AllFreeNovel
Share Us
As she stepped off the stage and made her way back to her seat, the principal wished everyone a good night, and the audience began to stand and gather their things.
Marisa hoped she could make a quick escape. She needed to get her emotions under control and to take time to process everything that had happened. But she was waylaid by congratulations, and by the time she was finished, Cole stood at the end of her aisle.
Cole’s expression gave nothing away. She, on the other hand, was crumbling.
She pasted a smile on her face and took the initiative—she was the new assistant principal, after all. “Congratulations. You must be thrilled about the new building being named for your father.”
“He’s excited about the honor.”
They stared at each other.
She clasped her hands together to keep from fidgeting. It was either that or give in to the urge to touch him. “So you’re ready to embrace your alma mater?”
“That’s one way to interpret a large donation.”
“Thank you.”
Cole still looked indecipherable. “Are you speaking in your role as the new assistant principal?”
“Yes.” And as the woman who loves you.
He nodded curtly.
“Did you put in a good word for me?” she asked impulsively, knowing she might not get another chance. “Did you pull strings?”
“Does it matter?”
“Did you?” she persisted against all reason.
Cole shrugged. “It turns out my endorsement wasn’t needed. You were the overwhelming favorite for the job.”
She swallowed. “Thank you.”
“You worked hard. You got what you wanted.”
Not quite. She didn’t have him. She’d never have him.
Just then, a Pershing board member came up to them. “Cole, there’s someone I’d like to introduce you to.”
Marisa was thankful to be saved from any additional awkwardness with Cole. Murmuring her goodbyes, she turned and fled down the aisle, head bent. She was sure anyone who saw her face would be able to read the raw emotion on it.
Tears welled again, and she made for the exit nearest the stage. Everyone else was streaming toward the doors at the back of the auditorium, which led to the street and parking lot. But she needed a moment alone before reaching her car. She didn’t know if she could manage even a small blithe lie to explain away why she was crying.
In the hall beyond the exit, she made a beeline for the closest door, and found herself in the theater department’s dimly lit prop room. Furniture was stacked everywhere, some of it covered by drop cloths.
Hearing footsteps outside, she reached behind her and turned the lock on the door and then leaned against the frame.
Someone tried the knob. “Marisa?”
Cole. She said nothing—hoping he’d go away.
“Marisa?” Cole knocked. “Are you okay?”
No, she wasn’t. He didn’t love her. He was leaving. Nothing was okay.
“You looked upset when you said goodbye. Let me in, sweet pea.”
Why? So he could leave her again? She didn’t think she could stand it. She strangled a sob and hoped he didn’t hear it.
