Page 38 of Ashton

“Listen up,” Von calls out. “I’ll call each pair up one by one to take the stage. This is the only chance we all get to watch each other. The concert is next week, please be prepared. This counts toward the orchestra.”

Of course, the first person called up is Lula. This is going to be torture.

As much as I love music, I’m damn near falling asleep halfway through the class. I thought having pairs would be quicker. I was sadly mistaken, and Von must be taking his anger out on me or something because there are only five pairs left, and I’m not the only one who looks bored to death. That makes me feel really excited to play.

“Jinx, stop it. Everyone will still love hearing you play.” Maddox draws me closer to his body.

“You don’t know that. This is your first time playing for all these dickhats. They don’t care either way.”

“It doesn’t matter. All that matters is we get up there and play our best. Then shine even brighter during the concert. We are a team. What you feel, I feel, and I can feel your anxiety eating away at you. Tell me what’s going on.”

I hate when he can read me like a book. It’s unfair, but I can’t tell him I feel guilty about all of this. His dream is my dream, and we both can’t have it; one of us is goingto be broken in the end. Because hells if I’m letting bitch face win.

“I’m just nervous, that’s all. I don’t like being last.” I shrug against his body.

“If that’s what you need to tell yourself, I’ll go along with it.”

By the time we’re called up, only three pairs are left. To say that I’m pissed would be an understatement. I try to calm down, but it’s no use. Von is moving higher and higher on my shit list. I don’t care what Dad says, he needs to hire a new music professor, this is bullshit. It’s one thing to treat students like this, but to be having sex with them is way off the chart.

I take my seat and position my cello between my legs, and my body forms around the instrument. I glance at Maddox; he looks relaxed on the stool with his feet planted wide. I start the song off, and he jumps in. The music takes me, and I forget where I am. Nothing matters. My troubles seem like such worthless things to worry about. Being in this school is pointless when I’m playing; nothing can touch me. But even I know that when I’m done, the world will crash down on me and turn everything into darkness again.Unknownwill be waiting for me around every corner. Maddox’s troubles will still be there; nothing I say will help him. He’ll never believe me, and he needs to heal from the inside first.

RWA is not for the weak, and I’m afraid for him.

Ifigured Atticus wouldn’t let me get away without telling him about the text message. After classes, he’s waiting for me in my dorm room, relaxing on the couch with Edgar on his chest. It’s a strange duo if you ask me. But I’m glad they get along. I’m sure he’ll be heartbroken when I set him free next week. Edgar is milking his recovery for everything he’s got just for those treats—spoiled little shit.

“Atticus, Edgar. Enjoying yourselves?” I place my bag on the table, folding my arms across my chest. “You realize he’s a bird, not a dog, correct?”

Atticus covers Edgar’s head. “Shh, he has feelings, Jinx.” He strokes his chin. “She doesn’t mean it, man. She’s having a hard day, that’s all.”

“I can’t with you two. Where’s your brother?” I ask, moving into the kitchen and grabbing a snack and a treat for Edgar.

“Finding his geek friend.”

Geek friend? “What for?”

“Geeks are good for one thing, getting your schoolwork done.”

Oh, for fuck’s sake. “Why didn’t he say he needed help? Either I or Spence could’ve tutored him.”

Atticus laughs. “That takes work, and Ash is lazy. This is easier.”

Whatever, I guess.

“Spill it, Jinx. I’m not here to entertain the bird. Tell me or show me the phone.”

So much for him forgetting all about it. I walk back to the table, grabbing my bag in anger. All I want is to move past this, but that will never work for me. Digging around until I find my phone, I take a deep breath before opening the text.

Unknown: Odette, I can’t get over that dinner. Wow, right.

“You got this when?” Atticus stands, taking my phone from me.

“The day after that so-called family dinner. How would he know about that?”

Atticus glanced behind him, our eyes tangled together. “Jinx, if he knew you were there, that means he was in that house or was watching from outside.”

Shivers raced down my back, shaking my entire body. He’s been watching my every move; for all I know, he could’ve been inside the house sitting across from me the whole time. But none of them looked familiar except—Roan.

I tumble on the couch, trying to catch my breath. Can it be Roan? I’ve never noticed him before. There’s no way it can be him. What would he gain from tormenting me like this? Something isn’t adding up.

---