“I think you’re wrong. I see the way he looks at Crew and me. He wants what we have.”
“Somehow this conversation turned back to Liam and me.”
“That’s because it’s the most exciting thing going on.”
“Oh, come on. You have a new apartment and a new rehearsal studio. You’re going to make another album soon. You just got engaged. My love life is hardly exciting compared to all that.”
“Liam is one of my best friends, Ella. I want good things for him. And you’re a very good thing.”
“I hope you’re right, otherwise I might end up doing something stupid, like marrying a tax attorney.”
“Corey? He’s not still calling you, is he?”
“I ran into him yesterday. He actually brought up the word marriage.”
“You’re kidding?”
“I wish I was.”
“Girl, we need to go out for more than lunch. Better make it drinks, too. Will you have time?”
I laugh. “I think I can manage that.”
I get dressed and go downstairs to check the mail. In my box are a few bills, a padded envelope from Corey (eye roll), and a letter from IRL. I rip open the one from IRL even before I get back to the elevator. It’s my commission check for the album cover. It’s more money than I usually see in two months. I still can’t believe Liam made it happen. Between this and the money I’m making from the books, this year will be my best one ever.
It’s nothing like what Liam is making now. He showed me his bank account when they got their most recent royalty check. It’s staggering. I don’t know what I’d do if I had that much money coming in every month.
Back in my apartment, I handle the envelope from Corey as if it’s kryptonite and I’m Superman. He sent it by overnight mail. Another token of his guilt, I’m sure. What will it be this time? I tear it open and turn it over, emptying the contents: a note and a small black box.
Ella,
Maybe this will show you how serious I am.
I love you,
Corey
Surely he didn’t.
I open the box and my jaw goes slack when I see the ring. It’s not just any ring—it’s the ring. Although I never told him rose gold was my favorite band, nor did I ever say I prefer oval-shaped diamonds, it’s evident what he said yesterday is true—he was paying attention to the magazines I used to read.
I snap the box shut and go to the kitchen for a drink of water. Then I go to the bedroom, where I don’t do a thing. Trying to ignore the box is somehow making me feel claustrophobic. I return to the living room, open the box, remove the ring, and slip in on my finger. It’s fits perfectly.
What am I doing?
I immediately take it off, put it back in the box, and shove it across the table.
Chapter Thirty-five
Liam
We move equipment into the new rehearsal space. “It’s not as big as the barn,” Garrett says.
“Not many places are,” Bria says.
“It’s not as cool either.”
Crew carries in a stool. “We’ll get used to it. Famous bands don’t practice in barns.”
“Who says?” Garrett asks.
I step forward. “I say.”
Garrett twirls a drumstick. “I get that you hate Dirk and all, but I’m going to miss that old barn.”
“Good fucking riddance,” I say.
“Good riddance to whom?” Ronni asks.
I haven’t seen her since the day she left Florida, and it’s been the best five weeks of our contract. “We’re going to need boundaries, Ronni. You can’t just burst in here whenever you want.”
She pulls out a business card and reads it. “Veronica Collins, Independent Talent Agent, Indica Record Label.” She shoots me a triumphant look. “I work here, and I’m your rep, so I think I can burst in here whenever I damn well please.”
Bria lets out a huff and leaves to get another load.
“Seriously, Ronni?” Crew says. “We know who you are and what you’ve done for us, but we need some space. We want to be able to work or even goof off sometimes, without everyone breathing down our necks.”
“What do you propose? That I make an appointment every time I have to see you?” She laughs as if it’s a preposterous idea.
He thinks on it. “We only got together with you once a week before. When we’re not recording, how about we schedule a time, say every Monday afternoon or whatever works for you. We’ll have a meeting and go over anything you need to talk about. Otherwise, maybe