Her Invisible Knight (Book 4)

Two

Mackenzie

I took a double, a third, and then a fourth take. My heart started pumping blood like it never had and my vision was starting to blur. Lucid Mantra’s bassist, Maverick Knight, was walking toward our direction with an oh-so-perfect lovely brunette with legs that went for miles hanging onto his arm. Of course. He’s a rock star, so it only made sense for him to date beautiful models, no matter how much of a cliche that idea was. For a minute, I thought of simply excusing myself so that I could avoid him at all costs, but then I realized that I couldn’t just leave when I’m in the midst of people who could provide my lifelong dream. In a way, this was going to be a very awkward reunion after a decade of not talking or seeing each other. I’ve practically avoided their entire band like a plague, ever since, well, ever since he and I unhappened. I never watched their concerts, listened to their songs, nor did I even watch any of their interviews. Have I tried stalking him on social media though? Once or twice. Okay, maybe more than a hundred times. However, after seeing a photo or two of him, I immediately closed the apps. He was my first love and my first everything, my perfect hell on earth. And even though it had been years since we broke up, the way things ended between us still stayed with me.

Maverick whispered something to his companion and, in turn, she gave him the most affectionate smile, followed by a pat on the arm, and walked in the direction of the oversized photos at the corner of the lobby. And then guess what? The sight made me want to hurl. I also wanted to punch myself for not having the willpower to pretend that I didn’t see him or that I wasn’t supposed to look at him. But, the universe must hate me now because I just couldn’t look away. Have you ever noticed how the main characters in a certain movie walk in slow motion when they enter a crowded room and everyone just stares at them? Well, oddly enough, that was exactly what was happening and it made me hold my breath until he reached our circle. To my surprise, our dance director, Lila Devogne, started greeting him as if she and Maverick were long-time friends.“Maverick, what a lovely surprise,” Lila greeted, kissing him on both cheeks. “Lila,” Maverick answered, showcasing his perfectly lined white teeth and it caught me off guard at how foreign his voice sounded. It was deeper, clearer, and more controlled. It sounded like it was coated in honey, which had me shaking my head to stop myself from acknowledging that it sounded pleasant. You hate him, remember? - my subconscious scolded.

Lila introduced him to the dance producers and choreographers and I could tell that they had fallen for his charms the moment he said hello. “This is our top dancer Mackenzie Young,” Lila added, and he casually turned to me with an unwavering smile. He then offered his hand and shook mine as if it was the very first time we met. “Ms. Young,” he uttered, making me blink in succession. “Mr. Knight,” I finally said, and then he turned to make a few small talks with the rest of the people around us. Honestly, the encounter hijacked my brain a bit because I didn’t know if he was only pretending that he didn’t know me or if he really couldn’t remember me at all. As far as I know, my appearance hasn't changed a lot. If anything, I only grew two inches taller. Besides, how many Mackenzie Youngs did he actually know? But, whatever.

I subtly took his appearance in and noted how much he had changed physically. His jet black hair was neatly styled. He had the same black almond-shaped eyes sitting below his thick straight brows, but they held a certain kind of mystery and knowledge to them now. A Romanesque nose and mountain peak cheekbones that appeared chiseled into shape by a master craftsman because damn it! They looked like they were sculpted to perfection. I also took note of the peppered stubbles surrounding his bowlike lips. And though he was trim built and not overly muscular, his shoulders looked like they belonged to those of a Titan. He could very well be at least six and a half feet or maybe even taller. In simpler terms, he is more manly and handsome than I remember and it made me hate him a little bit more.

I didn’t really get to listen to what was being said. I was busy trying to ignore my pent-up frustrations. I wanted to simply walk away or find a good excuse to leave, but once again, I couldn't will myself to move. The entire time, I kept nodding and smiling, not really following where the conversation was heading. I even missed the part where everyone had said their goodbyes, so now I was stuck with Maverick and his approaching date. “Hi,” said the tall beauty and I so wanted to hate her too, but the weird thing was I just couldn’t. She had a warm aura to her. The kind that you want to bask yourself in. Besides, she wasn't the one who pissed me off. “I don’t want to sound like a creeper, but I think I’ve become your fan,” she continued. “Oh, thank you,” I nervously answered and then a few seconds of dead air filled our three-man group. “This is Mackenzie. We go way back in high school. This is James, technically met her back when I was in high school too, and she hasn’t stopped crying since she saw you dance. She’s also my -.”

“Who made my wife cry?” Sky Fontain, Lucid Mantra’s lead singer, who came out of God knows where, suddenly interrupted. Also, wife? Is James Sky’s wife? When did that happen? My eyes ping-ponged between the three of them for a while before they landed on Sky, who was now closely looking at me. “Why do I have a feeling that I know you? Wait, Mack? Is that you?" he excitedly asked and I was only able to respond with a nod because it felt like I was either having a mini-stroke or a nervous breakdown. "Oh damn! Wow! It really is you. How’s it going?” A nervous laugh suddenly escaped my lips and I wanted to die right then and there. “Yeah. Hi. It’s been a while,” I was finally able to choke out. “So you guys know each other?” James happily questioned and both Sky and Maverick answered with a yup. “Maverick was a member of the school’s dance club. That’s where he and Mack met babe,” Sky said matter of factly, and a blush of shame crept up Maverick's face as soon as James looked at him in disbelief. Of course, he'd blush. Dancing was a part of his life he chose to abandon because he wanted a different kind of limelight. It was the kind of limelight that was centered on booze, women, and glamour. In other words, he took the easy way to fame and left everyone hanging as soon as he was able to sign a deal.

"Wait, you know how to dance? Oh my God, this I have to see," James gasped, making Sky chuckle and my eyes roll. "Yeah, no," Maverick retorted. "We'll see about that," James teased, before announcing that she and Sky had to leave. Maverick then leaned down to give her a peck on the cheek and gave Sky a bro hug. James then turned to me and said, "It was nice meeting you, Mackenzie. You were really wonderful up on stage and I hope I get to watch you dance again soon." I gave them an awkward wave of goodbye then abruptly turned to face Maverick.

"Kenzie," he smiled. "Don't call me that," I hissed before turning to walk away. "Why? Because it brings back a lot of memories?" I stopped and whirled, staring daggers at him. How dare he? Did he actually think that we could exchange pleasantries or joke around even after how many years had passed? Did he believe that all was forgotten and forgiven? Oh, no no no sir. I don't hold grudges, but he was the exception to the rule. "Yeah, absolutely! Specifically, bad memories. No one calls me that anymore. I despise that name," I fired back and walked away as quickly as my tired legs could take me.