Page 129 of Dark Tangled Truths
Abby huffs and grabs Chase’s hand, tugging him toward the doors.
Annie watches them go before gathering her stuff like nothing happened.
“You amaze me,” I say. She remained completely cold during that whole interaction. Nothing fucking fazed her.
She smiles and nods to the camera she uses during rehearsal. “You want to stop the recording so I can take it home?”
“Nice.” I chuckle and do what she asks. “You going to use it?”
Annie shrugs. “You never know when a little blackmail might come in handy, and I do owe her for that social media account.”
I chuckle. “Damon would be so proud.”
Mark comes over. “Sorry, I got carried away. Those girls have been catty since freshman year, like they fucking own the program.”
“You didn’t say anything I hadn’t thought before.” Annie touches his arm and smiles. “Thank you for defending me.”
“Anytime.” Mark nods to me.
“What did you mean by Brandt’s parents bought his way into the showcase?” I ask. We’ve been looking into it, but it’s hard to find the paper trail.
Mark steps in closer and lowers his voice. “Brandt wants to be a lot of things, but he doesn’t really have the talent to act or direct. But his mother is his biggest fan. Daddy, not so much, because he’s had to clean up his son’s messes.”
“Messes?” Annie asks.
Mark smirks and glances around, but no one else Is close to us. “Brandt uses his dad’s fame like a calling card. It gets him into clubs, free stuff, and girls he otherwise wouldn’t have a shot with. That leaves behind a trail of really fucking bitter people who are willing to expose their stories to the media.”
“How do you know this?” I ask because this isn’t something we’ve been able to find out.
Mark smirks. “Guys talk. Especially when you give excellent head. I also listen when they think I’m not. Apparently Daddy Stanwell has been threatening to cut off Brandt. Thinks Brandt needs to pay his dues and figure out his own success without relying so heavily on him.”
“So he needs the win for the internship to prove to his father he can be something because his dad isn’t going to give him anything else?” I ask and some of the shit that’s been happening falls into place. We didn’t have a motivation before, but if Brandt really is the one pulling the strings, it would make sense. But what we don’t know is how many people he has under his thumb.
“Thank you, Mark.” Annie steps in and gives him a quick hug. “I really do appreciate everything you’ve done for me.”
“I’m just happy to be part of your production.” He smiles. “You’re an amazing director and actor.”
He gives me a nod before heading out. I touch Annie’s cheek because I can’t believe this girl is mine.
“I love when you stand up for yourself, baby girl.” I brush her hair behind her ear.
Annie steps up to me and puts her hand on my chest. “I’m done trying to fit what people think I should be.”
I tip up her chin and search her blue-gray eyes, seeing my future in them. “Good, because I like you this way.”
EvanAnn
Damon beats me to the dining room table this time. I take the seat next to him and lean my head against his shoulder. I just want to go to sleep. It’s been a grueling week, and next week doesn’t seem like it’s going to get better.
“I’m going to have to make a decision about Mia soon,” I say softly. It’s weighing on me, but I know it’s coming.
“And you don’t want to?” he asks, taking my hand and threading our fingers together.
I shake my head against his shoulder before I straighten and look at him. “She’s my friend, and I really think she’s the best actor for the role. But we’re almost to tech week. I’ll have to decide when’s the last day she can come back in and still be in the play. She’s missed a week of rehearsal. We have one more week before tech week.”
“If I missed two weeks of practice, I wouldn’t expect Coach to put me in the game. Even if I was ready for it.” Damon brushes my hair behind my ear. “You’ll make the call you need to make when the time comes. I’m sorry you have to make this decision, but I know you’ll do what’s best for your production.”
He’s right about missing rehearsal and still expecting to slot in. Maybe she’s practicing, or maybe she’s so distraught she isn’t even thinking about the play. It makes sense to tell her she’s out, but I’m all tangled up inside over it. Just like when Jackson accused Mia of being the stalker. It doesn’t feel right because she’s my friend, but if it’s true, I’ll have to do something about it.
