Total pages in book: 54
Estimated words: 54383 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 272(@200wpm)___ 218(@250wpm)___ 181(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 54383 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 272(@200wpm)___ 218(@250wpm)___ 181(@300wpm)
Rest in Peace.
I Wish I Would’ve Told You,
—Scarlett
My palms sweat as I hold the bow against my violin onstage.
The spotlight is shining brighter than usual, and the audience in the theater is staring at me in anticipation. They want to hear if all the hype about “Scarlett the Wonder” is true.
To them, I’m the girl from Ohio who once lived in a trailer park, but was spotted playing an abandoned violin outside. The girl who could play a piece from ear without any formal training and had teachers lining up just to help her succeed.
If they read any of the headlines about “YouTube’s Caroline and The Twins Move to More Private Life,” they assume that I’m still being taught by a maestro.
But I had to give that up long ago.
“We all have to make sacrifices for our new lives…”
I take a deep breath and shut my eyes, gently pressing the bow against the strings. I don’t have to look at the sheet music ahead of me to play, so I shut my eyes and let my emotions take full control.
The notes fly from my fingertips easily, filling the auditorium with a story of love and hate. A piece about a girl who was stupid enough to fall for a guy she shouldn’t want, a guy she desperately needs.
I transition into the piece they were expecting, The Twenty four Caprices by Niccolò Paganini, and then I return to the piece I’ve composed about me and Easton.
Toxic and tragic, up and down, around and around, never-ending…
I hold the last note and open my eyes to a completely quiet audience.
I’m convinced that I might’ve played too long, but then they stand on their feet and applaud.
For what feels like forever.
I stand from my chair and hold back tears, taking a short bow.
The conductor steps onto the stage and hands me a massive bouquet of red roses.
“I have a bouquet for your parents as well,” he says. “Tell them to meet me backstage.”
“Okay.” I smile. I don’t tell him that I told them the wrong time on purpose, that I saved myself the heartache and allowed them to serve me excuses for why they didn’t feel like listening to “that string stuff.”
“I know you’re going to the University of Alabama next fall,” he says, “but I’ve written a few letters on your behalf for some other programs I’d love for you to consider. With talent like that, I can only hope that you don’t waste it all on marching with a clarinet.”
He walks away from me and steps to the mic to address the audience.
“Let’s have one more round of applause for Miss Scarlett Crane, please.”
I wave at everyone and bow last time before leaving the stage. After packing my violin and saying goodbye to my fellow orchestra members, I take the alley exit.
Easton is leaning the building outside, holding a bouquet of pink roses and a gleaming silver gift bag.
My heart skips a beat, but I don’t say a word.
I just stare at him.
“Why didn't you tell me about this recital?” he asks.
“Because I didn't want you to come.”
“What did you say?”
“I’ll repeat it,” I say. “I didn't want you to come.”
“Why not?”
“Because this is something that’s mine,” I say. “I don’t have to barter with you on a time and place in the shadows, and I don’t have to share it with Tully.”
“Scarlett…”
“I guess you’re the last to know, though,” I say, my voice cracking. “This is the last Thursday I’ll have to enjoy for a very long time thanks to your girlfriend’s newest sponsorship.”
“Can I take you home so we can talk about that?”
“No. I’m going out to celebrate with my fellow violinists.” I shrug. “Please don’t ruin this memory for me.”
“Wait, Scarlett.” He grabs my hand. “Please let me—”
“Leave me alone, Easton.” I jerk away from him. “Just leave me the hell alone.”
I walk away, leaving him standing in the alley.
14
EASTON
Call me back when you see this.
Why is your window locked?
You’re not at Kevin’s, so where are you?
Scarlett…??? Why are you avoiding me?
15
ME
Dear Soledad Jones,
The real reason I stopped letting you borrow my paperback novels is because you dog-eared the pages and wrote notes along the margins in pen. I cried each time you returned one to me in this condition, and I hope for your next book buddy’s sake, that you’ve learned to do better. It’s also not too late to atone for your crimes…
Wish I Would’ve Told You,
Scarlett
Tully’s house parties are legendary.
Even I can’t deny it.
She always insists on a grandiose theme, and her friends work like crazy to bring it to life.
Last year’s Hawaiian luau featured handmade leis with silk flowers, a tiki bar, and giant sparkling orbs that floated in our pool. If the floating clouds that hang from every inch of our ceiling tonight are any indication, this year’s “Sinners & Saints” party will be even more memorable.