Dark Ties by Leia Thorne

Author:Leia Thorne [Thorne, Leia]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-07-08T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 12

Sawyer

As Palmer’s dance recital winds down to a close, I check my phone. Remi messaged ten minutes ago, saying she’s already at my house. I wonder what progress Gage has made, if any. How much more time alone should I give them?

As Palmer exits the stage, applause rises up. I stand and clap along, peeking over at Emry next to me. He attends every single one of Palmer’s recitals, as long as they don’t interfere with lacrosse. He’s so devoted to her; it sometimes hurts to watch. Like watching a romantic comedy…sober.

But, as I watch Palmer take her bow, I realize that I missed this, seeing her dance. She’s always been gifted, always been proficient, but watching her on the stage tonight, she radiates passion and love for the dance.

My emotions are heightened after witnessing her grace and beauty, and when Emry asks me about Remi as we wait for Palmer near the stage wing, I’m not prepared.

He raises his dark eyebrows, prompting me. “Do you?” he repeats.

His question: Do I think it’s strange that Gage selected Remi.

I wrap the shawl around my shoulders tighter, the theater air chilly against my skin. “I think Gage likes a challenge,” I finally say.

Emry turns toward me. His tailored suit makes him look older, more distinguished. “I’m serious, Saw. Her likeness to…” He trails off, knowing better than to utter her name. “Every time I look at Remi, I see her.” He looks away. “It’s like he wants to punish us. Having her with us every day, as part of the society… That will be a cruel torture.”

“Have you told any of this to Gage?”

“Right. And show him a weakness?” He cocks his head, his expression incredulous.

He’s right, of course. Gage exploits weakness. And yet Emry’s relaying his worries to me, knowing I’ll take them back to Gage, demonstrates even greater weakness. “You’re using me,” I say.

“What?”

“Do you not want Remi as a member?” I ask him outright. “Or maybe it’s Palmer’s sentiments you’re imparting?”

“Honestly, Sawyer?” He crosses his defined arms, defensive. “It’s sick, is what it is. Remi won’t replace her. You said this yourself. So what’s his endgame? There has to be a reason. There always is.”

Emry isn’t asking anything that I haven’t already questioned openly. Though I do so with a little more tact, and don’t voice my suspicions in a secretive manner.

“Do you trust me, Emry?” I ask.

His eyebrows knit together over suede-brown eyes. “You know I do.”

“Then trust that I won’t let Gage get carried away with this.” I touch his arm consolingly. “It’s our senior year. Last year…we took a hit. A setback. Gage is making sure that doesn’t happen again, and he wants us to have a strong, memorable final year at Brighton.”

He studies me closely. “What game are you two playing with her?”

“There’s no game.”

“There’s always a game.”

Palmer pushes through the black curtains, all elation and vigorous spirit. Emry turns to retrieve the bouquet of red roses he brought for her.

“Aww,” Palmer coos. “Thank you, lover.

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