Fiona refills my drink. “Maybe his anger is just a mask and he hasn’t gotten over you, but you should think carefully before making any public statements about you two.” She seems determined not to coddle me and even though it hurts, I appreciate it. “It’s not all about you and what you want. If he’s so important to you, then you should also think of what he wants and what he deserves.”
I swallow. “Something or someone better than me?”
“Of course not.” Her face softens. “You, but…more considerate of his feelings.”
I take a sip of my drink then place the glass on the counter and stare at my fingers. She’s right. I’ve been so focused on the fact that I want Aidan to forgive me. I assumed that if he loved me before, he can and will love me again.
Is that too arrogant? The assumption that because the whole world loves me, he’ll love me too.
It probably is. It’s also selfish.
You are cruel, Liz. You are selfish and cruel, and the only person who has ever mattered to you is yourself.
Aidan’s sneering words are like a whiplash in my memories. “How’s your new book coming along?” I ask Fiona, changing the subject.
She grins. “The plot is still secret, and I’m not sharing, but my hero is such a delicious hunk of alpha goodness...”
I spend the rest of the evening badgering her for details about her latest novel, then Lionel returns with Lily from her ballet class and we have dinner together.
Later, in my apartment, I consider Fiona’s advice.
It’s not all about me and what I want.
So, what does Aidan want?
And how can I do my best to give it to him?
“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the table read for The Break of Day.”
The stage manager, Reed Dyker makes the announcement with a flourish then stands grinning as we all clap.
“Okay,” he continues after the applause. “First, introductions, and then we get on to familiarizing ourselves with our roles and characters. As most of you already know…” He gestures toward where Aidan is seated with a brooding smile on his face. “This is our director, Aidan Court.”
There’s more clapping. Aidan smiles tightly and lifts one hand in something that barely passes for a wave.
“He’s so cute,” I hear someone whisper from a few seats to my right.
As if a word like cute can ever describe just how amazing he is. He is talented, dynamic, extraordinary, unbelievably beautiful… And even without the aid of my memories, my body still reacts to him with barely contained lust.
He keeps his eyes on whatever he’s reading, not looking up even when I introduce myself and earn a few laughs from the rest of the cast.
The whole world already knows who you are, Liz.
After the introductions, we discuss for a while, then read our parts. The atmosphere is relaxed, and it would be fun if I were not so acutely aware of Aidan, and if he wasn’t so int
ent on ignoring me.
I didn’t lie, Aidan. I still love you.
As the reading progresses, I keep my gaze on him. Surely, he can’t really be so immune to the memories of the past?
Look at me, I urge silently, but his eyes stay on the pages in front of him.
Almost as if I don’t exist.
Suddenly he looks up and our eyes meet. He looked bored, his face impassive, but my body jolts, thrilling like an excited puppy.
“Liz.” He says my name drily, without inflection.