Playing in Shadow by Lesley Davis Read Free Book Online Page B

art.”
    “And your own,” Juliet said. “Scarlet’s very professional, and besides, she’s seen you naked enough around the apartment that it would be second nature to her.”
    “The perils of sharing a place with a dressmaker.” Scarlet nodded. She’d lost count of the number of times Monica had called for her to help her model something. She never batted an eye when Scarlet undressed before her or vice versa.
    Out of the corner of her eye, Scarlet saw Bryce heading back toward the houses.
    “She looks tired today,” Juliet said, watching after Bryce with concern. “I don’t think she’s sleeping.”
    “Has she told you what happened?” Monica asked Scarlet.
    Scarlet shook her head. “No, but then we don’t exactly hang out together. We pass in the hallways, but when I’ve popped in to see if she wants to share lunch, she says she’s busy and I don’t want to push her.” Her gaze followed Bryce. “I think she’s pushing herself too much, but who am I to call her on it. I can’t mention it to my dad. He’s her boss, and she’d likely kill me for bringing it to his attention.” Scarlet was worried about Bryce more than she wanted to admit.
    “I’ve only heard bits of what happened,” Monica said. “I know it was a very bad car crash and that the others in the car with her all died. As did the driver in the truck that hit them. They said he wiped out a load of cars. Poor guy had a stroke at the wheel. The truck ended up plowing down the road taking out other vehicles like a bowling ball striking a row of pins.”
    “Bryce was the only survivor?” Scarlet couldn’t suppress the shudder that ran through her body at the thought of how close Bryce had come to being just another accident statistic.
    “I bet her memories of that night are terrifying,” Juliet said.
    This gave Scarlet cause for pause. She’d wondered what was causing Bryce to look so haunted. The accident was obviously still very raw and present for her. Scarlet wondered how she could even begin to broach the subject with her, to let her know if she needed someone to talk to, Scarlet was there for her. Why? Why am I prepared to do that with someone who probably would rather forget what they’ve lived through than remember it? She resolved to give it a try anyway. She wanted Bryce to lose that weary look and realize she didn’t have to go through everything alone anymore.

    *

    The party had been in full swing for hours, but Bryce wasn’t enjoying herself. She’d felt sick before she’d left work and now she felt decidedly worse. The room was full of people Gerri worked with, but Bryce couldn’t see one familiar face to talk to. She dutifully picked at the food on offer, but even a mouthful of whatever it was perched on a dry crisp bread threatened to make Bryce throw up. She had reluctantly settled for soda to drink in the hopes it would ease her rolling guts. There’d been a flu bug going around, and Bryce had the horrible feeling she had caught it. Her head was hurting from the garish lights that were flashing, and she had to squint against the pain making her sight fuzzy.
    “Honey, you’re making an awful face. Stop it before other people see and wonder why I go out with you.” Gerri slipped her arm through Bryce’s and staked her claim.
    Bryce started to pull away and saw the flare of anger in Gerri’s eyes. “I’m sick. I don’t want you catching this.” I’d never hear the end of it .
    “Why do you have to be sick tonight? This was supposed to be a special night for us.” Gerri’s pout was ugly. Bryce hadn’t noticed that before.
    “It is a special night for you . Your team got the account you’ve been busting a gut for. I can’t help how I feel.”
    “Well, you’re ruining the buzz I’ve got going,” Gerri said petulantly.
    “I think I might just go home. I don’t want to spoil your party.” Bryce saw a woman standing off to their side. She was looking over at Bryce and Gerri but pretending to