“Both.”
“Well, the performance is in a few weeks and we’re nowhere near ready. I’m hoping it all comes together, but I’m nervous. I’ve never done anything like this before. But the kids are working really hard and they seem to be having fun.”
“That’s good.”
“And the one I’m writing…well, it’s slow going. I’ve been working on it for years.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. Since college.”
Ah. “This is the one Seth’s been giving feedback on?”
“Yes. He has. Although…”
“Although what?”
“Nothing. He just hasn’t…It’s been a busy time for him.”
“I’m sure,” he said. “What kind of feedback do you guys give each other?”
“Oh, just notes on what we like. What we don’t like. Suggestions on what might work better.”
“Hmm.” He rolled to his back, placing a hand under his head.
“It’s really helpful. I’ve reworked so much and made it all so much better thanks to Seth’s comments. Honestly, I don’t know if I’d still be writing if it wasn’t for Seth. There have been so many times that I’ve thought about quitting. That I’ve almost given up. But he’s always been there for me. Always encouraged me to keep going.”
Karthik felt a pinch beneath his sternum. He ran his fingers over the spot, not sure what had caused it. “I’m sure his songs have benefited from your help too.”
“Oh, I don’t know. I only make small tweaks. Or suggest changes. Seth’s the real creative genius.”
Karthik sincerely doubted that, but didn’t argue the point. “He made it sound like you’d done more than that. That you’d written the bridge on his last song?” Karthik didn’t know music well enough to know what the “bridge” was, but Seth had acted like it had made the song what it was.
“Kind of. I just texted a few lines. But it was only a suggestion. I had no idea he’d actually use it.”
“Well, it sounded like he used it. And that it was a success.”
“I guess so.”
“Do you ever get songwriting credit?”
“No. That wouldn’t be…I’m not a songwriter.”
“But it sounds like you’ve written parts of songs.”
“It’s not the same thing. They’re Seth’s songs.”
Karthik was starting to doubt that also, but he didn’t want to push it. He had wanted to end the night on a better note, and he wasn’t about to start a fight over whether Seth was undervaluing her. Though he so clearly was.
“Well, I’m looking forward to listening to them.” His comforter rustled as he shifted again, still unable to find a good position.
“You are?” She sounded surprised, but he couldn’t quite tell. Her normally expressive face was shrouded in darkness.
“Yes. Didn’t you say you’d send me some?”
“Yeah, I did. I’ll send them tomorrow.” She was quiet for a moment. “Are you…are you okay over there?”
He frowned. “What do you mean?”
