Skyville Boys Page 23

  I close the curtain and hang the garment bag on the small hook on the wall. Every part of me beats with anticipation. Eight-year-old me would be over the moon. Truth is, sixteen-year-old me is just as stoked.

  I carefully unzip the garment bag and pull it open, revealing the golden ball gown underneath. My breath catches in my throat and my jaw nearly kisses the floor as the whole length of it comes in view. The dress…it’s breathtaking. The most beautiful shade of gold, bedazzled with intricate designs but not too over the top. The bottom of the dress is layered and there’s a massive petticoat underneath.

  I shed my clothes. Then gingerly, as though the dress is made of diamonds and worth millions—it sure feels that way—I put it on. Once I’m somewhat decent, I step out and call for Jax.

  “Everyone, out of the room!” he calls. Then he appears a few seconds later and stops dead in his tracks, his eyes growing bigger by the second. Soon, they’ll pop right out and roll on the floor. He stares at me as though he’s in a dream.

  “Jax,” I say.

  He shakes his head, snapping out of it, and stumbles toward me.

  “Can you get the zipper?” I ask, turning around.

  “Sure.” His cold hand presses against my back, and a shiver passes through me. “Sorry, my hands are cold.”

  But I know the shiver isn’t only due to his cold hands. The way he gently tugs on the zipper, his fingers featherlike on my skin. It makes my blood run wild.

  “Zipper is closed.” He softly pulls the bottom of the gown, making sure my petticoats are in place. Then he steps back to admire his work. That same stunned look passes over his face. I’m not sure if he’s stunned by the gown…or me.

  “Here, look at yourself.” He takes my hand and leads me toward the wall mirror. My eyes slowly sweep over myself, from the top of my head to my toes. My breath hitches, my blood running even wilder than before. Jax might have felt like he was in a dream, but I feel like I’m in a fairytale.

  “Let me help you with the wig.” He takes my hand and positions me before the table. His movements slow and delicate, he binds my hair and tugs the wig onto my head. Once it’s securely in place and sits correctly on my head, Jax leads me back to the mirror and we stare at my reflection. My heart was wild before, now it’s violent. Speeding through my veins like a racecar. It’s not until Jax rests soft hands on my shoulders that I realize my whole body is shaking.

  “You like?” he whispers into my ear.

  “I love.”

  His breath is warm on my skin, and my body leans toward him, my eyes fluttering shut. His hand snakes from my shoulder, up my neck, until it cups my cheek in a soft caress. “Kara,” he whispers.

  “I look ridiculous!” A voice shrills from outside. A second later, someone barges into the costume room, forcing me and Jax to break apart. “Jax? Jax Miller!” Kelsey marches inside and comes to a halt when she spots the two of us standing before the mirror. Her eyes go from anger, to shock, to bewilderment as they soak me in. Then they’re swallowed by fury. “Oh my god,” she hisses. “You look…you look horrible.”

  Her words don’t hurt me because I can see right through her lie. She’s jealous, desperately jealous.

  Jax moves closer to her. “Is there a problem, Mrs. Potts?”

  “Look how fat I look!” She slams a hand into the side of her costume, making Jax wince. “I know I’m supposed to be a teapot, but this is ridiculous!”

  “Calm down.” He hurries over and catches her hand before she damages the costume. “I worked hard on this, Kels. Please don’t wreck it.”

  Kelsey’s eyes keep flicking to mine, her nose flaring. I see the pain in her eyes, though, and for a second I feel sorry and guilty. But I push those feelings away. This is my time to shine and I won’t let anyone take it from me.

  “No one’s going to think you’re fat, Kelsey,” Jax says patiently. “You’re Mrs. Potts. Everyone loves you. Come here.” He takes her by the shoulders and maneuvers her past me to the mirror. “Take a look at yourself. A real look. What do you see?”

  Kelsey frowns. “I hate what I see.”

  “Really? Because I don’t see a fat girl. I don’t even see Kelsey. I see an elegant teapot with a kind heart. I see a star.”

