Page 49 of Movers and Shakers

I wanted to say no. I wanted to stay here and record more with him.

But it was already going to be a fight to evenkeepthis song. Mia would want someone else to feature.

“I’m sorry.” It was as close to an answer as I could give.

“No, don’t be. This was always the deal, right?”

“Yes.”

“Then go back. Just remember your promise. Don’t forget me.”

I didn’t know it would be so hard to get ready to say goodbye, but my throat was thick with emotion. I’d felt at peace here in a way I hadn’t in a very long time.

Before I could overthink it, I hugged him tightly, pressing my face into his firm chest. “I could never. You know that, right?”

His arms wound around me, pulling me in impossibly closer. “I think I’m starting to.”

Barry

I was already in a bad mood when Tom texted.

Saying goodbye to Lila weighed heavier than I could have imagined. I foolishly thought I could change her mind about leaving.

And I didn't.

She was going to go back, make those songs about Blaze, and people would admire how he inspired heronce again.

And damn, did it make me angry.

Tom’s text wasn’t much. But it was the final straw to my shitty day.

Tom: Can you tell me about Lila Wilde?

He knew. He had to.

And if he knew, others would too.

Lila had been very firm about this being a secret, and if I’d fucked it up and my brother somehow found out, then her memory of me wouldn’t be good.

Barry: Exactly what do you want to know about her?

Tom didn’t answer and I wondered if this was some shitty manipulation tactic made by Dad to get me to talk. I was sure I’d heard of something like this before.

I knew where he lived, and while I told myself I would never go over, this was a conversation to be had in person. If he was going to betray me, he could at least look me in the eye and do it.

I pounded on his door. He opened it, and when I caught sight of my perfect older brother, a mirror image of Dad, my rage boiled over.

“Why did you ask about Lila Wilde, of all people?” I snapped. “What do you know?”

He dared to blink in shock. “What? I don’t know anything except that she was in your bar.”

I didn’t believe him. “Then why would you be asking about her? You don’t even listen to music.”

“I’m getting into it.”

“That isn’t like you.” And I wasn’t going to fall for his little charade. “Why?”

“For reasons.”

---