Chapter 66 Showtime - I

• "Stay still, Lis, your hair isn't going to fix itself." Clarissa pulls - hard - at strands of my hair but I don't feel it, all I want to do is sit and stare. "I'm just coming from downstairs, and you need to see all the men. They all look so handsome and dashing. Ash knows people, huh." There's a pause and another tug before she continues speaking. "Fancy hosting a party for senators and I'm invited - yippee!" Her excited squeal is accompanied by yet another hard tug, but I remain mum.
• Without turning, I know her eyes have gotten that starry look in them whenever she talks about good-looking men. It's on the tip of my tongue to tell her not to act so excited in the presence of Night Eyes, but I honestly can't summon the words. She tugs at another strand and I know I'm going to have blisters on my scalp soon, but I don't care.
• Through the mirror, I dart my eyes to the China dish and feel my eyes fill with tears. Clarissa's hands fall away from my hair. "Liiiss, not today, darling, please." She moves away from behind me and comes to stand in front of me. "I can't lie and tell you I know what it feels like to lose a loved one, but I can very much understand that you're hurting."