Page 112 of Twisted Legacy

So apparently those consequences Joshua Laurent is so fond of have found me. As a punishment for leaving dinner, I’m stuck attending another function with him. He calls it family bonding time. I roll my eyes, knowing this has nothing to do with him wanting to get closer to me, and everything to do with trying to be seen.

Moira came tonight, but Scott’s stuck at work. “Please try to keep your cool, Thea.”

“I’m cool. I’m calm. I don’t know how much chit chat we’re gonna have watching the ballet, but I’m here as requested.” And I’m only here because I’d be stupid to give up a chance to see The Los Angeles Ballet.

I’ve watched plenty of clips online, even caught a few ballets on television, but this will be my first time seeing one live. I keep my face blank, though. Never let your opponent know what you’re feeling because they’ll take that good thing away from you.

We push our way through the crowd hovering in the lobby, and go find our seats. We’ve barely settled when Joshua excuses himself, saying he sees someone he needs to speak with. Moira smiles and I roll my eyes. He’s so damn obvious.

“Is this as bad as it gets?”

Moira looks up from her phone with a sigh. “I wish I could answer that. He’s making the rounds, putting his face back out there. I’m happy he has this chance to get involved again. The League meant a lot to him, and my actions took that away from him.”

“Do you feel guilty because they kicked him out of the clubhouse?”

“A part of me does, but I’d do it again.”

“Even though I’m like this?”

Her brows furrow. “Like what?”

“Tough, abrasive, say whatever I want. Rule breaker. You name it, I’m it. I’m not sweet and light and airy. I’m heavy and dark.”

“Thea, you’re smart, brave and strong. Resilient. You stand up for yourself. You make sure everyone knows where they stand with you. You are everything Scott and I dreamed you would be. Don’t let what you see and hear from the other legacy students or their parents make you feel otherwise.”

I settle back in my seat. Did we just have a moment? I feel like we did. Maybe I should say something. Joshua returns before I can. I watch Moira’s face transform back into its plastic mask. When the lights dim, I reach over and squeeze her hand. I’ve been around enough kids and they’re disapproving parents to know this must be uncomfortable for her.

I’m not ready to make any decisions about our relationship. I haven’t heard Joshua’s side of things, and I probably should, before passing judgement. I will, when I’m ready. But no matter what happened, nobody should have to act like they’ve been body snatched just to keep the peace.

He’s droning on and on. The ballet ended fifteen minutes ago and now we’re standing around waiting for Joshua to finish babbling about what he’s been doing all these years away from Canyon Falls.

He spins a lively tale. It’s hard to tell if they’re all impressed by his story or standing around hoping to press him for details about his suspension. Moira’s off to the side with some of the wives. That just leaves me standing with my back against the wall, waiting so we can all walk out of here together.

Moira breaks off from her group and walks over to me. “Why don’t you head out?”

“You sure?”

“There’s nothing else for you to do around here. Daddy’s gonna talk until everyone walks off or we get thrown out of here. You showed up wearing a dress. You’ve done more than enough today.”

It’s a pretty dress. Another of Moira’s picks. “Thanks, Moira.”

She smiles, then goes back over to her group, and I slip out the door. I pass my ticket to the valet and pull my phone out, waiting for him to bring my car around. My hand hovers over my contact list, trying to think of who I should call to talk to on the ninety-minute drive back to campus.

I climb into the driver’s seat, snap my belt into place, and set my phone in the holder before pushing the call button. It rings four times, then connects just as I’m reaching to disconnect the line.

“LaReaux.”

Just hearing his voice calms me. “Why do you sound like you’re asleep?”

“Because it’s after ten at night. I was asleep.”

“Well, wake up.”

“Why? Is my gym on fire?”

“Not that I know of.”

I switch lanes and pull onto the freeway. “What are you doing LaReaux?”

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