Page 107 of The Sound Of Forever

“I did not.”

“Why don’t we just order something to go and sit on the grass? That line looks massive.”

“It’s highly likely that’s the takeout line. I’m told it’s always busy around here.”

“Is there a backup?” I ask, looking around for other options.

“Yeah, there’s a few, or we could get food delivered.”

“Delivered to Central Park?”

He shrugs and I huff out a laugh until I realize he’s serious.What is this world he lives in?

“No, that's okay. Let’s just keep moving.”

“Let me at least check first. I like it here.” Jesse points at the grass patch I’m standing on and kisses my head. “Don’t move. I’ll be back.” He runs off in the direction of the Boathouse, shooting a glance over his shoulder as he reaches the door.

I consider walking closer to the lake to see if he notices, but the view here is good enough, and I’m better placed to people watch.

So that’s what I do.

Jesse’s gone for a while, and I’m lost in the moment when I hear my name being called. I turn toward the sound, but don’t see anyone I know, making me laugh to myself.Wishful thinking that Jesse would be done.

As I turn back to the water, a little boy rushes past, forcing me to step back and straight onto an uneven path. Because I’m me, my good ankle rolls and I fall, hitting my arm on a nearby rock, bruising instantly.

A few people rush to my aid, but I shake them off as embarrassment coats my skin, opting to stand on my own. “Thank you. Thank you. I’m okay.”

I’m waving off the last person, when a figure in the distance catches my eyes, causing the blood to drain from my face.

No, it’s not him. It can’t be him.

My chest tightens as I struggle to take in air. I’m overreacting. No one knows I’m here. Only Sara does. It’s okay. I’m okay. Jesse’s okay.

The guy turns to face me and I breathe out a sigh of relief. It’s not Alex. Tate’s made me paranoid again and I need to relax.

I’ve just managed to calm myself down when I receive a text that makes me sick to my core.

Unknown: I wonder what would happen to Jesse if anyone learned his dark secrets. Do you think it would ruin his career? His life? We need to talk.

The world around me fades as I stare down at the screen, hoping more than anything that it’s my imagination. That the text is about to disappear. But it doesn’t.

Burying the phone in my pocket, I heave a few times to get air into my lungs, but I still can’t breathe. I feel like I’m choking. He can’t know. Tate wouldn’t have told him. Unless they’re doing this together. But why? Why would Tate want to hurt Jesse after all these years?

Shit. Shit. Shit.A chill runs down my spine as I face the real possibility that one of them might be dangerous.But what the hell do I do?

Jesse gets back while I’m absentmindedly rubbing my arm, my thoughts focused on my nausea. But by the time I register he’s there, I’m too late to hide my fear, and Jesse’s eyes darken in an instant.

“What happened?” he says, dropping a bag to the ground as he gently grabs my arm, staring at my obvious bruise. “Did someone hurt you?”

He grabs my face next, his eyes bouncing between mine, and it’s that panic I see that reconfirms I’m doing the right thing. If I told him about Tate, Alex, or the text, I have no doubt he’d worry, or worse, hunt Alex down.

“I’m okay. I fell. I’m just a little embarrassed.”

“Are you sure?” he croaks out, emotion coating his words.

“I’m sure.” I smile, covering his hands with mine. “I promise. Is that food?” I say, lighting up to distract Jesse, making him laugh.

“Yeah, there are some benefits to being famous.”

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