The blue acrylic paint hit the crisp white fabric of the choir robe with a heavy, wet slap.
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Chapter 26 / 30
Chapter 26 - CHLOE BACKSTAGE
After performance Chloe waited near lobby.
Not backstage.
She no longer assumed access.
Elias came out.
She said:
“You sounded good.”
“Thanks.”
Awkward.
Then:
“I’m sorry.”
He waited.
“For paint.”
“Yes.”
“For score.”
“Yes.”
“For grabbing your robe.”
“Yes.”
“For Mom.”
Elias stopped.
“You don't apologize for your mother.”
Chloe looked surprised.
“You apologize for giving her my number.”
She nodded.
“Right.”
Then:
“I’m sorry I gave her your number.”
Specific.
Better.
Elias said:
“Thank you.”
Chloe asked:
“Do you forgive me?”
He smiled faintly.
“I don't know.”
She nodded.
“Okay.”
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She had learned to survive no answer.
---
