Backstage, Michael waited, his gaze filled with worry and distress. "You didn't have to expose your personal affairs."
"It's alright. It's all in the past." Our original plan hadn't involved revealing my situation, only exposing Ryan and Nora. It was seeing Ryan rise to accuse me that spurred my impulsive, complete self-exposure.
Michael produced a bouquet of flowers, seemingly from nowhere. "Although the timing is unconventional, congratulations. Returning to the stage, you're still the most dazzling star. Ten years of silence haven't changed a thing. And congratulations to you, for stepping out of the mire and into a bright future."
I accepted the flowers, stroking the dew-kissed petals. "Michael, have I ever told you how beautiful your words are?"
"You're hearing them now," he repl
