Page 94 of Bitter Secrets

She set aside her empty cup and resisted the urge to stretch out on the sofa. The heat from the fire made her eyelids droop. She valiantly tried to stay awake and propped her cheek on her fist as she listened to multiple conversations. She didn’t want the night to end. Hopefully, no one would realize her eyes were closed.

* * *

She awokeas she was lifted into the air.

“I’m awake,” she slurred.

“No, you’re not,” Roth said over the sound of everyone’s laughter.

“I’m just resting my eyes,” she mumbled into his shoulder as he carried her into the entrance hall.

“You’re exhausted.”

“I wonder why that is,” she said sarcastically and thumped his shoulder as he reached for the doorknob. “Roth, wait.”

“What?”

“We have to say goodbye.” She tried to wriggle out of his hold, but she wasn’t going anywhere without his permission. She gave him a put-upon look and pointed over his shoulder.

He turned and seemed surprised to find that everyone had followed them. When he released her, she threw her arms around Penelope.

“I’ve missed you. If you walk in Daiyu’s show, Kira and I will come to New York. I’m sure the others will come, too. Wouldn’t that be fun?”

“It would be,” she said as she gave her friend a tight hug.

She found herself making reckless promises even though she had no idea what tomorrow held. The urge to cling was strong, but knowing she would see her friend in the near future made it possible for her to let go.

She turned in time to see William hug Roth. It was such an odd sight that she paused. Roth didn’t return the hug or copy the fond clap on the back William gave him. When William pulled back, Roth’s piercing stare told her this was the first time William had ever done such a thing. Frederick and Jin accurately read Roth’s mood and extended their hands for brief handshakes instead.

As they settled in the back of the car, she peered out the window and saw the family crowded in the doorway. When she waved, they waved back. Just a few hours with them restored her faith in humanity. Her eyes pricked with tears as they drove away.

“What’s this about you walking in Daiyu’s show?” Roth asked.

“I’m not,” she said as she slumped in her seat and closed her eyes.

“But Penelope said…”

“Daiyu asked, but I’m not doing it.”

“Why not?”

She glared at him, even though it wasn’t effective in the dark. “I don’t want to walk in a fashion show.”

“It’s a rare opportunity.”

“You mean, it would be good publicity.”

“I’m not going to force you to do it.”

“Good, because you can’t,” she snapped.

She jolted as a hand landed on her thigh and squeezed.

“Did you have a good time?”

She swatted at his hand, but it stayed where it was. “You know I did.”

“Good.”

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