Paralyzed.
I forgot to breathe. To move. For a second, I just froze—still crouching by the stage, partly hidden behind the light rig.
My grip on the clipboard tightened like I could somehow use it as a shield.
How come he’s here? His name wasn’t on the guest list. I double-checked it last night. Reviewed it again this morning. No changes. No cancellations. Why is he here?
Did he come uninvited? Why did they let him in?
Shit! What the hell am I supposed to do?
He can’t see me. Not like this. Not after I built a whole new life pretending he doesn’t exist. Which is partly true.
My heart hammered against my ribcage, like it was trying to claw its way out of my chest. I stayed rooted to my spot, fighting to calm myself—but just sensing how close he was made it impossible to stay in contr
