Chapter 62
SIXTY-TWO
Ashley and I both glance at the open elevator like it’s a race to see who’ll reach Jaxon’s floor first. Cameras are still clicking. Flashes still popping.
“Go ahead, sign the autograph. I’ll keep the elevator open,” Genesis says, moving to hold the doors.
Ashley checks over her shoulder like she’s considering an escape—then straightens her posture and saunters past me into the elevator. She seems confident. Too confident.
Is it possible she and Jaxon have worked something out?
Oh my God… that stunt I pulled with Blaine.
Had Jaxon seen it?
Am I too late?
“I’m Caroline,” the woman says, tugging my attention back.
I quickly scribble: Thanks for your support. I truly appreciate it. Then I sign my name.
“I hope they bring you back,” Caroline says.
“I’m tired of waiting. Can we please go up and send it back down to her?” Ashley calls from inside the elevator. Her syrupy tone has thinned out—less sweet, more sour. That fake charm? It fooled me once. Not anymore.
Just then, the elevator next to hers opens—and lo and behold, Jaxon’s inside. On crutches. And he’s not alone.
“Sure! Go on up!” I say quickly, nodding like mad.
For a split second, Genesis is frozen, but I think she follows Caroline’s line of sight. She slips into the elevator and slams the up button just in time to close the doors. Ashley probably caught on at the last second—but it was too late.
Roger spots me before Jaxon does. He looks like he’s chewing lemons. His whole body jolts, like he wants to stop what’s about to happen—
But then Jaxon and I lock eyes.