“‘So-called’?” Matt scoffs, but I run interference.
“Warrior Nation has a repair team that handles any property damage incurred during a battle,” I tell her. “They’re really fast; they once patched my parents’ roof in like a day after Matt was in a brawl with the Dark Vulture.”
“Oh yeah!” His face lights up. “I remember that fight! I kept disappearing and totally disorienting the guy. That’s why he punched a hole in the ceiling!”
I shoot him a venomous “not right now” stare.
“That’s not what I’m worried about,” Terese says, giant sculptural earrings clinking as she huffs. “Bridgette, you did an amazing job tonight, and I know you want to work here this summer, but…” But? Buts are never good. I swallow hard as she gathers her thoughts. “I can’t have things like this happening.” She gestures to the gaping glass hole leading to a dark Chicago night. “I can’t be worried about my patrons being in danger. If he shows up, someone could get hurt.”
Matt tries to stay calm. “With all due respect, ma’am, it’s my job to keep this community safe.”
“Well, I certainly didn’t feel safe seeing your body flying through my window! People were scared, and when they’re scared, they’re less inclined to spend money on beautiful things.” She frowns, looking my way. “I told your mother I would give you a chance, and while I’m happy with what you did tonight, I need to think about this summer. I hope you’ll understand.”
I nod. I want to tell her this was a one-time occurrence, that nothing like this will ever happen again. But I know I can’t guarantee it, nor fault her reasoning. This isn’t the first time Warrior Nation has made my life difficult, and I’m sure it won’t be the last.
The moment the cleanup crew arrives, I take off, walking as fast as I can in my black heels. Matt trails behind me.
“Sheesh, what was all that about?” he asks, reaching my side. “She’s not going to hire you now? After all you did for tonight?”
“You destroyed her gallery, Matt,” I huff, my pace quickening my breath. “She has a right to be mad.”
He snorts. “Well, that’s ridiculous. If that’s how she’s going to react to one itty-bitty broken window, maybe you don’t want to work there anyway.”
I stop, stomping my heel into the sidewalk. I look up and down the street to make sure we’re alone, because this volcano is about to erupt. “No, I do want to work there! Desperately! Why do you think I’ve been busting my ass the past couple weeks?”
Dark eyes go wide, nervous he’s stepped into dangerous territory. “I thought you were trying to impress that dean guy….”
“Yes, partially. And I’m sure he was really impressed to get glass shards in his chardonnay.”
“He came up and shook my hand!” Matt exclaims, trying to defuse the situation. “Thanked me for everything I do.”
“And that’s what he’ll remember! You, creating a spectacle!” I yell, inching closer. Even with my heels, I barely reach Matt’s chin, but my anger fills me with a flame I can’t contain. “When he thinks back on tonight, what do you think he’ll recall? The casual yet sophisticated collection of art, or a superhero crashing through the window?” Matt’s head hangs low. “This was big for me, and you couldn’t even show up on time.”
Matt reaches for me, but I push him away. “I didn’t do this on purpose; flying through windows isn’t exactly my idea of fun. I can’t just tell villains to stop committing crimes. Evil doesn’t care about special occasions.”
“But you missed it. You missed everything. Again,” I sniffle. I can feel tears welling up, but I stare up at the sky, forcing them back in. “Do you even care?”
He takes my hand. “Are you kidding? Of course I care. My whole life is devoted to caring.”
“Right, caring for those in danger or who want to take your picture.” I pull my palm away. “Everyone else always comes first—”
“Stop, just stop,” Matt interjects. His boyish features twist, patience waning. “Do you even know where I was tonight, huh? Did you even ask what kept me from being here on time?” I remain quiet, staring off like I don’t care. “I stopped a kidnapping from taking place; I kept a family intact. Without my help, some poor girl would be trapped in a stranger’s van, probably destined to never see her home again.”
I shake my head, almost laughing to myself. Because…what is there to say to that? What possible arguments can I return after hearing of the good Matt does? Whether he’s saved a single family or the entire city, his reasons are always just, so I’m the one who ends up looking like a villain. I’m the bad guy, because I want him with me. I’m always in the wrong, because he’s always doing right.
“That’s great, Matt,” I say softly. “I’m happy that girl is safe.”
Jaw unclenched, he manages to get close enough to touch my elbow, but that’s all I’ll allow. He’s mistaken my sudden calm for acceptance, when really it’s just exhaustion.
“I want to make this up to you. Do you want to stay at my place tonight?” he asks. “We can watch a movie—your pick—and have some pie or something? Apple? Key lime?”
“No, I…I’m really tired. I’d probably just fall asleep.”
“That’s okay too. I make a good pillow.”
The thought of curling up in his arms right now makes me want to cry. “I’m just gonna walk to Becca’s, clear my mind.”
“Are you sure?” His breath is warm on my skin. “Do you want company?”
I shake my head, looking at the pavement.
“For what it’s worth, I know you did a great job tonight, even if I didn’t see it all. Everything you do is great.” He kisses the top of my head as a tear sneaks down my cheek. “I’ll text you later, okay? I love you,” he says with a smile, evaporating before my eyes.
I stand for a minute, alone in the dark. But it doesn’t take long before I’m full-on crying, shoulders shaking with the burden of what’s been building in my heart.
I don’t think I can do this anymore with Matt. The drama, the sacrifice. The longer I stay his girlfriend, the harder it will be for my life to ever take precedence. To matter more than the danger of the day. Holding his hand is holding me back, though I’m not sure how to let go.
How does one break up with a superhero?
Vaporizer sighting!!!
WarriorHunt.usa
My older brother dragged me to this SUPER-BORING art thing tonight, but GUESS WHO SHOWED UP—VAPORIZER!!! YES. PRAISE. Omg, he is everything. I even got a picture with him!!!!!!!!! His cheek grazed my cheek, you guys. SKIN ON SKIN! I AM DEAD!
I also snagged a pic of him with his train wreck of a girlfriend, Bridgette. God, seriously. Look at her, giving death eyes to our beautiful Vaporizer like a black widow getting ready to devour her mate. I will NEVER understand what he sees in that wench. He could do soooooo much better! Everything about that girl bothers me. Like why can’t she just stop existing already. Would it be soooo bad if she got swept up in one of those recent attacks and couldn’t be saved? Lolololol