Total pages in book: 38
Estimated words: 36975 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 185(@200wpm)___ 148(@250wpm)___ 123(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 36975 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 185(@200wpm)___ 148(@250wpm)___ 123(@300wpm)
Boomer looks at Torres and says, “You better ice that hand.” We exit the room with Elijah sliding his arm around my waist.
Elijah looks at Boomer over my shoulder and smirks. “Demi’s not out of the woods yet.”
“I know.”
“What does that mean?” I ask.
“Torres just risked his career over her. The man is in love with her, and she’s nuts over him. It’s not going to be long until something gives.”
“Are you sure?”
“We’ll see.”
Another officer tells us to sit in the waiting area while the documents are drafted. As we wait, Boomer says he has some calls to make and steps outside, leaving Elijah and me alone.
Suddenly the tension is sickeningly thick, and my stomach rolls as I wait for the onslaught of his questioning, but he doesn’t say a word. Minutes tick by in absolute silence, and it’s almost deafening.
Finally, I gain the courage to ask, “Are you going to say anything?”
He turns slightly to face me with a scowl. “What do you want me to say in a crowded police station, Ms. Cole?”
“I don’t know.”
“Maybe… that you lied to me? That you and I want completely different things? That I made a huge fucking mistake? Well, I said it. Happy? I’m sure the fuck not.” He slaps his hands on his knees and then stands. Turning to face me once more, he stares briefly without saying a word before running his hands through his hair. Shaking his head, he storms out of the station. I don’t know where he’s going, but I don’t follow. He’s leaving, and there’s nothing to be said. He’s said all there needs to be said. He’s willing to let me go after all.
I have no reason to follow. I send my cousin a message. I’m going back to my apartment in Dallas.
What happened?
Cyber and I just don’t connect. I type the words, but my heart doesn’t believe them. My connection was deep, and I’m sure that my heart is breaking.
Sorry. I’ll be there in the morning.
No. Stay wherever makes you happy.
Two minutes later, a police officer and Detective Torres come up to me. He looks around and doesn’t see the Riders anywhere. “Come in here, and you can sign these.”
“Okay. Is there a way you can get me out of here and back to my apartment from another exit?” I ask him.
“Are you afraid of them?” He almost seems delighted at the possibility of a positive response.
“No. I just don’t want to see him.”
“That’s fine.” I quickly read through the statement and signed it before Detective Torres escorted me out to his vehicle from the rear exit. As we drive away, I don’t see Boomer or Cyber standing outside. They probably left as I expected.
****
My apartment is still a mess from the invasion and the police investigation, but I don’t care. I pull a blanket from the storage cupboard and go to sleep on the sofa for the night.
The next morning, I wake up before the sun even rises and clean every single room until I wear myself ragged. It’s the best I can do to keep my mind off Cyber and the fact that he hasn’t bothered to call or come after me. It is really over. Our relationship is over just as quickly as it started.
When I check the clock in my living room, it’s only noon, so I have plenty of time to go to the college and play on the grand piano. “Maybe that will help clear my head.”
I feel lost and broken. The trip is a short one, only within walking distance, thankfully.
Sitting in front of the school’s piano, I play the Lacrimosa portion of Mozart’s Requiem Mass in D minor, allowing it to invade my soul so that I don’t hear anyone come into the studio. It isn’t until the last notes come to an end that the round of applause draws my attention to the small audience that has gathered behind me.
I spin on my stool to find the director along with a few others smiling. “That was brilliant, Ms. Cole. Absolutely brilliant.”
“I’d like you to meet the director for the Performing Arts in Luxemburg.” I greet the woman and her assistant. They explain that they are in town for a special concert and are doing a tour of the cities for prospective talent in the upcoming season.
“We were here for the performances last Thursday but were informed that an incident occurred and you had to depart.”
“Yes, but everything has been cleared up, so I can return to performing and can demonstrate my skills when necessary,” I clarify.
“We look forward to hearing you perform again.”
“Although it’s clear you have a natural gift,” the assistant says, smiling at me with sincerity.
“Yes, she’s extremely talented and can play several instruments,” the school’s director, Dean Morris, says. I blush several times, loving every compliment. They have no idea how huge this is for me after the past week. I love knowing that my effort and talent have been recognized.