Page 152 of The Broken Keys

“I have a feeling you’re just saying that to make me feel better.”

“No. I mean, yes, I want you to feel better, but I wasn’t just saying that for that reason. I was saying I’ve always enjoyed spending time with you. Sometimes your distractions were exactly what I needed to gain clarity on my…”

“Your what?”

He shakes his head. “It’s nothing. I just enjoyed working alongside you.”

“In that case, let’s get back to work.”

We return to my office together, and when he settles onto the couch with his laptop, that knot in my chest finally loosens. I sink into my desk chair and pull up my call list, but my gaze keeps drifting to where he sits.

He’s focused on his screen, his brow furrowed in concentration, completely unaware that his presence is the only thing keeping me from falling apart.

I don’t understand this connection, but I’m not about to question it. He mentored me before and probably doesn’t want to lose the progress he helped me make.

I’m reviewing my notes for my call with Marcus Chen when a beautiful blonde woman bolts into my studio.

“Oh my God, Livianna. I’m so glad you’re back.”

She’s obviously a friend of mine, but who is she?

Jaxon’s gaze slips between us. I stare at the girl, not knowing what to do.

She glances around the room, then her eyes land on Jaxon.

“Why are you working in here?” Her tone is full of suspicion. “What am I missing?”

Chapter Thirty-One

CALLUM/CASH

Now

The Space I Can’t Control

Just when I started smiling again…

Ipace in one of the writing rooms at Riot King Records recording studio with my bandmates lounging on the huge sectional couch. “If we can link these lyrics together, I can get out of here.”

Bren rests his elbows on his knees. “Cash, you’ve been on edge since lunchtime. We’ve been stuck ever since.”

“Yeah, so?” I stop and lift the sheet music to run over the words again. “I just need?—”

“To tell us what changed.” Cooper stands and rips the page out of my hand. “One thing all of us have learned from working with you over the years is that when you spiral, your brain doesn’t function properly.”

I try to take the paper back. “Give that back.”

“Not until you sit and tell us what’s eating at you.” Cooper turns and hands the song sheet to Bren.

As usual, Hawke rests back and pretends to be relaxing. He’s not, but he’ll do anything to avoid band conflict.

I growl and roll my eyes. “You guys can be such dicks sometimes.”

“Yeah, and so can you.” Bren places the paper on a side table. “You’ve got everything you want, so what the fuck is wrong with you?”

I scan over the guys. By their demeanor, I know they won’t drop this. I slide onto the piano bench and paw at the keys.

What the fuck is wrong with me?I have Livianna back, we’re living together, and growing closer every day.