I reminded him he’d called that first album a gold mine, still paying out after all these years.
When his eye twitched, we both knew I had him.
I didn’t tell him I’d only found the flash drive by accident, or that I didn’t want the spotlight. I just named my price.
A million, wired to my account in minutes in exchange for my secrecy. And just like that, I was done.
Done with him.
Done with the guilt.
Free to move forward.
And that’s what I intend to do.
My eyes flit between Dad and Sean. “Because you guys matter more than a lengthy legal battle.”
Dad chuckles, patting my arm. “Son, those two roads you mentioned—have you considered that they don’t actually diverge, at least not for long? You’re not looking far enough down the path. Making us happy, making your girl happy—those are the things you want. They’re the things that make you happy.”
Dad pats my arm, smiling. “Time to forgive yourself, dummy. The two roads connect.”
His words strike something in me like a chord, growing louder as it spreads, until my nerves are humming with perfect clarity.
I look at Dad with wide eyes. “You’re right.”
“Of course I’m right,” Dad says. “Now the question is, what are you gonna do about Lou?”
“You can’t go down without a fight,” Sean says. “I don’t care if it’s fake or not. If he gets to kiss her in front of the cameras, you’d better make sure he knows you’re the one kissing her when they’re off.”
I frown, my brow creasing heavily.
I hadn’t considered fighting for her, making sure she knows I’m not going anywhere unless she sends me away.
He has no power over me anymore.
Lou, on the other hand? She has all the power she wants.
Another set of footsteps echoes down the hall connected to the loading dock. They’re fast, determined.
My mind is spinning when Lou bursts onto the dock, breathless and wild-eyed.
The second she sees me, she doesn’t hesitate.
She grabs my hand, fingers lacing through mine like she’s anchoring me to the earth.
“Patty!” she pants, eyes blazing.
“Lou! We need to talk.” She tries to interrupt, but I hold a hand up, needing to get this out. “I’m not going down without a fight. I love you. I want to be with you.”
Should she be grinning that reckless, elated grin?
“Awesome. Let’s table that. You need to come back insidenow.”
“Selling him my songs is one thing, hearing him play is another,” I admit, frowning. “I don’t know if I can do it.”
“Then let me make it easier for you,” she says.
She drops my hand, grabs the side of my face, and her lips crash into mine—soft yet hungry.
