Ace of Hearts

55| does Ace really see me like this?

 
ACE's POV
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     Everything she does is f*cking perfect.

     The way she pulls her dress up her figure and glances back at me, asking for help with the zipper through just a glance. Perfect.

    The way she giggles at my jokes, how she clings to my arm while we walk up to the building that the contest is held in. Her strides are even and strong, despite the nerves she insists that she's feeling. Perfect.

     Everything Bryn Jasper does is perfect, and no one can convince me otherwise. Especially not her.

      She clutches my hand with her tiny one. They rest between our laps as we share a cab-ride to the final event of the New York City trip. Today is contest day.

     Bryn has no idea of her death-grip.

    I know she's nervous, and she has every right to be. But still, I play off my tight jaw for me being nervous, too, when really my fingers that are twice as long as hers just feel crushed in her grip.

     "Two more blocks," she whispers, looking down at her cellphone with a grimace. Her lashes flutter down toward the screen.

    I put my free hand on her small shoulder. "Look at me."

     She obeys, but I still tilt her chin so that her eyes meet mine.

    "Whatever happens today, you made it this far." My voice is serious, "and no matter what anyone thinks, I love you. I love your writing. And as long as you do, too, nothing any judge can say will matter."

    I let her breathe for a moment, thinking on my words. After a second, she nods.

    "Thanks, Ace." Her voice breaks a bit. It's all I can do not to drag her over into my lap and hug her little body to mine at the sound. "You always know what to say."

Do I?

      I just wish I could already know the results beforehand, to know how to prepare to respond for her best interest. Will we celebrate? Or will I be her shoulder to cry on?

Maybe if I knew- I could be of more comfort right now.

It kills me when I can't be that for someone. Shit.

   I know I'm lucky.

I know already that I didn't win today. I got the people's choice award... that's good enough for me.

   But for Bryn?

    "One block." She clears her throat. "Not that I'm still counting."

    Sure. Sarcasm licks at my mind. I almost make a comment, but I don't. I don't want to freak her out or throw her off. I focus on other things, instead. Like her hair.

     I wish I could comb through that perfectly silky hair with my fingers, but I know that would be a mistake. She spent the whole morning perfecting the sheen alone. I'm okay with just admiring it. Having a sister has prepared me for a life of look-but-don't-touch.