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Noah tries to talk to me in the car, stating, "Listen, I know things are—"
"I don't want to talk right now. Please let me ride in peace," I interject.
He clenches his jaw.
I turn away and stare out the window. He stays quiet the remainder of the ride.
When we get to the studio, I pull Rhonda aside and into an empty office.
She gives me a sympathetic look. "Honey, are you okay? Your eyes are bloodshot."
Embarrassment rears its ugly head again. I fight through it and glance behind me, ensuring we're alone. "I need a favor from you."
She arches her eyebrows. "Sure. What is it?"
My shame grows. I admit, "I-I don't have any money, and I promise I'll pay you back."
Pity fills her expression. She steps closer and lowers her voice, asking, "Blakely, what is it? Just tell me what you need."
I close my eyes for a brief moment, then lift my chin and look at her. "I need a pregnancy test. I never took the one you gave me."
She glances at my belly, then nods. "Okay. Don't worry. I've got you, girl." She gives me a hug, squeezing me tight.
It feels maternal, and I almost lose it again, but I control myself.
She retreats, stating, "I'll be right back."
I wait for her to walk away, then try to compose myself as best as possible before moving toward the recording studio.
Ears steps out of his office a few feet from the door. He shoots me an uncomfortable expression and my stomach flips. He tries to cover it up, booming, "Hey, superstar."
I force a smile. "Hey."
He briefly studies me, then says, "Look, I don't want to get involved in your business, but I've known Riggs a long time."
My stomach curls. I put my hand on it and lean against the wall, closing my eyes.
"Blakely, you okay?" Ears questions.
Tears fill my eyes. Something about Ears feels safer than Noah. It shouldn't, knowing he has a long history with Riggs, yet I admit in a shaky voice, "No."
He shifts on his feet, lowering his voice. "He's losing his shit. Why don't you talk to him?"
I swipe at my cheeks, confessing, "I-I can't right now."
"You want to tell me what he did?" Ears asks.
I open my mouth and then shut it, shaking my head.
Silence grows until I break it. My voice cracks, and I demand, "Keep him away from me. I mean it."
Ears takes a deep breath, then exhales. "Okay. But, Blakely, you can't stay with Noah. Riggs will kill him."
"I would never do anything with Noah," I snap.
Ears's eyes widen. "Didn't say that."
"You insinuated—"
