She nods, takes my hand, and we head to the theater. Holiday’s name flashes in impressive white light bulbs above a huge poster of her next to one of the full cast. There’s already a queue outside for opening night, groups hovering by the stage door waiting for a glimpse of any actors.
Ruby might have been ready, but it turns out I’m not. Walking in and up the stairs to the bar we’re led to, the first thing I see is Clementine laughing with the rest of my family. A quickie would have made being late better. Though not by much.
Hurt and sadness punch me hard, and I must squeeze Ruby’s hand because she sees what I see and turns to me.
“We can leave.”
I’m so tempted to turn around, but obviously, that’s the moment I’m spotted, and their laughter dies.
“Miles—” My mum walks toward me with outspread arms and pulls me into a hug. “Hello, darling.”
Looking over her shoulder, I consider my siblings.There’s not one shred of fucking loyalty toward me.And it’s complicated all the more because I don’t want them to shit on Clementine either. I’d just rather they weren’t looking like they’re having the best time ever.
Like my feelings are irrelevant.
I push away from my mum’s vise-like grip.
“You know what? Fuck this. We’re leaving?—”
“Milo, c’mon.” Alex steps toward me, his tone conveying how unreasonable he thinks I’m being. “It’s just one night at the theater. You don’t even have to see each other. It’ll be dark.”
I shake my head, eyes scanning across my siblings, all of whom look guilt-ridden. I feel validated. “No, you don’t get it.”
“We know you’re upset?—”
“Upset? Clementine’s fucking the guy who almost killed me?—”
“Miles . . .” My mum’s voice cuts through in a low warning.
I shake my head, barely keeping my rage at bay. “You might have all forgotten what I’ve been through over the past two years, but I haven’t. And let me remind you it’s the England’s Cup in less than two weeks. The last time the Flyers won it, Dad was alive. The last time the Flyers played, I nearly died . . .” Emotion constricts my throat, and my voice breaks. “Has it occurred to any of you that I’m trying to win it for him?” It was rhetorical, so I don’t expect anyone to answer, but the silence still feels heavy. “So no, Alexander, I’m notupset. I’m doing all I can to focus, while you seem to be planning a cozy couples’ night to include Santiago fucking Torres.”
I swear to God if any of them rolls their eyes, I will lose my shit.
To give them credit, they don’t.
“Miles, let’s go.” Ruby’s hand is already outstretched toward me, and I take it. We don’t speak until we reach the car.
When I open the door for her, instead of getting in, she peers up at me. I shaved today, and I feel the softness of her hands when she cups my face.
“Are you sure you’re okay?”
For a second, my heart feels like it’s ripping open, but then I look at her.No, I’m not okay.But I don’t feel alone, and for that, I’m so grateful.
“I’m going home with the hottest girl here. I’m perfect.”
CHAPTER 29
Ruby
“Okay, let’s get everyone out, and I want Clover and Calamity in massage first.”
Charlie jumps from the passenger seat of the horse trailer, his boots hitting the floor with a thud. “No worries, boss.”
Six grooms follow, and there’s a clattering of fastenings and bolts as each one takes a section along the side of the trailer, and together they release the walkways for the ten horses to exit.
Wheels crunching along the gravel path have me turning around, hailing the arrival of the second trailer, carrying six more horses along with Billy, Jack, Juan, and Diego.
When they get out, I decide they look as exhausted as I feel—and I haven’t just played six chukkas under Miles Burlington’s command.
