Chapter 23

My cell vibrates across the table where I left it, and for a moment, I smile, assuming it’s my boy with one of his many daytime messages, and frown when I see a number I do not recognize come up on the screen. It’s a text from a number I don’t have saved, and I open it quickly, a little confused. I rarely get any calls or texts from people I do not know, as I only give this number to those I do or my school for emergency contact. My heart lurches as I think of the possibility it might be the school, something awful about my show, or the dresses already hanging in the finishing room.

If Olivia has done anything to my clothes, god help her. I will rip her fucking head apart.

Ma Cherie, I just wanted to wish you luck with your show as I will not be in the school until it has begun. You are my star pupil, and I hope we can celebrate together after your accomplishments if your boyfriend is still out of town. Claude x

I blanche at the screen and read it twice to let it s