Explosion
Scarlett
Callum shifts his car into park and the engine stops.
He reaches over and unbuckles my seat belt.
The silence between us is heavy, I can feel there is so much he isn’t telling me.
He steps out of the car and walks around to my door, holding his hand out as he opens it.
He does this every time we’re in the car together—such a small act of chivalry that makes me feel special.
My palm graces his as I get out of the car. I move closer to him. His fingers slowly caress the small of my back. The touch comforts me instantly.
The house looks like a Gothic manor, lit by the bright moon. Vines grow perfectly up each side of its dark stones. Flashing strobe lights peek through the tall windows and match the bass that vibrates under my feet as we inch closer to the red front door.
“Please,” Callum says.
I grab his hand and kiss it. My ‘Fire Engine’ lipstick smears against the top of his knuckles.
“I’m not going anywhere.”
He leans in, his hot breath hitting my pulsing neck. “You say that like you have a choice.”
I don’t expect him to introduce me to anyone. It’s not the kind of party where you sip champagne and make small talk over caviar. We’re here for one reason: he must make an appearance. I hope it’s a short one—large crowds make me anxious. Although tonight, I know I’m safe beside him.
Callum takes my hand and pulls me through a sea of people. Inside, the manor is elegant and matches Callum’s rich persona. Nothing looks out of place, even for a party. The glasses are perfectly stacked on one table with napkins neatly folded beside them. Everything has a purpose.
I don’t see anyone I know, until Harrison comes into view.
He saunters toward us, holding a girl on his arm like an accessory.
She looks familiar. I’ve most likely seen her at school before, but I don’t give it much more thought.
A smile comes across my face but it’s not genuine.
I rub my fingers against my palms by my side.
Harrison lowers his head when he sees me.
“Scarlett,” he says.
“You clean up nice Harr.” Callum speaks up first. He scans the room, like he’s searching for someone specific.
“Didn’t have a choice on a night like tonight. Could say the same for you though. It’s been a while since you’ve been to one of these.” Harrison glances at me, as if he suggests that Callum is here for me and not himself.
“We need some drinks.” The platinum blonde on Harrison’s arm speaks up.
I contemplate it, but I’m not comfortable enough to get a drink yet. I smile, wondering if her and Harrison are a couple or if she’s just here to support the group too. I have so many questions in this room of people I don’t know. I feel alone.
Callum must be reading my mind. He pulls me close and kisses the top of my head. Crowds of people in gowns and tuxedos surround us. Callum runs his hand down my bare back. There’s something about his touch that makes me crave his closeness.
“Dance with me.” I pull him toward me.
I’ve never seen a party like this. I’ve been to many of them, but this experience is hazy, almost like a dream. His cool hands slowly trail down my burning skin. The heat of the room clings to my exposed chest.
I sway my hips under the weight of his hands. With every movement, my chest brushes against him. Our eyes lock. We share the same breath.
Lights pulse and the crowd grooves to the beat of the music. Tension builds between my legs. I don’t look up at him, but his body moves closer to mine. Suddenly, it feels like there is no one else in the room, just him and I.
My cheek brushes against his. He opens his lips and moves his hands toward the slit of my dress. My nipples harden at his touch. He pushes the slit open, brushing his fingertips against the side of my thong. For once, I don’t care that others might see. I trust that he would never push it too far.
And just when the tension is unbearable, when I think I might explode, something shimmery catches my eye.
On the stage in the corner of the room, I spot the back of her honey golden hair.
I would recognize it anywhere. The hair that I’ve braided.
The hair that smells like coconut and once comforted me like a warm embrace.
She swirls her hands above her head, dancing naked with golden tassels covering her nipples.
I shouldn’t stare, but I can’t peel my eyes away.
I need to know.
My stomach drops.
Don’t let it be her.
She turns around.
My heart pounds.
It’s my mother.