Page 52 of Master of My Heart

Well, now she definitely knew it was Chase. He obviously wasn’t around at the moment, though. Where was he?

He’s in the army, dumbass. Being the hero you know he is. She wouldn’t have to see him anytime soon, would she? When was his next leave?

If the disgust she’d seen on Jayson’s face that morning when they’d slept together was distressing, how much worse would it be to see it on the face of the man she’d held out hope of seeing for so long?

Well, one good thing came from that horrible conversation. Her desperate need for sex was gone. For now.

*****

Saturday morning, Sabrina threw herself into class, doing her best to ignore the agony in her heart. For the longest time, the thought of Chase had brought her hope and a desire to live. Now it only brought pain. Maybe it would be better if Chase were married. Then she wouldn’t have this lingering spark of hope that kept nagging at her. The tiniest chance he might accept her past and want to be with her anyway.

Stupid girl. Forget it. Move on. If he hasn’t already, he will when he sees you again.

She wanted to ask Jayson when he expected Chase to be home, but was afraid he’d think she wanted to see him. She did long to see him, though she wouldn’t admit it out loud.

“Don’t forget about the cocktail party on Friday night!” Martin said loudly as class ended and the dancers began to pack up their things.

“Cocktail party?” Sabrina asked, turning to Liz.

She shrugged. “Yeah. We have to go to things like that to show our appreciation to the donors.”

Sabrina shuddered. She’d “shown appreciation” before, and it was painful.

“It’s only a party, Sabrina,” Liz said quickly. Sabrina wondered if her fear had shown on her face. “We just go and talk with them. Nothing untoward or anything.” Sabrina gave Liz a skeptical look, making her laugh. “Okay, well, I’m sure some of the dancers show more ‘appreciation’ than others, but for the most part, it’s a respectable party.” She giggled. “It’s not bad. Good food. Free drinks.”

Sabrina realized Liz had no reason to lie. “Okay.”

“It’s fun to dress up. You could wear that black dress you got last week.”

“It’s that fancy?”

Liz nodded. “Oh yeah. And if someone likes you, you might even get invited to some of the big social events that happen after Nutcracker opens.”

“What do you mean?” Sabrina’s guard was up again.

“There are a lot of single male donors. Honestly, I think they do it because they like the girls. But they’re really generous. Ashley married one last year.” Liz nodded to a short, blonde dancer across the room talking to Kyle. “They’re not all perverts,” she said with a giggle. “Martin warns them about hurting his dancers.”

“Have you ever gone out with them?”

Liz laughed. “No. Jayson’s too protective. Besides, Jon and I have been together since I was in high school. Jayson wasn’t thrilled about it, but he’s okay now.”

“How much older is Jon than you?”

“He’s Jayson’s age. Twenty-six. I’m twenty-two.” She saw the hesitation on Sabrina’s face. “I’ll help you get ready for the party. It’ll be fun. I promise!”

“We have to go?”

Liz nodded.

“Okay.” She smiled a tiny bit. It might be fun to dress up. Especially with Liz helping her. It would certainly be a new experience. She’d never gone to dances in high school and missed her senior prom. Maybe she’d get to go to some of those fancy parties this year... if she was liked enough.

They began to walk home. “Jayson said he heard there was a new donor. Young and rich. I’m sure he’ll be the talk among the girls.”

Sabrina nodded, not especially interested. After walking in silence a few minutes, she asked, “Do you know Chase?”

“Jayson’s friend?” Liz asked. Sabrina nodded. “Do you know him?”

“Jayson didn’t tell you?” She was surprised.

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