“Nora? Nora Everhart? Are you here?”
I rise to my feet, a sick feeling washing over me. With unmasked shock, I make my way out of my hiding place and past the breeder booth.
“Nora, if you’re here, make it the… What’s it called?”
Gregory’s voice joins the mic. “Spangle Stage.”
I shake my head as I start weaving around people, trying to get to the location of my nightmare come to life.
“She’s here!” someone calls out, jabbing a finger at me. I’m pretty sure that was Huck. Little traitor.
With bile creeping up my throat, I push my way past a group of people on a pathway to the stage. When there’s a clearing and I can see Spangle Stage, I’m not at all surprised to see the face that matches the familiar voice.
Standing in chinos, a crisp white Polo, and Aviator sunglasses with perfectly gelled blond hair is Denver Locke. My ex-boyfriend. The same guy I ended it with.
Why is he here?
When he spots me, he flashes his megawatt grin that used to feel so good when aimed my way. Now, it feels fake and unwanted.
“My girlfriend missed her grandma’s funeral because of me,” he says, face pinching. “I messed up bad. I know this.”
I shake my head, mouthing for him to stop. He doesn’t.
“I think I broke her heart and she was understandably angry with me.” He points at some men nearby. “Guys, help her up here. I need to apologize to my girl.”
I’m not his girl.
Anger flares up but the humiliation I’m feeling in this moment wins out. I just want him to stop talking. If I can getup there, maybe I can end this. Four men practically manhandle me, tossing me up on the stage, chuckling at themselves.
I scramble to my feet and storm over to Denver.
The crowd cheers.
No.
Ugh.
“What are you doing?” I hiss when I’m close. “Turn that microphone off.”
He shakes his head, holding it out of reach. I cross my arms over my chest and scowl at him. With a grin spreading back over his face, he brings the mic back to his mouth.
“I’m sorry, Nor-Nor,” he says, voice genuine. “Please forgive me.”
I don’t doubt he’s sorry, but this whole surprise attack thing makes me want to scream in frustration.
“Fine,” I blurt out.
More cheers from the crowd. I close my eyes, wishing I had real wings rather than the fake ones on my face, so I could fly away from this horror show.
“Nora Everhart,” Denver murmurs. “I should have asked you this a long time ago.”
The crowd goes nuts. I snap my eyes open to see Denver on one knee, holding up the most gigantic rock on a ring I’ve ever seen. It must’ve cost a fortune.
“What are you doing?” I choke out. “Get up.”
“Will you do me the honor of marrying me?” he asks, hope burning in my eyes. “I’ll be the best husband. I swear.”
“Say yes, girl, or I will!” a woman hollers from the audience, roaring laughter following.
