Page 129 of Damaged

Happilyrisk my life for.

And what does this decision do for my relationship? Letting this video get out there. There’s no doubt our sex tape will go viral after our stint in the news after the heist.

This will be big.

“James?” Richard asks.

I’ve been quiet for too long. “Yeah,” I say and pay the cabbie. Then I get out and stand in the snow. “I think, perhaps…” I’m picturing Sophia sitting alone. Oblivious to this entire conversation that has a lot to do with her. She deserves a say. I don’t care how much power this would give me.

“I think perhaps I pull my hat out of the ring at The Society.”

“Really?”

“Really. Maybe another time. Maybe next year.”

“These opportunities don’t come every year.”

“And I still can’t say yes.”

Richard is silent for a moment. “Alright. I won’t fight you. I do have a question. The same one a lot of the board has been wondering. What does the girl know?”

“Sophia?”

“Yes.”

“She knows nothing. Not about the heist or the existence of this video.”

“Keep it that way. Okay, James?”

“Yeah.” My tone becomes icy.

“Good night, then.” Richard hangs up.

I bring the phone down slowly. I stare at the doors but can’t bring myself to walk to them.

Will Sophia let me take her hand and squeeze it? Will I be able to sit down and act like being an hour late is no big deal?

“Hey,” I hear a soft voice say, breaking the silence. A familiar voice.

I whip my head to the right to see Sophia walking a few steps closer. She was waiting near the orchestra hall’s little sculpture garden. Did she hear?

I’m already squinting, trying to see how well sound travels in the snow, when she answers my question.

“So, what don’t I know?” she asks casually.

She comes a little closer, and I can see that she’s been crying. I take a quick step to her. My first instinct is to wrap my arms around her. To apologize for being so fucking late on such an important day, but Sophia takes a quick step back, like I’m… dangerous.

My heart feels like it’s tugged with her.

She’s quiet, waiting for an answer.

“It’s a longer story.”

“I’m not going back in there.” She looks at the orchestra hall. “How about a walk?”

“Those tights look thin.”

“I’m plenty warm, James. Come on.”

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