Two for Tragedy

9. Empty Words

The next day, the atmosphere in the arena was electric with anticipation, the stage set for the concert that would kick off their highly anticipated tour. Jo took a moment to pour herself a glass of water during her break, feeling the weight of the day ahead. She was trying to center herself, mentally preparing for the performance, when she noticed Tom strutting toward her, his signature swagger on full display.

Without acknowledging him, Jo focused on her glass, hoping he would take the hint and walk away. But Tom wasn't deterred.

"How's it going?" he asked, his tone casual.

"Fine," she replied flatly, keeping her eyes on the water.

There was an awkward pause as Tom swung his arms, idly playing with one of his piercings. "Listen, uh, I wanted to apologize for last night," he said.

Jo turned around to finally face him, skepticism etched on her features. "Really? That sounds hard to believe."

Tom sighed, rolling his eyes. "Okay, okay, I admit it. Bill basically forced me to say it."

Jo crossed her arms, her expression softening just a fraction. "Well, that makes more sense."

"Anyway, I'll leave you alone... and your little puppy," he added, nodding toward Aaro, who was chatting with Niko a few feet away.

Jo raised an eyebrow. "You think Aaro's my puppy?"

"Looks that way," Tom shot back, leaning casually against the wall, his signature cocky grin spreading across his face. His eyes roved over Jo, shamelessly taking her in as he bit his lip. "But you're really missing out," he added with a smug gleam, his voice dropping suggestively.

Jo replied with a serious tone. "If missing out means not risking having an STD, then I'm totally fine with it."

Tom blinked, momentarily taken aback by her bluntness. The humor faded from his eyes, replaced by a flicker of annoyance.

"Come on, I use protection!" He said offended.

Jo shrugged, raising her glass to take a sip of water. "I'm sure you do"

"How about we just make out?" Tom suggested, still not giving up, a playful smirk on his face. "Start slow, you know."

Jo looked at him, eyebrows furrowing in disbelief, trying to grasp what exactly was going on in his head.

When she didn't respond immediately, Tom pressed on, undeterred. "Or, if that's too boring, I could go down on you," he added, his grin widening as his mind wandered to what he clearly imagined would be an enticing offer.

Jo raised her eyebrows, utterly done with his antics. "Are you finished now?" she asked, her tone flat.

Tom feigned a casual laugh, raising his hands in mock surrender. "I was only joking, relax. I said I'd leave you alone," he lied, though his eyes betrayed him.

Jo shook her head, exasperated. "You better," she said firmly, done with the conversation.

With that, she turned her back on him, leaving Tom standing there, frustrated. The distance between them felt palpable, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction at having held her ground.