  Kelsey’s frown deepens as she studies herself. But then her expression shifts. Her eyes widen as she studies herself again. Her eyes soften and her lips part in a genuine smile. “I look pretty good, don’t I?”

  “You look amazing.”

  “You really do, Kels,” I say.

  Her nostrils flare at me like I have no permission to talk. Or even breathe the same air as her. But then her shoulders relax. “Thanks.”

  She stares at herself for a good few minutes before skipping out, the largest grin I’ve ever seen on her face.

  Jax chuckles. “Am I dreaming, or does Kelsey have the biggest smile on her face?”

  “You do work miracles, Mr. Miller.”

  We leave the costume room to meet everyone else on stage. Every head swings in my direction as I pass, their eyes widening, their jaws falling open.

  “It’s like you’re escorting me to the ball,” I say to Jax with a laugh.

  “Oh, I would kill for that right now.”

  “Really? You’re into that sort of thing?”

  He clutches his chest. “Romantic at heart.”

  I smile. I really like that about him.

  “OH. MY. GOD,” a girl gasps.

  “Look at her! She’s gorgeous!”

  “You’re like the perfect Belle, Kara.”

  Miss Lewis smiles proudly, and I think I see tears shining in her eyes. But my focus doesn’t sit on her for long. They flick between two other guys who stare at me like I’ve just fallen from heaven.

  Carter looks like he wants to rush over and sweep me off my feet, but he presses his hands to his sides, grinning at me.

  Ezra’s eyes slowly sweep over every part of me, making my heart thump in my chest. My eyes sweep down his body. He’s dressed in his dance costume, too, and my breath hitches at how handsome he looks. Like a real prince. He’ll be wearing a mask during the scene, so it’s nice to see him like this.

  “Everyone looks beautiful,” Miss Lewis announces. “How about a big applause for our costume team?”

  I clap along with everyone else, throwing Jax a smile. He beams and bows.

  “Shawn, have you submitted the ad about the musical to the paper?”

  “Not yet. I posted it on the school’s news site this morning, but I’ll get the ad out after school.”

  Wait…what was that about a newspaper? “Miss Lewis?” I call as I dash over to her. “Can I talk to you for a minute?”

  “Kara, you look absolutely divine. I hope I won’t be a puddle of tears on opening night.”

  “Miss Lewis, is my name going to appear in the newspaper and news site?”

  “Yes, of course. We’ll sell more tickets with your name. Don’t worry.” She rubs my shoulder. “I’m not taking advantage of you. This can really help the theater club.”

  “Can you please not put my name? I’m fine with you stating you have a Broadway actress, but I don’t want to bring attention to myself.”

  Miss Lewis studies me for a few seconds. Then she motions for Shawn to come over. “Please omit Kara’s name from the ad.”

  “Really?”

  “And can you take my name down from the school news site, too?” I ask. “Please, Shawn, I need to keep a low profile.”

  She blinks at me, then shrugs. “Okay.”

  “Thanks.”

  “Everyone, out of your costumes before you damage them. Dress rehearsal is next week.”

  Carter saunters up to me, his hands in his jeans pockets, a shy smile on his face. “I know everyone said this already, but you look beautiful, Kara.”

  My cheeks heat up, my hand lifting to tangle in my hair. But I quickly drop it when I remember I’m wearing a wig. “Thanks.”

  “I hope…” He balances on the heel
s of his feet. “I hope I don’t lose focus during the musical.” He flings me another smile before walking off.

  My eyes search for Ezra, and I find him on the side, eyes locked on mine. Taking a deep breath and letting it out, I make my way over, trying my hardest not to trip on the bottom of the dress. Jax told me he’ll add a loop I’ll slide my wrist through. It’ll help with the dancing.

  “Hey,” I say when I stand before him.

  “Hey.”

  He’s as stiff as a mannequin, but his eyes seem lost in my face.

  “You look really good,” I say. “Really handsome. You’re like someone out of a fairytale.”

  “You’re out of a fairytale.”

  I’m about to run a shaky hand through my hair again, but quickly press it to my side. “I have to stop doing that. Jax’ll kill me if I ruin the wig.”

  His lips lift in a small smile. “Probably.”

