Page 60 of The Comeback

We didn't perform the new song. Saving that for the big Exhibition, don't want the community getting into any espionage or anything, but we did perform a few original songs as well as some covers.

I hold my flowered skirt up in a little curtsy and turn to Dax who sweeps me up in a hug. I bury my face in his chest, hiding from our viewers until my racing heart returns to a more normal rhythm.

"You did great. We can totally do this."

"You too," I mumble into his t shirt.

A piercing whistle pulls me away from him, and I roll my eyes at Ree. She's so ladylike. Until she lets out an angry gym teacher whistle.

I'm gathering my things up to go when I hear an unwelcome voice off to my left. "Did you see her up there? I thought she was going to pass out. Don't worry, babe, she's no competition."

"I thought she was good. I mean, you could tell she was nervous, but she's a great singer."

"Yeah, but look at her. She's way too chubby to be a singer. No one is going for that." A derisive laugh punctuates the comment that pulls at every insecurity I've worked hard to overcome. Every single comment from high school meant to tear me down. Well I built myself back up and I'm not going to let her break me apart again. No fucking way.

My hands are shaking for a different reason now. My head is pounding as all the blood rushes to it.

She looks startled when I land in front of her after jumping off the small stage.

"You wanna tell me that to my face." My fists are clenched at my sides. I'm not a violent person, but I've never had such a hard time not punching someone in the face.

"Sure. Look at you. You're not a singer. Nobody's going to want to see that on stage. Keep to writing your sad little songs. Leave the singing to the rest of us."

I grit my teeth. "Lauren. I understand you're jealous of my talent. I get it. I'm incredibly talented and you think you have to get by on your looks. You know what. You're a good singer too, but that attitude isn't going to get you anywhere. I don't hate you. I don't you either. I glance at Connor. Neither of you mean anything to me, and you know what that means. Your comments can't touch me. You can't hurt me, or my chances of winning the Hastings. I'm not going to say mean things back to you. I don't want to hurt you. It took a long time to heal myself and you haven't had the chance yet. You should look into though. Ripping other people apart doesn't lift you above them, it drags you down. Don't be the one who gets in your own way. And there are plenty of men who want to be with me. Not that it's any of your business."

Her mouth is gaping like a large mouth bass, and Connor is looking at me with ugh is that lust? Did me taking his girlfriend turn him on? So ick.

"Come on, Dax. Let's get out of here."

I drag him through the cafe and I realize all the usual sounds of chatter and clinking china have gone silent. Even the espresso machine is quiet. Heat scorches my cheeks and I duck my head down as we leave the place.

"You go girl!" The barista working behind the counter calls out at my back and I speed up my steps, wanting nothing more than to get the hell out of there.

The cold air hits my heated face hard and I collapse against Dax as soon as we leave the cafe, needing the comfort of my friend. A killer headache is attacking my brain, and acid is churning in my guts.

He smooths a hand over my head, stroking it, and the edgy anger starts to dissipate.

We’re only standing like that for a moment before Ree bursts out the front doors.

“That was epic, Abigail! I’m totally using that energy for a future role. Way to take her down without stooping to her level. I’m proud of you.”

I pull out of Dax’s arms with a shaky laugh. “Thanks, babe. It felt fantastic.”

“Good on you. I think it’s safe to say you’ve buried the whole Connor thing.”

It takes me a moment to remember what the whole Connor thing was. Yeah, so much has happened since we broke up. And the feelings I had for Connor? They were a pale mockery of what I feel for Sebastian. That hurt is still there. Connor. He’s just a bad memory. I think Bastian. He’s going to be imprinted on a deep part of my soul for the rest of my life. I’ll move on. I’ll find someone else. But he’ll always be there. A part of me.

Chapter 46

Sebastian

Afterastretchofaway games it’s nice to be in our home arena, but I find myself edgy, restless. I've got my headphones on listening to my pump up music as I stretch in the hall. My pregame ritual. The guys would probably laugh if they heard the music I listen to. Not driving rock, or even catchy pop. Nope I listen to epic soundtracks from fantasy movies. It works. Listen to epic music and you want to do epic things. Whether that's climbing a mountain in enemy territory to destroy a ring or winning a hockey game. Well it's all relative.

It's not getting me in the mood today. After I saw her in his arms. That dirty rock star friend of hers. It's got my jaw clenched so tight I don't know if I'll be able to loosen it. Fine, he's not dirty. In fact. He seems like a nice guy and that's the worst part. She should be with him, not me and all my damage.

Pain radiates through my knuckles when I slam a fist into the floor.

"Fleetsy, do we need to have a talk, or are you going to get yourself together for this game." Jackson's voice cuts through the sound and I tear my headphones off pushing into a sitting position on the rubber mat.

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