voice is sharp enough a girl halfway down the hall lifts her head, and I turn away.
“You lied to me, Annie. To both of us.” I can hear him trying to get control of himself.
But as I lean against a wall, I can’t bring myself to care.
“Tyler got hurt. We were walking home at night. Someone jumped him.” I take a breath. “He’s going to be okay.”
“Jesus. Annie, what about you?”
“I’m taking care of him.”
“That’s not what I meant.” He curses. “Come home. We’ll deal with all of this once you’re back.”
I want to. If he’d answered last week when I called and told me he’d fix it all, I would’ve taken him up on it in a heartbeat.
My fingers find the little Statue of Liberty keychain and I turn it in my hand.
“You told me life in this industry never goes the way you plan, and you’re right. I came to New York to pursue my dreams. You may not agree with them, but you don’t have to. I’m not giving up.”
I think he’s going to argue, but he doesn’t.
“Haley and I will pay your tuition if that’s what you want.”
My chest expands in relief. I don’t need to get a job, don’t need to struggle to figure out how I’m going to stay here.
But my gaze plays over the students in the hall. They’re from all walks of life, all of them here because they can’t imagine being anywhere else. What they all have in common is they’re here on their terms.
The realization that hits me is sobering and freeing at once.
“You taught me how to swim. You taught me how to love music. But there’s one thing you taught me without meaning to, and it’s how to make it without giving a fuck what anyone thinks. I don’t need your approval or your money. You started out in this industry when you were my age, and you made it on your own. I will too.”
There’s silence on the line, punctuated only by hoarse breathing.
“When are your exams finished?” he asks at last.
“Next week.”
“Come home. Bring Tyler.”
I run a finger over the ridges of the tiny figurine’s torch, her gown, her pedestal. “I am home, Dad.”
4
“There’s a problem with your writing,” Ms. Talbot informs me, looking up from the computer in her office.
It’s quiet at Vanier since exams finished yesterday. Only a handful of students staying for the holidays remain, plus a number of the faculty.
“What’s that?” I ask.
“It’s better than any other student’s I’ve seen. These lyrics you wrote are meaningful and specific.”
My shoulders relax. I didn’t realize how much tension I was holding until she said those words. “Thank you.”
“I’d like you to help me finish the book for this show. It doesn’t pay much, but it’s a good learning experience. And you should consider auditioning, at the right time.”
Excitement surges through me. “I’d love to.”
I could be in an off-Broadway show. One I helped write.
“But,” she goes on, “I need your commitment. You pulling out of the showcase was shortsighted and foolish.”
“I understand. This is my dream. I’ll do whatever it takes to see it through.”
“Good.” Her gaze narrows. “On another front, I heard about Mr. Adams’ injury. I’m sorry. He was a tremendous talent.”
“Is,” I correct. “He can’t play yet. But he’s still the same person he was.”
In the days since Leo’s, I haven’t slept at Tyler’s hotel.
I wanted to help him. Wanted him to open up.
He did, didn’t he?
He said he wished I hadn’t made him believe in something bigger.
“Life changes us.” Talbot’s voice brings me back. “It can happen over years or in an instant. He may never be the same person. But there’s another risk, which is that you might lose yourself in trying to find him.”
I want to reject her words, but my throat is too tight to produce sound.
“How old are you?” she goes on.
“Nineteen.”
Her clear eyes crease at the corners. “Life will change you in more ways than you can imagine, good and bad. Now, you have an opportunity. Don’t let that go to waste.”
I nod. “Thank you, Ms. Talbot.”
“Annie.”
I don’t realize the tear has streaked down my cheek until she holds out the tissue.
“Call me Miranda.”
On my way out, I make a decision.
Tyler and I need to talk. Maybe he’s wrong and maybe I am, but we’re going to figure this out together.
The whole subway ride over to Tyler’s hotel, I’m torn between thoughts of him and the opportunity I’ve been given.
When I get up to street