Not tighten.
Just… stop.
Emily keeps going, oblivious.
“You still doing that? You were good. I mean, really good. I used to bring people just to hear you.”
I open my mouth.
Nothing comes out fast enough.
Sage turns to me slowly.
Her smile is still there.
It hasn’t cracked.
“You play,” she says. “For money? Gigs?”
Not accusing.
Not surprised.
Just… placing the word between us like a piece of glass.
“Sometimes,” I say. “I used to.”
Emily nods enthusiastically. “Used to, my ass. You ever gonna admit how much you loved it?”
Sage looks at Emily now.
Then back at me.
“Oh,” she says softly. “So this was a whole thing.”
I feel exposed in a way I haven’t felt in months.
Like the walls just moved back.
Emily finally seems to catch the shift.
“Oh — sorry,” she says. “I didn’t mean to?—”
“It’s fine,” Sage says quickly.
Too quickly.
She reaches for her drink. Takes a sip. Sets it down with care.
No spill.
No shake.
Her eyes don’t leave mine.
“How long?” she asks.
I hesitate.
