Chapter Twenty-Six

Phantom

Francesca’s eyes glisten.

Pendleton Berry.

I know the name. Everyone knows the Berrys. They’re old Manhattan money. Penn Berry is a newer member, but if he and Francesca only broke up a month or two ago…

He’s been coming here for over a year.

I don’t need to tell her that.

“I’m sorry,” I say.

“Just get me out of here, please.”

We whisk out of the club then, and after I blindfold her, I lead her back up to the bar, where I remove the silk from her eyes.

They’re still glistening, as if tears are going to emerge at any moment.

My heart sinks. I can’t bear to see her hurt, and I really can’t bear to see her hurt over another guy.

“I can’t believe it,” she says, sniffling. “He told me he was seeing someone, but I never imagined that…”

“That he was into the same things I’m into?” I can’t help the anger that laces my tone.

“I didn’t mean it that way.”

“Do you still have feelings for this man?”

“No.” She shakes her head adamantly. “That doesn’t mean I want to see him fucking someone else in a sex club.”

“Did you not consider the fact that you might see someone you know there?”

“Of course I considered it. I just didn’t think it would be him.”

“I once saw someone I knew,” I say. “In fact, that’s what led me to begin masking myself.”

“Who did you see?”

“Just someone from my work. Luckily, she didn’t see me.”

“What kind of work do you do?”

I stroke her cheek gently. “You know, I will tell you, Francesca.”

“I’m listening.”

“I can’t. Not yet. But the fact that I want to is strange indeed.”

“Why is it strange?”

“Because,” I tell her, “it’s the first time I’ve ever wanted to.”