“I didn’t do anything. You are the one scaring her. Now move, let me talk to her.”
“Why don’t you back off?” Roddy puffed up his chest and stepped up to Devlin.
I tried to pull Roddy back. “It’s okay. I can explain.”
“No.” Roddy brushed me off, causing him to bump into Devlin.
Roddy wasn’t small by any means. He was almost six foot easily, but Devlin had mass and height over him.
“She’s had enough of you and your scare tactics. She wants to leave.”
“I’m not scared. Let me speak, both of you!” Nerves made my voice shrill.
Both men looked at me.
“I just need to think,” I said more calmly. I pressed my fingertips to my temple. I couldn’t bring myself to see Devlin’s face. Would there be hurt or disappointment?
“Can’t you see what you’re doing to her, man?” Roddy asked.
Devlin’s fists clenched and unclenched. His anger was barely restrained.
“Why don’t you take your temper and go? Stop making her pay for your piss-poor attitude.” Roddy got right up in Devlin’s face. “Not so tough now? Now that you know I’m right.”
A shadow passed over Devlin’s face. He looked to me. “What’s going on?” He spoke low and directly to me.
Before I could answer, Roddy shoved Devlin’s shoulder and said, “You know what? No. I’m tired of him playing you, Yo-Yo. I’ve had enough.”
“Please, stop,” I said.
“No. He’s hurting you.” He shoved again.
Devlin crossed his arms. His jaw flexed as he ground his teeth to stay quiet. He didn’t look at the other man at all. His gaze burned into mine.
Roddy gave up and turned to me. “I knew he would do this. Since the moment I came back. I knew he would find a way to hurt you. He takes too much. Pushes you too hard.”
Roddy lowered his voice and grabbed my hands. “All I have ever wanted was to help you. In camp. Even now. I want to help you. He wants to take from you.”
With every word that Roddy spoke, Devlin grew more tense, though he tried to pretend he wasn’t listening. He kept his focus locked on me as though trying to convey something.
“What’s this about?” Richard came out from his office with Andy at his side.
A few others from the symphony had leaked into the hall to watch the commotion. With every added witness my anxiety grew. I needed to calm everybody down. I needed to make things better. More people spilled out into the hall. I knew what they’d think. Roddy and Devlin fighting over me. This could break Devlin’s career. This could ruin his reputation if I didn’t calm things down.
“I wrote those notes for you. I took care of you,” Roddy dropped his head and spoke low. “Agree to leave with me and start your new life.”
I looked into his ice blue eyes, searching for the man who could make all this better. He lowered his head as though he was about to kiss me. I reared back to explain that it wasn’t like that for me, but I didn’t have a chance.
Devlin gripped Roddy’s shoulder, spun him around, and punched him right in the face.
Chaos erupted.
Chapter 34
Your commitment to work sets you apart from the rest.
DEVLIN
People moved all around. Some to Chagny. Some pulling me away. My fist throbbed. But the pain had been worth it to see blood streaming down his face.
