Page 53 of Movers and Shakers

“How about which album to start with? I’m wanting to listen to her, and to music in general. It’s just overwhelming.”

“Why?”

“You don’t remember when Dad laid into me at dinner when he thought me listening to music caused me to get a B on a final?”

“I dimly remember it. All of Dad’s yelling blends together.”

“It ruined music for me. And now I don’t even know where to start.”

“Maybe start with her softer stuff. It’s not as popular, but her deep cuts are what are really interesting. She has this way of subtly hinting at something going wrong in life. If you were to like anything, it would be that.”

“What songs?”

“I’ll make you a list,” I said. “I think it’s cool that you’re trying to get into your kid’s interests.”

“He’s worth it.”

And I hoped he was being genuine because if he were, then he was already steps ahead of Dad.

Chapter Ten

Lila

Mom: Oh my. That dress seems so uncomfortable for a night being surrounded by people. I hope you have fun!

I sighed as I saw Mom’s text.I hope you have funmeant she probably didn’t want to hear more about my wild night. She’d grown increasingly distant from this part of my life ever since I moved to LA. Whenever Lila was involved, she stayed out of it.

All I wanted was to talk to someone about my night. My dress, while beautiful with its bright colors, was itchy and heavy, and there were sequins everywhere.

And now I dreaded going to a movie premiere I should have been excited about. Months ago, I recorded a song for a movie a friend directed. While it wasn’t my best, I was excited to see the scene that it was featured in.

I’d hidden in my room after squeezing inside to get one photo of myself to show her what I was up to, but I should have known her response wouldn’t have been helpful.

I’d been told I needed something eye-catching since Blaze and I were supposed to be seen together at this premiere for the first time in the nearly three months I was in Nashville.

The problem with eye-catching in LA was thateveryonewent for it. And then everything was all too much. We were still in the car, but I could see the glam from our spot at the curb.

I’d stick out more if I were wearing leggings and a T-shirt at this event, but Mia would never let me leave the house like that.

I said yes to getting dolled up for this because Mia told me Blaze’s interviews hadn’t fully calmed fans. They were dying to know if everything was okay. I’d checked social media myself the second I was back in LA, and she was right. They wanted to see us together.

In Nashville, I hadn’t focused on social media nearly as much. But here, I was reminded every day of everything I needed to be in order to keep people happy.

There were more paparazzi than guests at this premiere and everyone was waiting to see me walk down the red carpet.

I didn’t know how I was supposed to pretend to be in love with Blaze when my mind was with Barry back in Nashville, but everyone was done with my delays. Especially Mia.

“No more of this mood you’ve been in,” she had said as I got dressed. “You had your break and now we’re back in business.”

“Right.”

“Stand close to him,” Mia instructed. “Cover your left hand. We want to spark some engagement rumors.”

I promised myself I wouldn’t mess this up.

I tried to push back the feeling of disgust that I felt when I saw Blaze waiting in the limo. He wore a designer suit with a multicolored tie that matched my dress. Once upon a time, I would have loved that we were in similar colors. Now, I wanted to change my outfit and sink into being Rose.

My fists tightened. I didn’t usually have this hard of a time making people happy. The fans were going to love seeing us together.

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