Page 64 of The Comeback

She leans in planting giving me an air kiss before picking her way through the crowd of enthusiastic parents and friends hugging their kids in the lobby area of the hall.

I’m about to retreat to the back stage area when a familiar face pushes through the crowd. She doesn’t even notice the eyes that follow her wherever she goes.

My friend hurls her arms around me before pulling back with an appraising look. “You are living up to your name tonight?”

I quirk a brow at her. “Abigail?”

“Obviously not. You look as Absolutely Fabulous as you’re going to sound.”

“Thanks, Ree.” I pull her back to me, burying my face in her shoulder. “I needed this.”

“Don’t wreck your makeup.” I lift my head after her scolding.

“Is it ok?”

She purses her lips, and swipes a finger at the edge of my eye. “Yes, you still look amazing. Is there something above Goddess? High Priestess? Mother of Gods? I don’t know my mythology, but whatever top tier is, that’s you right now. Stunning.”

“Laying it on a bit thick, aren’t you?”

“I’m only stating the truth.”

Warning chimes ring out in the hall letting us know it’s time for the audience to get to their seats and the performers to head back stage.

“You got this.” Her arms squeeze me in a final hug, and then I’m off.

Dax catches up with me in the big room we’re all gathered in to wait our turns. Lauren looks stunning as usual. She’s in a skin tight dress with matching crimson lipstick. Her hair is pulled back sleek and smooth into a high ponytail my mom would approve of. And of course she’s wrapped around Connor. I feel nothing at the sight. No hurt, no envy, nothing. They can have each other.

The shivers and chills are back again now that we’re here, and it’s almost time. My face is on fire. My mouth is watering.

I turn panicked eyes on Dax. “I can’t do this.”

“Yes you can. You’ve done it a few times now. You’ve survived. You’ll get through this and wow them all. Our song is amazing. Your voice is incredible. And you…you’re perfection.” There’s a hint of sadness darkening his bright blue eyes.

It’s no good. I’m going to lose it. Not on stage. Not on my dress. “I’ll be back.” I call over my shoulder rushing through the crowd to the bathroom I clocked down the hall.

I hold it together until I make it to the bathroom stall. My stomach clenches painfully, and every single thing I ate today comes up. Throwing up is the worst. I heave until there’s nothing left. I lift a shaky hand to swipe at my mouth and it comes away with plum streak across it.

Shit, Ree is going to be so disappointed if I wreck her carefully applied makeup.

I check the damage in the mirror. Not too bad. The mascara only left little smudges in the corners of my eyes. Fixable. The lipstick is the worst part. I scrub at my hands until they come clean and grab a damp paper towel to wipe off the mess.

My lips are pursed to reapply when the door swings open.

Lauren walks in looking cool and calm, and put together. She could be the ice princess Sebastian called me once. Sebastian.

Her perfectly waxed brow lifts and she looks down her thin nose at me.

“Awww, honey. It’ll be okay. No one is going to be looking at your face, don’t worry about it.”

That’s it. I’m sick of people treating me like I’m not good enough because of my weight or my hair or my clothes. It’s bullshit. How can people even be so mean? I’ll never understand.

My heart is pounding and I’m trembling again for a different reason. I step into her.

“I don’t need your friendship, or your approval, or your appreciation or your presence in my life at all. I already have all that from people that matter. And I’m sorry.”

She looks wary for a moment. “For what? Did you sleep with Connor?”

I snort. “As if I would ever sleep with that cheating asshole again. I’m sorry you picked that asshole for a boyfriend, but I have zero interest in his clumsy hands or tiny dick.”

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