Valerie’s POV
Stepping out of the restroom, I smoothed my fingers over the hem of my gown, fingers brushing over invisible dust, as though scrubbing the weight of what had just conspired between Hayes and me.
It was necessary because whatever happened there, I intend it to stay there permanently.
The fabric felt crumpled and foreign under my touch. It had absorbed every single bit of unease that clung to me.
I felt my breathe waver a little, it was shallow and uneven but I forced it out with the hopes of exhaling whatever was left lingering in me.
The fluorescent little hallway flickered, casting brief shadows which stretched and shrank with each hesitant step I took forward.
I had my palms pressed against my sides, trying to steady the tremor creeping into my fingers. I wasn't shaki
