He waited for her to say something. To give one of the many explanations running through his mind. But she stayed quiet.
That sick, worried feeling faded away, and something hot and angry took its place. It coursed through his veins, raising his body temperature, increasing his pulse. He got up from the chair and started talking before he even realized it.
“He’s a dick.”
Meghna’s jaw dropped. “What?”
“He is. And you know it too. He’s constantly ignoring you. And when he’s not, he’s putting you down.”
“That’s not true.”
He scoffed. “Please. When’s the last time the two of you talked about somethingyouneeded? I bet he still hasn’t given you feedback on that piece you sent him months ago.”
Her eyes blazed with emotion, but she didn’t respond.
“He hasn’t, has he?”
“He’s been busy.”
“Right. And you aren’t? You’ve made time forhim.”
“It’s not the same.”
“Why?”
“Because it’s not,” she said loudly, getting up from her spot on the bed. “You don’t know the first thing about him.”
“Oh? Enlighten me, then.” He took a few steps toward her. “Is it because he’s such a genius? That’s why I couldn’t possibly understand? That’s why he deserves all your time and effort and work?”
“Heisgood at what he does. Why is that so hard to believe? You said youlikedhis songs.”
“Yeah. I did. Because you basically wrote them.”
She pointed angrily at him, almost poking him in the chest. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Really? I don’t?” He let out a humorless laugh. “I know more than you think.”
“Like what?”
“Like why you’re still writing that same play from college. Why you haven’t moved on to anything else. He’s convinced you that it’s not good enough. Thatyou’renot good enough. And you’re willing to believe it.”
“You haven’t even read it!”
“I would if you let me. But I don’t have to. I know you. I’ve seen your work. I know it’s good.”
A flicker of doubt crossed her face before her expression hardened. “You don’t know me. You don’t know anything about me.”
“Oh, and Seth does?”
“Yes. He does. And he—”
“He’s using you!” he nearly shouted. “He wants you around to pump his ego, to fix his work, to make it better. But what has he given you in return?”
“You’re wrong. You couldn’t be more wrong. He’s supportive and encouraging and…”
“He doesn’t love you. He’s getting married to someone else!”
Meghna inhaled sharply, letting her breath out in an angry huff. “I know that! Don’t you think I know that?” She marched even closer. “Why else would I have agreed to this? Why else would I have broughtyou?”