  “Which would suck,” I say with a nervous laugh. “Because I’ve wanted to play Belle since I was eight.”

  He watches me for a long time. Then he steps forward, so close his chest almost knocks into mine. Eyes attached to mine, he slowly lifts his hand toward my face.

  “Kara, Ezra, please change out of your costumes!” Miss Lewis calls.

  His hand drops and he walks away, leaving me with my heart hammering in every part of my body.

  ***

  “Grandma?” My backpack hits the floor. “You’re home!” I fling myself at her, hugging her close.

  “Grandma?” She complains as she showers kisses all over my face. “I don’t see any grandmas here.”

  I laugh and hug her even closer. “I missed you so much.”

  “I missed you like hell, kid. Let me look at you.” She steps back and studies me. “My my, Kara, I definitely see a change in you. More light in your eyes. You seem much happier than when you first moved here.” She pulls me into the kitchen. “Come, I bought some goodies from the bakery.”

  I sit down with a muffin. “I am happier than when I first moved here,” I admit.

  “And why’s that?” She takes a bite of her éclair.

  “I don’t know…” I break off a piece of my muffin. “Maybe it’s the musical. I haven’t felt this excited since…well, since I got cast as Chava.”

  Her features soften. “I’m glad. But I’m guessing your mood also has to do with a guy?”

  I stare at her. “What do you mean?”

  “I know that look. You have a crush on someone.”

  I nibble my muffin. She’s wrong—I don’t have a crush on a guy, I have a crush on guys. Three to be exact.

  Kitty’s words ring in my head. Polyamorous. That’s crazy.

  “I know it seems scary,” Grandma continues. “Especially because of what you’ve been through, but I want you to live, Kara. I don’t want you to hide.”

  “I know. I’m trying. I think I just need time.”

  She nods. “Take all the time you need.”

  We spend the next hour talking and finishing our pastries. Grandma’s friend, thankfully, is okay. Her performance was a total success, and she’s booked to perform again in six months. She also nailed a few auditions.

  “You’re so inspiring, Darla,” I say. “I’ve looked up to you my whole life. I want to be you. Fearless. Strong-willed. Independent. Dedicated. Loving. An awesome mother and grandmother.”

  She reaches for my hand and kisses the back of my palm. “I want you to be you, Kara.”

  My phone beeps with a text. I fish it out of my pocket and scan the screen.

  Ezra: Hey. Want to run some lines?

  My heart immediately races. I’m transported to how he looked at me at rehearsal today. So much emotion in his eyes. And the way he raised his hand toward my cheek…

  “Is that your crush?” Grandma asks with a knowing smile.

  My fingers shake as I tap out a response.

  Me: Sure, love to. My place or yours?

  Grandma chuckles. “I’ve lost you in Love Land.”

  Ezra: Your place. Can I come over now?

  “Grandma, can a guy from the musical come over to run lines with me?”

  She still has that knowing look. “A guy from the musical?”

  “Darla…”

  She holds up her hands. “Sorry. Just being a little nosy. Your friend can come over. I have to run to my vocal lesson in an hour. Can I trust you to be alone here?”

  I roll my eyes. “Grandma…”

  “Darla, Kara. Darla.”

  I stand and wrap my arms around her. “No. Grandma.”

  Chapter Forty-Five

  Kara

  I rearrange the cushions on the sofa. Then I rearrange them again. Ugh! I bet Ezra couldn’t care less how they look.

  The doorbell rings. I take a few seconds to regulate my breathing before heading to the door and flinging it open. Ezra stands there with an uncertain expression on his face. There’s something buried in his eyes, though. Misery.

  I smile brightly. “Hey. Come in.” I lead him into the living room. “Do you want a snack? My grandma bought some pastries.”

  “That’s okay.”

  We just stand there in the living room.

  “Please sit.” I gesture to the sofa.

  He lowers himself and flattens his hands on his thighs. I settle down near him, putting a few inches between us. “So what scene are you having trouble with?” I ask.

  “What?”

  “Didn’t you want to rehearse a scene?”

