it on the first try.
She examines the contents of my locker. “Wow, you really don’t like school, do you? Where’s all your stuff?”
I take my backpack off. “In here.” I take out the books for my first two classes and put them in the locker, knowing if I leave them here, I’ll get to see her in the morning. “Do you want to leave anything?”
“I don’t have anything yet. I’ll get my books tomorrow before school.”
“Great. I’ll see you then. You know, I won’t mind if you put chick crap in there.”
“Chick crap?”
“You know, lipstick and stuff.”
She laughs and raises a snarky brow. “What about tampons? Can I leave those in there, too?”
“Uh …”
“I’m kidding, Christopher. I keep those in my backpack.”
“Oh, okay.”
I don’t know why mentioning tampons to a guy she just met makes me like her even more, but it does. Maybe she isn’t afraid of anything.
“I’d better get going,” she says. “I still have a lot of unpacking to do at home.”
“I’ll walk you out. Is your dad picking you up?”
“I have a car. They let me park in a visitor spot today, but I’ll get my assigned spot tomorrow. Where do you park?”
I look at the floor. We may live in one of the most affluent parts of the country, but that doesn’t mean my family is rich. It’s just me and my mom. We live in a small house on the outskirts of town, not even technically in the city of Stamford, but we’re zoned for the high school, since it’s the closest. “I don’t have a car. Liam gives me a ride.” We leave the school and stroll to the lot.
“Did he wait for you?” She looks around. “Where is he?”
“He bounced already.”
Her face falls. “I’m sorry. That’s my fault.”
“It’s no biggie. I can walk. It’s only forty or fifty blocks.”
She zips up her coat. “You will not walk. I’ll drive you.” She motions to a small Nissan. “This is me. If I tell you to duck, duck. I’m not allowed to drive around with boys my father doesn’t know.”
“Got it. How big is your dad, anyway?”
She giggles. “Not very. His bark is worse than his bite, but he holds my future in his hands. Best not to get on his bad side.”
I mime writing on a notepad. “Right. Don’t piss off Mr. Evans.”
“Dr. Evans. He has his PhD in ministry.”
“Shit, Abby. I’m glad you told me that. That way, when I meet him, I won’t look stupid.”
“When you meet him?”
“If I’m going to take his daughter on a date, I’ll have to meet him, won’t I?”
I climb into her car, but I don’t fail to hear a giddy “Yes!” as she goes to her side. I wasn’t meant to hear it, so I probably shouldn’t let on that I did. Something about her. I just can’t figure out what it is. But I swear to God it’s going to make me a better musician.
I turn to her. “I’ve written two songs in my head since I met you. Not to scare you away, but I think you’ve become my muse. And just so you know, once that happens, there is nothing that will keep a musician from it. Plan on me being around a lot.” I take her hand in mine and squeeze.
She smiles and squeezes back. “I think I like the sound of that, Christopher Rewey.”
I’m not positive, but I think I just asked her to be my girlfriend.
Even better, I’m pretty sure she said yes.
Chapter Seven
Bria
As I go onstage for the last time, I try not to think of the papers that were handed to me earlier today. Just as Liam warned me, and as I had feared, my contract was not renewed for the European tour. Some small part of me hoped they would still want me to join them because of my talent, but I’ve been reminded more than once how replaceable I am. I guess that meant onstage as well as in Adam’s bed.
I’m not nervous like I usually am for a performance. I’m not even pissed. I’m just … sad. I hope this doesn’t turn out to be my one and only shot.
I remember who’s in the audience tonight: my brother, Brett, his fiancée, Emma, and her daughter, Evie. I put on the best show I can for them. And maybe a little bit for me too—to prove I’m not a worthless piece of shit who can so easily be tossed aside.
Afterward, I look out at the