Heartless Lover (Dark Syndicate 5)

She stops laughing and continues to talk. “I always think of you when I get up there on stage because acting comes second nature to you. This is my biggest role ever and I’m so glad I got this part, but this character is you all over. When we were practicing the lines last night, they came so easy to you and I wished it was you who was playing this part. I wish this was your opportunity to shine. Your Carpe Diem moment. I almost feel like this part was made for you. I would have been honored to watch you in this play. Dammit the tape’s going to run out and I just realized I’m talking to myself. I’m just going to call you.”

She’s gone and silence fills the space around me. I’m sure I would have taken that call and we would have talked all night.

Movement by the door catches my attention and I look up to see Eric standing there shirtless, leaning against the door frame.

I think he must have been standing there long enough to hear the recording.

“Hi,” I say.

“Hi.” He walks in and crouches beside me.

“How long have you been there?”

“Long enough to know you channel your inner Vivien Leigh when you’re acting.” He grins.

“She was my favorite actress and the character my sister was going to play was like many of the roles she played. Scarlett and I used to practice lines together even when I wasn’t acting. So, I know the whole of this latest play. Deep down I also wished I could have been acting in something like that. I want to go back to school when I can. I was going to tell her that. It would have made her happy.”

He looks at the tape recorder in my hands and runs a finger over my knuckles. “Why don’t you do it?” he suggests, and I widen my eyes.

“Do what?”

“The play.”

“No, I couldn’t do that.”

“The plan was to tell the director she turned the job down. We have a week until rehearsal resumes right?”

“Yeah.”

“I have an idea that should pan out in regard to Robert and Micah. So, I don’t think there’s any harm in waiting a week then speaking to the directors and letting them know you want to do something to honor your sister.”

“I’m far from qualified to do something like that.”

“You have experience and a good background. I’m sure they’d at least give you a chance if you show them how good you are. It sounds like she’d want you to do it. I think she’d be honored if you filled in for her. Carpe Diem, right?”

I contemplate what he’s saying to me, and it brings a smile to my face.

“Carpe Diem.”

His phone rings and he reaches into his pocket for it. He frowns then looks at me.

“It’s your father. He’s called several times since last night. I’m sure he’s seen the news and there would have been a sizeable deposit in both your accounts this morning.”

My mouth drops. “Deposit?”

“From Ted. We’ll talk about that later. Do you want to talk to your father? You can say no.”

I’m feeling stronger now. The truth is out, and it doesn’t matter who believes me and who doesn’t.

“I’ll talk to him.”

Eric hands me the phone and I answer it.

“Dad,” I say first.

“Summer, my God. I’ve been trying to call. I saw the news last night.”

“Oh, you did?” I answer in a flat tone.

“I’m so sorry my dear. Please can I see you?”

I glance at Eric who nods. “Yes.”