Page 119 of Movers and Shakers

“I’m trying to meet you in the middle here. But I guess you’re still hung up on him.”

“Just like you’re hung up on Mia. Who you could live with. Get out.”

“I didn’t wanna play this card, but I will. Icouldclap back and tell everyone the truth.”

No, he can’t mean . . .“What truth?”

“See? I knew you’d be worried. How would everyone feel if they knew you cheated too?”

“I didn’t cheat.”

“But I can hint that you loved another. And I’ll do it in your favorite form. Song.”

Technically, this wasn’t the end of the world. At least he didn’t know who I really was. But it still wasn’tgood.

“I-I don’t care. Write what you want.”

“But—‍”

“Juno!” I called. “I need you!”

“Damn it,” Blaze muttered.

Juno came up the stairs, eyes searching for the reason I’d called her, and when she saw Blaze, she blinked as if she couldn’t believe he was here.

“What the—Blaze? You’re not authorized to be in here.”

“Ugh. You’re so serious for nothing. Both of you are.”

“Do I need to throw you out myself?” she asked.

He rolled his eyes. “Fine, but when the fans are even more upset, you’ll regret not making it work.”

He ambled out the door with no other word and I turned to Juno.

“More upset?” I asked.

“He was probably making stuff up as he always did. Don’t worry about it. We have a mess to clean up.”

I wanted to worry about it, but she was right. This place was disgusting and I refused to relax with Blaze’s litter surrounding me.

Juno and I made it through two trash bags of garbage before my phone rang. I would have ignored it except it was Dad.

I hadn’t heard from him in a while and I missed him. I told Juno I needed a break and took the call.

“Hey, Dad. What’s up?”

“Hey, kiddo. Both your mom and I are on the line.”

“Oh, a joint call? Is everything okay?”

“We’re just checking on you.”

I let out a breath of relief, glad there wasn’t any news that made them call together.

But then I remembered what Mom had done.

I wasn’t prepared to talk to her so soon after finding out everything, but knowing she was on the other line opened the door to questions.

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