  He falls back on the couch and runs a hand down his face. “Oh. Not really. I just…I just needed to get out of the house.”

  I edge a little closer. “Did something happen?”

  His chest inflates and deflates with a deep sigh. I move even closer and slink my hand through his. “You can talk to me, Ezra,” I say softly. “Is it your parents?”

  His eyes snap shut. “They were on my ass all evening. I couldn’t take it.”

  I squeeze his hand. “I’m sorry. That sucks.”

  “I’m sixteen,” he grumbles, pain buried in every part of his face. “Not a little kid. They think they can control me.” His chest rises and falls heavily. “I don’t want to hate them, but…”

  “I’m sure you don’t hate them,” I say. “You’re just hurt.”

  “No, Kara. I do. And I hate my grandfather for dying and abandoning me with them.”

  I chew on my bottom lip.

  His eyes drift to mine. “I know. I’m a horrible person.”

  “No, you’re not—”

  “Don’t try to make me feel better.”

  “I want to,” I insist. “I hate seeing you like this.”

  He raises a brow. “You haven’t seen me any other way.”

  “Yes I have. I’ve seen the real you, only glimpses, though. Like when you’re on stage. Or when you felt overprotective when I told you about the stalkers.”

  He tears his gaze from me.

  “You’re sensitive, Ezra. That’s why you’re so hurt by your parents.”

  “Feel pathetic,” he mumbles. “Crying over my parents’ acceptance.”

  “There’s nothing to feel pathetic about. We all want approval and acceptance from our parents.”

  He raises both eyebrows. “You, too?”

  “Of course. I want my parents to see me beyond my talents and accomplishments. I want them to see the person I am inside. Sometimes I wonder if they love me for me.”

  “Of course they do. How could anyone not love you?”

  I gaze into his eyes, seeing an array of emotions in there. But they’re gone so fast, like the flick of a switch.

  I slowly push some medium brown hair out of his eyes. “Don’t fight them so hard,” I whisper. “Let others see them. Let me see them.”

  “What are you talking about?” he whispers.

  “Your emotions.” I slide even closer to him, so close that I feel his body heat springing onto me. “You have so much feeling inside.” My fingers brush across his ches
t, over his heart. “So much love inside you.”

  He catches my hand and plucks it off his chest. “Don’t do that,” he rasps, squeezing his eyes shut. “You have no idea…”

  “What?” My voice is just as raspy.

  His eyes slowly flutter open. “You have no idea what you’re doing to me, Kara Starr.” He takes my face in his hands and closes his lips over mine.

  I melt into him as he kisses me, my hands tangled in his brown locks, his right hand dropping from my face to grip my waist. His lips started off soft and gentle, but a hunger takes over, as though this has been building up inside him for a while.

  “Ezra,” I whisper between kisses.

  “You’re amazing.” He presses his forehead against mine, both our chests heaving. “Talented. Strong. Beautiful.”

  “No. I’m not any of those things.”

  “You are,” he insists. “And so much more.” He brushes his lips against mine. “You’ve awakened something inside me, something I thought died along with my grandfather. You want me to be a good person.”

  “You are a good person. I have nothing to do with it.”

  He cups my face and stares into my eyes. “You have everything to do with it. I felt so dead inside. The only thing that kept my heart beating was my love for theater. But I didn’t think it was enough to get me through the days. Every day, more of my soul was chipped away. I worried I wouldn’t have anything left. And then you came to Skyville.”

  “Ezra…”

  “I thought that if my parents wouldn’t love and accept me, then no one could. But you made me realize that maybe there is someone out there who can love and accept me the way I am.”

  “Of course there is.”

  “I don’t want to lose my parents,” he continues. “But losing them doesn’t mean I have to be alone in the world.”

  He kisses me again, this one more passionate than the others. I lose myself in him, all my worries and troubles vanishing from my mind. Everything this guy feels is coming out through his kisses, the mountains and mountains of love he carries in his heart, the pain and betrayal he feels about his parents. But then something else comes out: hope.

  He breaks from the kiss and searches my eyes. “I want to be a good person, Kara. I don’t want what’s going on with my parents to destroy who I am.”