A text popped up.
Let me talk to you. Please.
I blocked his number. I would not cry. I would NOT cry.
My eyelids felt heavy. The room swam in my vision. I had fallen asleep, crouched on my floor.
The empty wine bottle rolled under my bed. My head felt like it had been split apart by a Xenomorph. There was a buzzing sound—probably what had woken me. I could hardly make out any shadows in the room, had no concept of time.
I patted the floor until I found the culprit.
When I stared at the same screen that had caused this…this downfall into self-pity and hatred for anything John Kater related, my heart stopped for the second time that day. This time, it had nothing to do with him.
FUCK.
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Nora Skye is a great friend?.
Not even glitter boobs can distract me now.
I have, in fact, majorly fucked up.
FUCK indeed. Messages. From Otis. They covered my entire phone screen.
Heading over.
Where are you?
Nora?
When are you here?
I reserved a chair for you in the first row.
OMG, it’s so busy. Tell me when you?—
I swear to Tim Curry if you don’t show your ass?—
Nora, I’m freaking out. I need you to be here.
I scrambled to my feet, nearly face-planting as I ran half-wild out the door. I jumped onto my bike, ignoring every red light and angry car horn on my way. I practically threw my bike on the curb and sprinted up the stairs. Just when I opened the double doors, people started streaming toward me—a crowd in fancy dresses, rice and newspaper covering the floor. And across the room, in front of the stage, holding a flower bouquet and his boyfriend’s hand, was Otis.
He wore nine-inch heels, a corset, and bright red lipstick. He had never looked more beautiful. But as his gaze found mine, his elated expression froze.
Jeremy followed Otis’s stare, giving me a small wave, but he couldn’t hide his discomfort.
As the flow of people died down, I pushed past the seats, walking toward Otis with a head full of excuses. My friend leaned into Jeremy, whispering something into his ear, then disappeared through a side door markedStaff Only.
Naturally, I followed.
I called after him. He didn’t stop. But he also didn’t close any of the doors behind him. Otis didn’t turn until he stood in a changing room where a girl dressed as Magenta was taking her bra off. Her large boobs were covered in glitter, but she didn’t seem to mind us.
“Otis, I’m so sorry?—”
He held up a hand, cutting me off.
I pressed my lips together. I was so glad to see him, so sorry I missed his big day, and all I wanted was to curl up on the sofa with my best friend. So I’d endure a scolding if I had to.
