Page 85 of Movers and Shakers

“He didn’t say anything before he signed one.”

“Yeah, when hemetyou. Think about how much a secret like this could sell for.”

Mom had said something like that once. And the idea of someone selling my secrets haunted me. A simple picture of me with the wig in my hand would earn a lot of money. I didn’t think Barry would sell me out, but he would be angry.

And people did say stupid things when they were angry.

Like I had by releasing a song detailing how Blaze had cheated on me.

“Pick a version to be and stay there.” Juno’s words were firm.

I thought about how it felt to write those songs with Barry, how it felt to sing for him. Then I thought about the rooftop terrace—a new side of him—one where he knew me without all the strings.

“I don’t know if I can.”

“Think of all the people who could be hurt.Himincluded.”

I bit my lip. “I have no clue what to do.”

“Lila knows him best.”

“But Rose comes without all the issues of fame.” I sighed.

“So then be Rose.”

I looked out the window, unable to answer. Neither option felt right and I wasn’t sure what to do about this stupid situation I’d put myself in.

Barry

Barry: What was this guy’s name?

I texted Ruth and Tom and threw my phone on the couch. I paced the floor, wondering if I should tell them not to worry about it. Then grabbed it, hoping they’d responded. When I saw nothing, I tossed it again.

I checked the time. It was early afternoon and I knew neither of them would fuck with me during their work hours.

But then there was a knock on my door.

And they were both on the other side.

“What the fuck?” I muttered. “Don’t you two work?”

Ruth rolled her eyes. “Haven’t you ever heard of a day off?”

“Haveyou?”

“Yep,” she said. “Now, you texted for info?”

“You could have just answered.”

“Barry,” Tom said softly. “We know you aren’t the kind of person to ask something like this without a lot of thought.”

I glared. He was right.

“Andwe want to check on you,” Ruth said. “That involves seeing you with our own eyes. So, how are you?”

I thought of my conversation with Rose, a session I didn’t quite regret, but I didn’t know if I had done the right thing. “I’m making it.”

“So not good,” she said. “Can we come in?”

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