Page 123 of Dark Tangled Truths
I shake my head and glance at Damon. Will he tell them about Mia being a potential suspect? I don’t want my mom to think she’s bad news if it’s not true. Trusting Jackson is telling the truth might be as bad as trusting Mia at this point.
But will things stop now that Mia is preoccupied? I guess this is the litmus test to find out. I doubt Jackson knows Mia is out. So if the threats continue, then can we assume it isn’t Mia?
“What do we need to do to help protect you?” Mom asks.
Adam clears his throat. “It might make sense to hire someone to make sure she’s secure.”
“No, thank you. I don’t want someone following me around all day.” I can’t even think about some hired man hanging around me. It would be intrusive on a level I’m just not willing to accept. “The rose was the only time someone’s actually hurt me. It was barely anything.”
My hand tingles where the wounds are still healing.
“We plan on being there for her.” Damon squeezes my thigh. “Between the three of us, we’ll keep her protected.”
Adam looks between the two of us and releases his breath. “This is going to take getting used to.”
Mom takes Adam’s hand on the table. “But we will. And it would be nice if you had your boyfriends over for dinner some night. I know it might be a while since the play will keep you busy, but I’d like to get to know them better.”
“Okay.” I don’t know what to say to that, but I’m appreciative she’s being supportive.
“What doyou need from us to help?” Mr. Watson sits across his desk from me. He wanted to make sure everything was under control after I emailed him on Sunday.
It’s Monday morning before classes.
“Besides the camera set up for rehearsals, I think I’m good. I figured I’d bring in my own equipment, if that’s okay.” I sit with my hands in my lap and my legs crossed.
“That’ll work. You’re welcome to any equipment in the AV department as well.” Mr. Watson rubs his chin. “What aboutcostuming? Are you going to have two sets of clothes made for Desdemona?”
“It wouldn’t hurt, and it would still be within my budget for costumes.” I look at the list in front of me. “Mia might not be gone that long, but it’s always good to have a backup in case she gets hurt and can’t do the production.”
“Unfortunately, with two productions, we can’t cast understudies for all the parts.” Mr. Watson leans on his desk. “If you need anything additional to support your production, let us know. We really want you to be successful.”
“I appreciate that.” I tuck my hair behind my ear. “Damon and Cam will be coming to rehearsals until the production. With the rose prank, they want to make sure nothing else happens during rehearsals.”
“It’s your rehearsal, EvanAnn. If you don’t want someone there, you can kick them out. But if you want someone there, you’re welcome to have anyone there. If you need any help, I can also resume coming to observe.”
“I don’t think that will be necessary.” I gather my things and stand. “I do think Mia will be back and everything will go smoothly, but I want to be prepared for any contingency.”
“That’s understandable. And the sign of a good director. You can’t always plan for everything though. So if something comes up you can’t handle, let me know.”
Cam
Monday night rehearsal is mine. I walk in during their break after I get out of hockey. Evan sits at her desk watching her laptop with headphones on. She’s focused, so I drop off a red paper flower on her desk and head to my seat in the audience.
Tonight I’m working on my college applications. Evan agreed to look at my essays for me before all this stuff with Mia happened. I’m tempted to just ask Hawk and not even tell her about them.
She’s going to have every minute of her day filled at this point. Even at lunch she sat with us and worked. Homework or the play. Pretty sure the only time I’m going to be able to do anything with her is while she sleeps. Maybe I can lure her into a closet for a quickie.
She reaches over and picks up the flower, twirling it in between her fingers a moment before turning and giving me a smile. I love the way her eyes light up. I give her a wink and return to my laptop.
As the cast returns, Keira sits next to Evan and they talk. I’ve been considering whether the stalker was just trying to throw Evan off her game. Anyone who knows Evan knows the play comes first, school comes second, and then her social life, which is now us. Of course, prior to this year, she didn’t really have a social life.
When Evan gets on stage with the cast to fill in for Desdemona, I’m fucking mesmerized. I’ve never seen her act before, but I’ve seen this part a few times now. Mia is good, but Evan is fucking golden.
There’s this subtle way she makes me buy into her being Desdemona. She even mimics some of Mia’s performance, but makes the part even better. I’m in awe. It’s like watching Damon on the ice.
You know you’re seeing something that transcends the ordinary. That this isn’t just someone going through the motions, but someone who is doing exactly what they were meant to do.
If I didn’t know she was already exceptional at directing, I would wonder why anyone wouldn’t have forced her to pursueacting. Of course, I’m not exactly impartial, but I can see how everyone knows she’s the one to watch.
