Out of Character (True Colors 2)

“It’s starting.” April shushed us, and I was grateful for the distraction.

The revue was a lot of fun with high-energy musical numbers that lifted even my bleak mood. Watching groups of people run around and sing and dance while navigating quick costume and scenery changes was more enjoyable than I’d anticipated. The revue took a number of songs out of the context of their respective plays and did fun twists on the staging of the numbers. Later, the frantic energy of the early numbers gave way to a somber performance of a medley of songs from Wicked recast as a lesbian coffee-shop romance.

“Oh, wow.” I didn’t realize I’d gasped aloud until Jasper squeezed my hand. Reflexively, I started to pull away, but then the music crested, and it hit me that I didn’t have to. I didn’t have to hide. Not ever again. Not if I didn’t want to. The worst had happened, and in a way, it was freeing. I gripped his hand back. Let people see. I was damn lucky to have someone like Jasper on my side. The soloist hit a high note and my soul soared along with the music. Seeing the two lead singers so fearless and defiant made me newly resolved to figure out my current situation.

“That was incredible,” I enthused after the performance as everyone took their final bows.

“I know.” Jasper had a tender look for me as he released my hand.

“Should we find Kellan?” April asked as we made our way to the lobby.

Jasper made a face at that. “Nah. I mean, I’m sure he’s all about the kudos but it’s going to be packed backstage, and Mom wouldn’t be happy with the germ potential.”

“Okay. Party pooper.” April pushed at his shoulder, but good-natured as ever, Jasper simply laughed and took it.

“Yup. Let’s get you home.”

“Can we at least take the long way home?” April asked as she pulled on her coat. “We could get drive-thru milkshakes at—”

“Quigley.” The sound of Jasper’s last name drowned out the end of April’s request, and it was the last voice I wanted to hear right then.

“George.” Jasper gave him a cool nod while I merely did my best to set his smug face on fire with my eyes, superhero style.

“Oh, and pretty boy.” George gave me a once-over that had my skin crawling. “Fancy seeing you at an institution of learning.”

A growl escaped my chest. “I have a name.”

“So you do.” His tone was dismissive and made my hands ball up. “What are you doing here? Wouldn’t have taken you for a patron of the arts.”

“I could say the same for you,” Jasper interjected with a laugh.

“I’m seeing the soloist of the third song. He’s got an audition next week for an off-Broadway show. He’s going places.”

“Not with you,” Jasper said firmly. My chest swelled with pride at how easily he put George in his place, and I resolved to ask Kellan to give the singer a warning that George was a piece of work.

“Cold, Quigley. Cold.” George sounded almost as impressed as I was. “Guess I can see why you’re suddenly interested in the Frog Court cards.”

Wait. What? My eyes narrowed, but Jasper spoke before I could.

“Like I said. None of your business.”

But it was mine, and I gave them both a hard stare. I was not going to contradict Jasper in front of George, but he was going to need to talk fast as soon as we were alone.

“I might be interested in that offer of yours.” George gave Jasper a considering look. “Might.”

I couldn’t stay silent any longer. “What offer?”

George’s arch look soured my stomach even before he spoke. “That’s between Quigley and me.”

No, it wasn’t, but before I could protest, a crowd of people came through.

“Message me, Quigley.” George gave us a little wave as he backed away. “I find I’m…intrigued.”

He wasn’t the only one, but we still had April with us, and no way was I interrogating Jasper around her. So I settled for beaming questions at the back of his head as we left the theater.

“Are either of you going to tell me why Milo’s car is at our place?” April asked as we made our way to the parking lot. “Or is that need-to-know information?”

“Yup.” I tried to keep my tone light.

Jasper must have picked up on my efforts, because he added, “If you don’t bug him about it or make a big deal to Mom, I’ll get you that milkshake.”

“Jasper. I’m not nine.” April did an impressive eye roll while waiting for Jasper to unlock the car. “But okay. Lucky for you I’m hungry.”

I wasn’t. But I wasn’t going to stop the two of them from picking up shakes from the fast-food place next to Lee’s Bakery that April liked.

“Stomach again?” Jasper whispered while April dictated her order.