Where the Heart Lives

He’d received word that a friend named Cynthia had arrived and was asking for him. He caught up with her just outside the green-room. She looks like she’s dressed to be on stage, not in the audience … a black-and-red rock-and-roll version of a Christmas tree topper—though no angel—who’ll light up if I plug her in. No … don’t go there.

As he approached, she beamed. “Rune! There you are!”

“Hi.” He plunged his hands into his pockets to avoid the embrace she seemed to be expecting. “You got here just in time for a quick look backstage before we have to send all the guests to their seats.”

“Fabulous!”

She followed where he led—though he couldn’t imagine how she could walk in those sexy little high-heeled boots. If we’re gonna run into Zack, it’ll probably happen now. Don’t know whether to hope we do or hope we don’t. The question was settled when he heard a familiar voice. Think I’ll step back and watch the fireworks.

“Cynthia? What the … what are you doing here? You hate this kind of music!” Zack stood staring at Cynthia, an appalled expression on his face.

She turned toward him. “Do I?” Her voice sounded syrupy. “What I really hate is being left out.”

“But how … how did you get backstage?”

“I was invited, Zackery. In fact, when Rune invited me tonight I just couldn’t resist.”

 “Rune invited you to this? You mean….”

“Yes. I’m his date.”

Even from this distance, Rune could see Zack seething as he scrutinized her, his gaze stopping at the bottom of the skirt. Rune couldn’t hear what he muttered under his breath.

“You seem just the tiniest bit upset.” She flashed a smile. “Are you? I thought red was just perfect for a Christmas rock concert.”

Zack stood smoldering. “I am not upset. Where is Rune?”

Rune stepped toward the dueling duo. “Somebody ask for me?”

“I thought you were taking care of that problem with the stagehands. You left me high and dry!”

Rune tried not to sneer. You don’t know a stagehand from a roadie. That’s what he wanted to say. Instead he managed, “Zack, you have no idea what you’re talking about. Right now Cynthia and I have some business to take care of.”

“Business to take care of?” Zack fumed.

“See you later, Zackery.” Cynthia tugged at her skirt, but as she spun on the heel of one boot, she seemed to wobble.

As Rune grabbed an arm to steady her, he caught the satisfied expression on her face. She looks like a cat who just lapped up a delicious bowl of revenge.