Page 104 of The Comedown

“I’ll play for you.”

The piano. Julian playing the piano for me alone…I could go for that.

“Fine. Get down so you can go open the door for me.”

He doesn’t so much as flinch.

“Fall with me, Collette.”

So that is what he’s been saying. What does it mean? The last time he said it, anarchy broke out.

“No. No falling.”

“Why not?”

“Because I can’t.”

“Can’t or won’t?”

What are we talking about here?

“Both,” I tell him truthfully. “Now, go open the door.”

“We’re not using the door.”

“Then how am I…”

His chuckle crawls its way over to me.

“Julian?”

“Swing a leg over and I’ll help with the rest.”

“Are you out of your mind?”

When his eyebrows lift in challenge, I mimic the expression with my own. He can’t be serious.

Bending at his knees, Julian stretches his arm out toward me as far as his long body allows.

Shit.

On a huff, I get one leg over, straddling the banister and feeling coarse wood flecks scratch against my exposed thighs.

“Now bring the other over and stand between the uprights.”

“I hate you,” I say as soon as I’m done.

“Hate me while you try to step over to do the same on this one.”

“I thought you were helping!” My voice trembles like my legs.

“I am,” he laughs. “Gimme your hand, then step out. I’ll bring you over.”

“You’re not in a position to catch me, Julian.”

Something has him tensing, his eyes glazing over. A gentle breeze blows past, ruffling his hair, and at this angle, he looks like an angel. A guardian angel sent to protect me.

Or a dark angel meant to lure me to my death.