Facade by Kim Carmichael

on the beauty and the art and the messages they told.
    “Hymns are all about worship and emotion,” Erik whispered. “They are about faith and hope and no matter what you sing, if you can convey that, then you have a hymn.”
    A lesson. After making love to her, after ignoring her, after crushing her, the man gave her a lesson. “Then I may as well quit now, because that’s not going to happen anytime soon. I don’t have any faith or hope left.”
    “Christine.” His voice came out with a condescending air.
    “Don’t.” She stopped him cold and once more faced front. “I don’t need to hear how you don’t want me. I don’t need to hear your excuses, save it. I get it.”
    “I don’t want you? Nothing can be further from the truth.” Though he tried to keep his voice low, it came out harsh, truncated. “I’m not like other men.”
    “That’s where you’re wrong.” Needing any kind of support, she tightened her hold on the railing. “You are exactly like every other man. Trust me.”
    In a sudden move, he took her by the shoulders. “Look at me.”
    Never flinching, she stared into his face.
    He shook his head. “How can you stand the sight of me?”
    “I don’t see it. I didn’t care. I only wanted you.” She never broke eye contact. “No matter what’s under your mask, I only wanted you.”
    “I told you never to mention my mask.” He pressed his lips together.
    No way would she let him off easy. “That was before you made love to me.”
    He leaned in, putting the mask right in her face. “You can’t make me better, Christine.”
    “I don’t want to make you better. Don’t you see? I wanted you to make me better.” She raised her voice—she had to make him hear her. Part of her wanted to rip the damn thing off, but she would never do either of them that disservice. Out of the corner of her eye, she swore she saw a couple of the people in the choir look their way.
    As if he just ran five blocks, Erik panted. “You’re my angel. Forgive me.” He pulled her in and wrapped his arms around her.
    “Of course.” She had no choice but to forgive him and hid her face in his neck. All she knew was she couldn’t be safe anywhere as long as she was in his arms.
    “Are you sure you can handle this, Christine?” His breath brushed against her ear.
    In order to see all of him, she leaned back. “If you don’t push me away.”
    “What happens when you win?” His eyes searched hers. “You won’t need me.”
    “Yes, I will.” At him admitting his own insecurities, she smiled. “I don’t have a bank account, so I need a place to deposit the checks.”
    “Promise me you will never lie to me.” He pulled her closer. “I need to know you’ll never lie to me.”
    A church seemed the perfect place to make these vows. “Promise me you won’t shut me out.”
    “Let’s go home.” Erik stood, helped her up and took her hand.
    Once more, she let him take control.
     

Chapter Thirteen
    “Christine, sit right here and let’s get you ready.” One of the production assistants guided her to a hair and makeup chair.
    “I have a note for you.” Christine handed the man one of several envelopes she brought with her.
    “Note?” The man tore the envelope open and read aloud. “Dear Production Assistant, we are providing a new mix of Christine’s music. In an effort to be kind, I will only say that the music you provided is subpar. As other acts have their own bands, we don’t see this as any issue whatsoever. Also, please ensure Christine is kept away from any of your pyrotechnics. All my best regards, Christine Day’s manager.”
    “Here’s the music.” In keeping to Erik’s stringent instructions, she held up a flash drive. She’d spent all day watching him remix the music for her hymn. The most impressive part was that he personally played each instrument, including a violin and a flute. If anyone thought Erik wasn’t extraordinary, they would be wrong.
    After the chaos of