AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Wow, I didn’t realize you guys were so against it.”
He nods from side to side, rearranging his thoughts. “It’s not that we’re against it, necessarily. But we don’t want to be the kind of band who relies on it, you know? We want our stuff to be accessible to everyone. I want a kid to be able to pick up a guitar, and maybe a few pedals, and play my parts. Not be tied to a laptop and software they need to be an engineering genius to figure out to sound like me. Just freakin’ play.”
As he talks, the intensity in his eyes is captivating, and I can’t look away. I love how much he cares about his music. It makes me miss that passion. I used to have just as much as him, if not more, before…
“What about you? Yay or nay on the backing track?” His eyes turn curious.
“Well, it depends,” I say, trying to reign in my stray thoughts and consider the question. “I honestly haven’t thought about it since I don’t perform anymore.”
Shit. That left me wide open to more questions. I don’t want questions. I want to enjoy this.
“Why is that?” he asks. I knew it. “Why don’t you perform anymore? Did something happen?”
I take too long to answer because I’m trying to figure a way out of talking about it. I don’t know if I’m ready to open that wound yet. At least, not with Cooper.
“So, tell me about this Nyx person,” I say, deflecting like crazy. “Why is she so out to get you? What’s her story?”
He stares at me long and hard, searching for a sign of cracks in my armor.
There are none.
“I’ll tell you about Nyx if you tell me why you don’t perform anymore.” His eyes narrow, and the challenge hits me straight on, and it’s a perfect strategy. Out of every possible way to get me to talk, this was the only one that stood a chance. But I’m still not sure I’m willing to share.
“Cooper…”
He must sense I’m uncomfortable revealing my secrets because he gives in.
“You know what? Nevermind. We don’t need to meet all the skeletons tonight.”
“Thank you,” I say, inwardly surprised at how relieved I am. Why does it matter so much to me what he would think about what happened? Am I afraid he wouldn’t take my side? Or see my perspective? I don’t think that’s it. I think I’m scared of looking weak or like a quitter. I put up a tough façade, but inside, I’m as brittle as a pressed flower.
“As for Nyx, like we said earlier, we don’t know what her motives are other than money.”
“You two weren’t an item? She’s not a jilted lover? An innocent woman scorned by the bad boy rockstar?” I can’t help but play up the idea to irritate him.
“God, no.” He nearly chokes on his beer.
“Why that reaction?” I ask, patting his back as he sits forward to cough roughly.
“Long story short, she was basically our dealer when we were into that shit back in Vegas.” A shadow overtakes his features and stays there, darkening his usually bright eyes. “And honestly, she took off right after Jake got arrested for Andy’s death because she thought the band was over. And now our star is rising, and she missed out on her chance to be a part of it.”
“You think that’s why she’s lashing out at you guys? She’s jealous?”
“I don’t know. It’s the only thing that makes sense to me, anyway. But like I told Remy earlier, you can’t predict what crazy people will do. And, well, Nyx is kind of crazy. If I had to guess, I think she might be dipping into her own supply of whatever she’s dealing.”
I nod my understanding. I do know what that’s like. Firsthand. I’ve been through my own personal hell dealing with music industry people who will do whatever it takes to get ahead, even if it’s just one step in front of you. Right and wrong don’t exist. Only results. Only personal gain.
After a few more beers and a lot more talking about the music industry while carefully avoiding my past, we both get quiet. The excitement of the evening finally takes its toll on me, and it’s getting hard to keep my eyes open.
“Sloane?”
“Hmm?”
“If you ever wanted to talk, I’d listen.”
That makes me glance up and meet his gaze, and as soon as our eyes meet, something sparks between us. Our eyes lock, and an electric current runs through me. My heart stutters as he gives my hand a gentle squeeze. A soft gasp escapes my lips when he brushes a thumb over my knuckles, and a connection ignites that almost feels physical. A tangible thread between us snaps tight and strengthens.
My voice is barely a whisper as I say, “I know.”
