Ghosts of the Opera by Janna Ruth

Author:Janna Ruth [Janna Ruth]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Janna Ruth
Published: 2024-07-22T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 18

I didn’t sleep at Sébastien’s that night. Instead, he offers to drive me to Gaby’s and together we zoom through the city on his bike. Gaby couldn’t be happier to have me back in her arms, and I’m grateful for her, too. She pulls me into her one-room flat and points to the bed.

“As you can see, Marie is here, but make yourself at home. She kept me sane while you went radio silent.”

Marie is kneeling on the bed, looking out the window. “He’s got a motorbike! That’s pretty cool.”

“It’s bad for the environment,” Gaby says, pushing me relentlessly towards the bed.

The truth is, I’m a bit overwhelmed. Was Marie there when I called Gaby? Did Gaby tell her everything?

Marie smiles and pats the bed. “Get in. I’ll do your nails.”

I see a whole collection of paints on the bedside table. I slowly get into bed and look at my nails, noticing I haven’t taken much care of them lately. “Do you think you can save them?”

“They’re not that bad. Nothing a little colour won’t fix. Do you have a preference?”

Meanwhile, Gaby throws a pizza box on the bed. “There’s still two slices in there. But we can order more if you’re hungry.”

Being with these two is like a cup of hot cocoa. Within minutes, I feel the last stubborn hooks of anxiety dissolve. I’m fed, pampered, and accepted. Even though I’ve turned up so late and obviously interrupted their date, they’re there for me. “Is it too daring to wear black?”

Gaby clearly thinks so, but Marie smiles warmly. “Like Gaspar? Did you know I did his nails? That guy was hopeless with a brush.” She picks up a black bottle and I can’t help but wonder if it’s the same one he used.

“I miss him so much.”

“I know, honey.” Gaby wraps her arms around me and buries her chin in my shoulder. “I’m so sorry.”

Marie takes my left hand and puts it on a small purple pillow. “Will Sébastien mind if you wear Gaspar’s colour? Not that black is a colour, but he’d argue it is.”

I share a look with Gaby, who gives me a subtle shrug. Immediately, I know she hasn’t betrayed me. Even though she’s freaked out, she didn’t give away my secret. She’s just the best.

With a sigh, I decide it’s high time I returned the favour. If she trusts Marie, so should I. I just need to remind her to stay out of this. “He won’t mind. This thing between us… it’s just an act.”

“Alix,” Gaby whispers in surprise. “Are you sure?”

Curious, Marie looks at me. “Why would you pretend to be with Sébastien?”

“To fool his father, his stupid cousin, and my sister.” Probably a whole lot of other people, too, but I don’t want to think about it. “The thing is… Petite Alix got away.”

For a moment Marie is just confused. Then her eyes widen, and she gasps. “You can still see ghosts.”

I nod. “I can, but I can’t see Gaspar. He disappeared the day after I was captured.

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