Page 79 of American Beauty

She tilts her head, eyes sharp and curious. “I take it you’re here to see Magnolia?”

She knows about Magnolia and me.

This is bad.

My stomach flips. “Can I see her?”

Her smile slips, and it’s enough to tell me something’s off. I’m not going to like what’s coming.

The warmth in her eyes dims. “I’m sorry, but that’s not possible.”

She pauses, glancing around the lobby, before lowering her voice. “Magnolia doesn’t work here anymore.”

My heart sinks, heavy and certain—this is worse than I imagined. “Since when?”

“A few months ago.”

Right around the time she cut me off.

I stare at the client specialist rep, searching her expression for some kind of explanation, but she’s all polished professionalism now, her service smile back in place.

“Why?” The sound of it is all wrong—too raw, too exposed—but I can’t pull it back now.

A flash of sympathy crosses her face. “I’m not at liberty to discuss that. But I believe you already know the answer.”

There’s only one explanation, and it sinks into my chest like a lead weight.

Me.

I’m the reason Magnolia lost this job—the job she loved and worked so damn hard for. And just like that, the guilt I thought I’d buried months ago comes rushing back, sharper than ever.

These things always have a way of coming out. Whispers in the right ears, a few too many coincidences lining up. And despite the obscene amount of money I paid Celeste to keep her mouth shut, somehow, it still wasn’t enough to protect my girl.

Frustration simmers beneath my skin. “I just need to talk to Magnolia. How can I get in touch with her?”

Her professionalism doesn’t budge, but there’s something in her eyes—compassion, maybe. “I’m afraid I can’t help you with that.”

“Please. I’m on my way back to Sydney, and I need to see her before I go.”

She hesitates for a second, and I think she might cave. But then she shakes her head, her expression turning apologetic. “Soul Sync’s privacy policy is strict. There’s no wiggle room.”

Her voice drops to a softer tone. “I’ve seen what happens when people break the rules, and I can’t risk my job. Please don’t ask me to do that, even for Magnolia, whom I love dearly.”

Fuck my life.

“I get it. But leaving the States without seeing her isn’t an option.”

“I’m sorry.”

“She’s moved on—I’m not here to interfere with her life. I just need one chance to look her in the eye and say what I should’ve said months ago.”

She offers the faintest of smiles. “I hope you find her and say what needs to be said, for both of your sakes.”

She leans closer, her voice low. “It’s Thursday. There’s a great aerial dance studio in Charleston called Elevate Aerial Arts. They hold classes every Thursday at six o’clock.”

What the hell is she talking about? “Thanks, but I’m not interested.”

Her lips twitch with something that resembles amusement. “You should check it out tonight at six o’clock. Elevate Aerial Arts. I think you’d enjoy it.”

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