Chapter 5 No.5

"Sit, sit!" Kylie patted the empty chair next to her.

Gus sat. He moved with a lazy, predatory fluidity. He was sitting directly diagonally from Katherine. There was nowhere to look but at him.

"This is Beth, and Trixie," Kylie said, pointing around the table. "And that..." She pointed a manicured finger at Katherine. "That's Kat. She's our apartment hermit."

Katherine forced herself to look up. She forced a smile that felt like it was cracking her face. "Hi."

Gus looked at her. He didn't blink. He looked at her like he had never seen her before in his life.

"Hello," he said. The word was flat. Empty.

Katherine let out a breath she didn't know she was holding. He wasn't going to expose her. He was going to pretend they were strangers. It was a relief, but it also stung, a sharp, confusing pain in her chest.

A waiter appeared instantly. "Mr. Riddle. The usual?"

"Champagne," Gus said. "Krug."

Kylie squealed. "You spoil us, Gus." She leaned into him, her breast pressing against his arm.

Gus ignored her. He poured himself a glass of water and took a long drink, his eyes fixed on the tablecloth. He looked bored. He looked like he would rather be anywhere else.

The food arrived. The seafood tower was massive, obscene. Katherine picked at a shrimp, her stomach in knots.

"So, Gus," Kylie said, trying to draw his attention. "I heard rumors about the new film. A Thousand Fools? Everyone is talking about it."

"It's in development," Gus said shortly.

"Kat is an actress too," Kylie said, her eyes glinting with mischief. "Well, she's trying to be... again. She's been back at it for about a year since her... accident. But... you know."

Katherine froze. She gripped her fork so hard her knuckles turned white.

Gus looked up. He set his water glass down. He looked directly at Katherine.

"Is that so?" he asked. His voice was smooth, silky, and laced with poison. "Not talented enough?"

The table went quiet. Beth and Trixie exchanged awkward glances.

Katherine swallowed hard. "It's a tough industry. It takes time."

"Time," Gus repeated. He leaned back in his chair, studying her. "Or maybe you just haven't found the right... connection yet. Is my brother not opening enough doors for you?"

The word hung in the air. Connection.

Katherine felt the blood rush to her face. She knew exactly what he meant. He was referencing that night. He was calling her a user, right here, in front of everyone.

"I don't need anyone to open doors for me," Katherine said, her voice shaking.

Gus smirked. It was a cruel, ugly thing. "Everyone has a price, Kat. Maybe the market just isn't buying what you're selling anymore."

Kylie laughed, oblivious to the subtext. "Oh my god, Gus, you're so savage. But it's true, Kat needs to step up her game."

Katherine felt tears pricking her eyes. She stared at her plate, willing herself not to cry.

Gus watched her. He saw the way her chin trembled. He saw the way she bit her lip.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a pack of cigarettes. He tapped one out, bringing it to his lips. He reached for his lighter.

Then, he stopped.

His hand hovered over the lighter. His eyes flicked to Katherine.

She hated smoke. She was allergic. Even the smell of it made her cough until her throat was raw.

Gus stared at the unlit cigarette. A muscle in his jaw jumped. He looked angry. Not at her, but at the cigarette.

With a sudden, violent motion, he tossed the unlit cigarette onto the table.

"Changed my mind," he muttered. He tugged at the collar of his shirt, looking agitated.

Katherine looked at the white stick on the tablecloth. He remembered. After four years, after all the cruelty, he remembered she couldn't handle smoke.

Why?

The question swirled in her head, dizzying and confusing, clashing with the cruelty of his words.