Page 23 of Bryce

“Being here,”he gestured around the room vaguely. “Being here with you hassettled me, is settling me. I had no idea how much I needed thenormalcy, the quiet and the freedom to just slip off the mask.”He came towards her then and took her hands in his. “Thanks.”

“I…”She gripped his hands and allowed herself to feel, just for themoment. “You’re welcome.”

“You alwayslooked beyond who I was. Back then and even now. I can be myself withyou Zahra. I don’t have to put up defenses or put on a mask. Ican be a human being with you. It had always been like that.”He started to say something else and decided against it. Now was notthe time.

“Feelingbetter?” She asked him softly. He found himself staring at herupturned face, enjoying the look of her, the smooth skin, theeloquent dark eyes and the curve her lips.

“Much.”He murmured. Letting go of her hands, he turned away before he didsomething that would drive her away. “Thanks for checking in.”

“You’rewelcome.” She started for the door, turning as she reached forthe knob. “There’s a concert at the community center. Iam sure you would enjoy it.”

“Would I?”

She nodded, with asmile. “Why don’t you see for yourself?”

*****

And he did. Thecommunity center was packed with people, and it seemed like everyonein town had turned out for the event. It was not a spectacular show,in fact the performances were amateurish at best and a littlemechanical, but he enjoyed it and found himself laughing along withthe rest.

He was treated withfriendly cordiality and referred to as ‘Zahra’s famousfriend’. He had no idea how they had come to that conclusion,unaware that Sandra had circulated the term and warned people thatBryce had stopped by for a visit because he needed to get away fromthe frenzied craziness of his own life.

She had done well toplay on people’s sympathy, and it had worked.

He was not bombardedfor autographs and even the children kept their distances. He wasleft alone to enjoy the show and afterwards, a full plate of goodieswas thrust into his hands. At the end of it all, he felt like one ofthe natives.

“So? What doyou think?”

He had insisted ondriving his leased car and that she accompany him.

“About the showor the people?” He threw her a teasing look as he navigated thelight traffic on the main road.

“Both.”She settled back in her seat and stretched her legs out. The nightwas pretty, the sky devoid of clouds, the stars twinkling.

“The show wasdelightful and the people friendly.”

She slid him a lookthat had him turning to look at her briefly.

“You don’thave to lie.”

His blue eyestwinkled. “Why would you say such a thing?”

“Theperformance was dreadful. It was supposed to be a romantic interlude,and I had to stop myself from laughing. It was so stilted.”

“My lips aresealed.”

“You’re aHollywood bigshot.” She pointed out.

“Does not meanI cannot enjoy simple theater.”

He slid into thedriveway and shut the engine off.

“You weresifting through all the flaws.”

“I was not!”

“You were.”She turned sideways to stare at him. “I could see a dozenthoughts racing through your mind.”

“I am not thattransparent, and I did enjoy it.” He turned to face her, andthe confinement was not lost on him. She filled his nostrils andtantalized his senses. She had worn a sweater dress for the occasion,and it clung to every vibrant curve of her body. His body stirred tolife, and he had to shift slightly so she would not notice.

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