Page 70 of Knot Their Starlet

The silence that fills the car between the three of us is filled with an unusual sort of tension. One that’s only really been present since Andi first made an appearance in our lives.

“Inspired, huh?” Eli comments, deceptively casual.

“Hmm? Oh, yeah,” I mumble, unsure of how to navigate this conversation. There’s a hint of sourness to Eli’s blood orange scent that I’m pretty sure comes from jealousy.

Jealousy because he’s no longer my big muse?

“Haven’t seen you like this in a while,” Eli mumbles.

If I were in any other mood than the one I’m in right now, I’d probably say some shit back. For now, I’m fighting the urge to pull out my phone and hum some of the melodies floating around in my head.

“Don’t give him a hard time,” Leo whispers in return.

Actually, why am I waiting? This is my job now.

“Ignore me, guys,” I say before pulling out my phone. I check my notifications, scanning them for Andi’s name. My heart twists when I don’t see it.

By the time we pull up to the music studio, I’ve got a few voice-notes of mumbled lyrics and hummed melodies.

I nearly trip over the curb on the way into the studio because of how absent-minded I am right now.

“Whoa there,” Eli says, grabbing my waist and steadying me. I melt into his strong arms, like I normally do. It’s like my body is pre-programmed for it.

The touch is casual. Familiar, even.

Far too familiar for being out in public.

“Sorry,” Eli grunts, realizing his mistake and ripping his hands away from my body. His eyes scan the dark parking lot around us, looking for any sign of someone who may have seen.

It’s like a splash of cold water on my racing mind.

Looks like we’re both still worked up after this whole big change. I don’t think I’ve been photographed this much in such a short amount of time. It’s leaving us on edge.

“It’s fine,” I say, flashing him a reassuring smile. “It’s late. There’s no one here.”

Eli swallows hard, his eyes lingering on me before he offers me a stiff nod.

There’s so much that goes unsaid in the brief moment of silence that fills the space between us. The sound of a siren from a few blocks over jolts me back into reality.

“We should head in.”

This is how things go with us. Moments full of tension that neither of us can really put into words, that neither of us can confront.

Leo holds open the door for me, and I step in, making my way down the hallway to my favorite studio booth at the end of the hall.

“I’ll go get us some coffee, seems like it’s gonna be a long night,” Leo says, calling after me.

“Thanks, man.”

“No problem.”

I love this place. It belongs to the record company Everett owns, meaning that the only people who use it are either artists Everett has signed or people he personally gives permission to. Not only is everything state of the art, but there’s a sense of privacy and safety I only feel when I’m here.

“Wait,” Eli says, reaching for my wrist.

He spins me to face him, his thumb brushing along the inside of my wrist in a way he knows sends shivers down my spine. Now that we’re away from the threat of prying eyes, he seems to vibrate with the need to make up for the awkward moment outside.

“What’s up?” I breathe out.