me or if it’s a product of Missy being human enough to look regretful over not letting me visit home… but I’m having my best rehearsal yet.

Words flow. Emotions are honest. And even as we finish the last line of the scene, Nolan falls back from me. An exhale gushes from his lips and he claps his hands. “Damn, Harris. You’re giving me a run for my money.”

My eyes lock with Addison’s in the audience and for the first time since her arrival this week, the color pales from her cheeks. She watches me with a trembling intimidation I’ve quite literally never seen in Addison in all the years I’ve known her.

For once, she knows. She knows I’ve nailed it. That I’m rightfully on this stage.

I’ve always thought she was talented. I revered her. Admired her. I wanted to be Addison for a whole year in college. She has enough talent to be on this stage too. And all I’ve wanted from her over the years was that mutual respect returned. An acknowledgment that I have every right to take up space in this world, too.

She’s never given me that. Not in five years.

But now? I’m not waiting for her to give it to me. I’m taking it.

“Okay, everyone, let’s take our lunch break. Come back in forty-five.”

“Thank you forty-five,” all of us recite together like robots.

---