Page 110 of Movers and Shakers

“What do you think he’s going to do?”

“He said no one would know—that he knew he was trustworthy, even if I didn’t.”

Juno blew out a breath. “Wow. That’s . . . a good response, I guess.”

“Why can’t I do anything right? No matter what I do, people are upset.”

“They always will be. This is life.”

“I thought I could be different, that I could make everyone happy.”

“Every people pleaser learns they can’t, eventually. And I’m sorry I contributed to it. You have a right to do whatever you think is best, Rose. And you can piss people off.”

“At least my fans aren’t mad. I don’t think I could take that.”

Juno went silent again and I wondered if she was lost in thought. I wanted to ask if she could show me a few posts of fans being happy, but my phone rang.

It was Malia, which meant something was needed from Lila. I sincerely hoped Blaze hadn’t done anything else. That was the last thing I needed.

“Hey,” she said. “I hope you’re doing well.”

“I’m . . . okay. What’s up?”

“Your newest single is number two on the charts right now.”

“Wow, that’s great.” I hoped I sounded excited because numbers didn’t make me feel anything on this god-awful night.

“If you’re up to it, weneedto monopolize on this. I have an offer for you to perform your new single on daytime TV up inNew York City. You could maybe do an acoustic or something. You’re incredible when you perform live.”

“When is it?”

“Tomorrow. Think you can be there?”

That was so soon. I almost said no, but then I remembered that Barry wouldn’t want anything to do with me after this. He’d told me to leave, and maybe I should.

And I was on borrowed time anyway.

Nothing felt right and I wasn’t sure it would ever again. I needed to focus on my job. At least the fans would be happy.

“Yes,” I said. “I’ll be there. Thanks, Malia.”

I hung up and looked over to Juno.

“Time to go to New York.”

“What, why?”

“To perform. It’s time to go back to being Lila.”

“But what about Barry?”

“Be honest: would you ever talk to me again if you were in Barry’s shoes?”

Juno’s stricken face was my answer.

“Exactly. Performing always makes me feel better, and according to Malia, this’ll be good for me in the long run. I want to just do one thing that makes someone happy. This is one way I can do that right now.”

Barry

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