Chapter 11 #3
Murial’s giggle somehow hit me as acidic and musical at once.
“The best way to get Jeremy to a party is not to invite him. Besides, I wasn’t sure if I wanted him here tonight.
Maggie needs time to get over the love, so seeing him knocks her back in the Lent hole.
You can tell him I said that. Davis? Take her back downstairs.
Alatheia, before you leave, next to the Rembrandt is Michiel Sweerts.
Bit of a deep cut, but I think it’s a really interesting work.
Take a look, then when next we meet, you can tell me something you’ve learned about him. ”
I blinked at her, not used to getting social homework but sure I would obey nonetheless.
Davis extended his hand, so I walked ahead of him to the elevator, my eyes on the Sweerts. The piece was lovely, but I could look it up to learn more later. Every last detail, I promised myself in social terror.
We stepped into the elevator, and Davis grinned at me, slipping his keycard back into his back pocket.
“You can breathe again.” His smile struck me as genuine, so I sagged against the wall and did take a couple of relieved breaths.
“She is my cousin, and a lot, but she liked you. That’s a good thing, I promise. You’ll see what I mean.”
I nodded, not wanting to discuss it. I only wanted to leave.
“I bet Phoenix told you not to talk to me.” I shot him a glance, but couldn’t deny it.
“I like Phoenix, but he doesn’t like me, which is okay.
I’ll win him over, eventually. I’ll win you over, too, because I can already tell I like you.
At least I like the look of you, and the way you handled Murial and the Rembrandt impressed me.
You’re smart, even if you’re in the class with Collins.
I can’t quite make you out, if I’m honest.” The elevator door started to open, and I felt as if my muscles all went taut, ready to move.
He continued, saying, “I’m sober. So are you.
Every person up there was sober, but it’s better to keep your head when vultures are near enough to pick your bones.
Even if the biggest vulture flies with you.
” He extended his hand again, gesturing toward the room grandly.
I searched the crowd, expecting to see the Lents waiting for me. I couldn’t spot them in the crowd, but I told myself not to panic.
Davis touched my shoulder as if he could read my mind.
“Don’t worry. They haven’t left you. The twins are probably drunk in the basement with the water polo team because they heard they have to go to California this week.
Phoenix is probably with the addicts in the kitchen, while Barrett is likely out back with the graduates, but likely also pretty wasted. Want me to find any of them for you?”
I didn’t, I realized, but then I didn’t want him to do anything for me. I want to leave. As fast as I can. My chest tightened, panic threatening as I gazed around the room at how many people managed to pack into the space. How would that interview have gone if I didn’t know art? I wondered.
“I’m good,” I said as I carefully moved away from his flawlessly unscuffed and unused boat shoes.
“Okay, I’ll see you in class.” He stepped back into the elevator and the doors closed silently behind him.
My heart raced in my throat. I wanted to puke, but I didn’t want Murial to catch it on her security cameras. She wanted to look at art, but I knew she was dangerous. Maybe she would just forget me? I rushed out the front door, pulling out my phone.
A million mean things flooded my mind, all shitty texts I could send to the group chat as a follow up to my help comment no one bothered to read.
Barrett said we would stay an hour, yet he was nowhere to be found.
Phoenix promised to escort me home, yet I didn’t know where he went.
Ditto for the twins…who knew, right then?
I would remember I couldn’t count on them at parties in the future.
Leaving, I texted then called a car.
She didn’t threaten me. In fact, it was just the opposite, so why did I feel like I had dodged a bullet? Could I keep dodging it?
I didn’t know.
I got in the car, relieved as it pulled away from the house. We sped across the city, loud music playing while the driver spoke in a language I didn’t understand to someone on the phone. I stared out the window, seeing nothing and yet finding everything too much at the same time.
After a nod to the doorman, I ran up the stairs to the apartment and shut the door behind me. Inside, I locked and unlocked the door twice.
My aunt wished it all got handled years ago. Handled? What does she want handled? It was Murial’s city, so apparently I came when ordered. Davis looked at me like he wanted to eat me for lunch, and liked the look of me. I shuddered, with way too much to process.
I didn’t have a single response from the Lents yet. Why would they bother to reply to me? They are with their friends, living their normal lives. They should enjoy it.
I sent another text, since they promised me I could have privacy when I wanted it.
Going to bed. Leave me alone tonight, please.
My words seemed clear enough. I wouldn’t close Phoenix out of his own room, since he might need something. We’d already set Barrett’s room up for a group, making Jeremy’s the furthest away if I didn’t use Phoenix’s.
I closed the door, hesitated, then locked it. If they wanted apologies, it would be a problem for later. I stripped out of my beautiful black dress then dropped it wilted on the floor. Every time I wore something I really loved, I had a terrible night. Was the jazz club just hours ago?
Ah, there’s the catch. You used the word. I loved my clothes, so it blew up in my face. Tears leaked down my cheeks as I hugged a pillow against my face, because I remembered I could never say it to them. I need to remember that.