Page 138 of Rome: The Ballerina

I nodded. “Yeah. I’m fine.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

There was a long, awkward pause before she nodded.

“This doesn’t have to be awkward, Rome. I understand you’re seeing Saint, now. Things seem to be going well according to him. I–”

“Aliza, I won’t discuss my partner with you if that’s what you’re hoping. Whatever Saint and I have going on is between Saint and I. You won’t cause a disturbance between us by hinting that you all talk. I know you do. It’s exactly what I’d expectchildhood friends to do. Besides, what other choice does he have knowing you will lay on that line until he answers?”

“I–”

“Call far too much. Woman to woman–stand up. Never give a man a chance to show you or tell you he doesn’t want you twice. This goes for Saint and anyone else. He’s not exempt from treating yourself with respect and having some dignity.

“It doesn’t matter that you didn’t have a fall out, life-altering breakup. It was a breakup, nonetheless. Chin up. Chest out. You’re a beautiful girl who said yourself you were both settling. In case you haven’t figured it out, Aliza, you still are.

“Settling for unanswered calls. Ignored texts. Voicemails. And whatever else is left of Saint after I’m finished with him on adailybasis. Don’t do that to yourself.”

She remained silent, shifting her weight as she gnawed on her bottom lip. I splashed water on my face a final time and grabbed a paper towel.

“How is he?” She asked.

I patted my face dry before giving her my attention, again. “Happy.”

On my way out of the door, I tossed the paper towel in the trash. The hallway produced fresh, uncontaminated air that helped reboot my system. Though I wasn’t one hundred percent, I wasn’t nearly as bad as I had been when I stepped inside of the restroom.

I reached my dressing room and found my detail waiting. Koen was the first on his feet. August followed.

“Balle. Is everything alright?”

“Yes. I’m fine. Are you guys ready to go?”

“Yeah. Would you like to grab something to eat before we head to your home?”

“You haven’t eaten all day. I don’t know how you put in them long ass hours witho–”

“August–” Koen chastised his counterpart.

“You haven’t eaten, Balle. That could be the reason you don’t look so well. Let’s stop and get food before we take you home.”

“I’m not going home,” I informed them, gathering my things.

Koen stepped in, swatting my hands so he could finish the job.

“I’m going to Saint’s.”

“Should I let him know we’re on the way?” August asked.

“No. I need silence. No words. No music. Nothing. Just peace and quiet.”

“We can manage that.”

“Very well.” I sighed, tossing the hoodie over my head as we filed out of the dressing room.

With my arms folded over my chest and the hood over my head, I made it through the theater, sandwiched between August and Koen. The crisp Clarke sun welcomed me with vengeance. I regretted tucking my shades away as soon as it touched my skin.

“Balle–” Koen called out, turning to face me.

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