Chapter 2
Back home, fresh from the shower, Ethan returned looking exhausted.
He dropped a luxury shopping bag onto the coffee table. "For you. Open it."
Same routine every time—spend all night with Rose, show up the next day with shopping bags, trying to smooth things over with me.
For him, it was about easing his guilt, but for me... it was about making things right, too.
I opened it happily. The same limited-edition purse Rose had flaunted last month.
"Thanks, babe."
I grabbed the purse and headed to my room, already excited about planning my outfit for tomorrow's festival.
Ethan walked in and immediately spotted the ticket on my desk. "You're going too?"
"Yeah, you know I've always loved Wild Faces' lead singer."
I showed him my treasured album—the cover had everyone in Wild Faces masks.
Lead singer in a crow mask, drummer in a fox, bassist in a wolfdog, two guitarists as an otter and sea lion.
"What's the appeal? Can't even see their faces."
"It's the vibe. And that voice."
I held candy-shaped earrings up to the mirror.
He looked a little annoyed for a second, but then seemed to think of something and let it go.
"Alright... But I have to work late tomorrow, can't take you. Want me to send a driver?"
"Nah. Just focus on work. The breadwinner, right? You're killing it," I replied, brushing him off.
"Alright... Be careful. Come home early, and don't hit the bars with your friends..."
*****
"Since when are you this clingy?" Alex sat backstage with his takeout, gently pushing me away.
"Yeah. Deal with it!"
He slipped his crow mask onto my head. "Let's see you cling now."
I immediately started pecking at him with the beak.
"Alex, someone's here for you," a staff member called.
Alex grabbed the kitten mask he'd prepared for me, slipped it on, and playfully dragged me back by the scruff.
A man and a woman walked in, each holding a rabbit mask.
Band tradition—everyone backstage needed a mask. You didn't have to wear it, but you had to bring one.
"Hey, Ethan Stone, with the organizers. This is my wife, Rose Lynn. She's a huge fan—any chance of an autograph?" Ethan offered his hand for a handshake.
Alex—wearing the kitten mask—smiled at me, then shook Ethan's hand without enthusiasm.
"I've been a fan forever!" Rose gushed, eyes shining as she pulled out a poster.
She immediately glanced over at me. "I heard the Crow has a longtime girlfriend—you're gorgeous!"
"Thanks, you too. I catch your shows all the time, Ms. Lynn. And heard you hurt your ankle last night?"
I went up to her, shook her hand, and passed Alex a gold marker.
"Oh, no big deal. My husband just freaked out and made me leave the show for the hospital," Rose said, slipping her arm through Ethan's and giving him a sweet smile.
Ethan looked stiff, his eyes lingering on my candy-shaped earrings, giving me a once-over.
"Wow, so jealous. Hope you two last forever," I said.
Alex smiled and wrapped his arm around my shoulders right on cue. "No need for jealousy. Don't you trust me?"
After they left, Ethan texted: [You in yet? Heard it started.]
[Yeah, I'm in. Couldn't get a better seat though.]
I sent Ethan a photo I'd snapped earlier.
I sent him a photo from earlier—me in a rabbit mask, boho outfit, oversized hoop earrings.
[Okay. Stay safe. Next time I'll get tickets and we'll go together.]
"So which Mrs. Stone are you tonight?" Alex wrapped his arms around me from behind, chin on my head, peeking at my phone.
"Whoever I love gets to be my Mr. Warren."
"Lucky me. From now on, I'm just Mr. Warren."
*****
The spotlight hit the stage as the band—all wearing their Wild Faces masks—launched into the show.
But his gaze kept drifting over to me.
Then he started that famous breakup song.
"I need you. I need you..."
Alex knelt down and reached for my hand.
I grabbed it—his grip was warm and firm.
He pulled me up gently, and I fell right into his arms.
His bandmates immediately started whooping and cheering.
The crowd went crazy.
Alex ripped off his mask and kissed me hard.
In that moment, nothing else existed.
His lips were hot and demanding, his tongue exploring my mouth.
Nothing else mattered—I just wanted to lose myself in him, in the roar of the crowd, in the blinding lights.
My kitten mask had slipped halfway off, but Alex reached up and fixed it for me.
Then he shot Ethan a wicked grin from across the VIP section.