Page 42 of Follow the Rhythm
Ellis gasped. “Yes! And Sister Georgie carried around that crucifix to measure between us and make sure everyone was far enough apart that no penises could slip in anywhere on the dancefloor.”
“And the most memorable part of that homecoming for me is still how bad your dancing was,” I said, laughing at the mental picture of his more exuberant moves.
I remembered vividly how he looked in his thrifted white tux, the one we’d bought on a weekend excursion with Aunt Natalie. I still had the picture of us somewhere, him looking ironically cool and me looking timid in a long black dress better suited for a funeral. He’d pretended he wanted to go to the dance, even though he hated “organized fun”, because he knew I’d enjoy myself.
Ellis doubled over in silent laughter, the same way he always had. He held onto my shoulder for support as I laughed too.
Bea burst into the room. When she saw us together, she scowled, and it didn’t do her beautiful face any favors. “What are you doing here?”
I swallowed my initial defensive reaction and chose to ignore her completely because I knew that would annoy her more than anything.
Ellis straightened up, still smiling. “You should be quite proud of the stage design, too.”
“Thanks, but it was mostly Ursula,” I said gruffly. I tried to remind myself I didn’t want or need his approval, but it was hard to stay stern when all I could picture was him trying to dance in our high school cafeteria.
“I’m so sorry to interrupt, but why are you back here? This area is reserved for performers,” Bea said nastily.
“You’re here.” I raised my eyebrows at her.
“I’m Ellis’s partner and brand manager,” she replied cooly.
“And I’m the tour production manager,” I said. If she wanted a pissing match, I’d win.
Bea looked at Ellis. “She’s coming on the tour?”
“We’ll be riding on the same bus,” I answered with a smile. “I suggest you get used to me.”
She bristled and turned to Ellis. “I’m not comfortable with an Omega traveling with us. Aren’t you worried about the implication?”
“And what implication is that?” I asked, stepping towards her.
“Please, Bea, you are ruining my good mood,” Ellis said dismissively.
“The press is going to think you’re together. Which is what you want, I’m sure,” Bea said, advancing on me, too.
I laughed derisively. “Are you that insecure?”
“All you Omegas are the same, using your pussy to get ahead, using your stench to trap Alphas.”
“And you’re so different? Would you still be his ‘brand manager’ if you weren’t fucking?” I said, standing my ground.
“Are you going to let her talk to me like this?” Bea glared at Ellis.
“I think you brought that on yourself,” Ellis said.
Bea huffed and whirled out of the room. Ellis met my eyes in the mirror, and my old friend was gone again.
“Shouldn’t you have her back?” I asked. Something about the way he didn’t seem to care about her at all rubbed me the wrong way.
“Not when she doesn’t deserve it.” He turned to face me. “Is she right? Are you trying to ‘trap’ me, Jess? It is quite a coincidence, you showing up out of the blue like this.”
My blood boiled. “Of course not. I have no interest in trapping anyone, especiallyyou.”
He stepped closer. His scent hit me - juicy, fresh orange and cinnamon that tickled the back of my throat. It didn’t overwhelm me like Charlie’s, but there was a part of me - that girl on the rooftop - that couldn’t help but respond to it. And his eyes were as arresting as always.
“It wouldn’t be hard,” he said, his eyes flicking down to my mouth. “I’m easily corruptible. Especially for you, darling.”
“Don’t,” I said warningly.
