Page 67 of The Twisted Beats

My thoughts go back to Callum. “Should I expect him to text me tonight? He said he would.”

Bren pulls a box out of his dresser and rummages around in it. He turns to me with a pot pipe and a bag of weed in his hands.

“Make a spot for me.” He nudges me.

I push to one side as he sits beside me and prepares a bowl for us to smoke. It’s not our first time doing this. We don’t do it often, but it’s increased since he returned from touring. Especially when my parents are out of town.

They trust us, but sometimes I wonder why. It’s not like we go out of our way to hide what we’re doing. We’ve even gone to dinner with them when we were so high we couldn’t stop laughing.

I’m sure they knew, but I guess since we don’t throw crazy parties or get into trouble, they find it acceptable. They know drugs and sex run rampant in the entertainment industry, so maybe they think as long as we keep it under control, it’s okay.

Bren takes a hit and passes it to me. I take two puffs, knowing I don’t need much to be lifted out of my body. I rest my head back and let my thoughts leave my brain. It’s nice to escape once in a while.

Bren takes the pipe back. “You gonna want more?”

“No, I’m good.” My thoughts go to an unexpected and unwelcomed place as they sometimes do when I’m high. “Do you ever wonder about her, Bren?”

“Who?”

“Lehlani Rose.”

“No, Livianna.” He gives me a pointed stare. “I’m not talking about this bullshit with you.”

“Why?”

“Because she’s a figment of your imagination, a ghost who lives in your mind whispering shit that isn’t true. She doesn’t exist. That’s why.”

“Oh, but she does.”

“Only in your head.” He takes a drag and lets the quiet pass as he exhales. “You’re looking for proof of things that don’t make sense.”

He’s right. She isn’t a person that anyone can see or know. She’s never even taken a breath. That should be all the explanation I need, but sometimes I still wonder…

I sigh, grateful for the numbness, because the agony that goes along with thoughts of what I did to her is my prison to bear on my own.

He takes a couple more tokes and slowly releases the smoke from between his lips. “You should ask Mom and Dad if you can come to our gig on Friday. Maybe Cash will chill out about going if you’re there.”

“What?” I peer over at Bren. “You can’t have a show on Friday night. Callum’s taking me out on a date.”

Bren’s bloodshot eyes roam around my face. “Have you talked to him today? I mean, after we left?”

“No. Why?” My slowed brainwaves race to make the connection. “What happened when you got to the studio?”

“John booked us for a few concerts around town. We’re performing almost every night until Cash’s birthday.”

“But my season is getting ready to wrap. I have to work during that time.” I blink and try to understand. “How am I going to get to see you guys?”

“We’ll figure something out.”

“But what about our date?” I push off the chair and get ready to leave.

“Where are you going?”

“To text Callum. I’m confused and need to know what he’s thinking.” I reach the hallway.

Bren hollers to my back, “He’s with his mom, Liv. He might not answer.”

“Yes, he will.” I enter my room, find my phone, and crawl onto my bed.