Page 21 of If Ever

I huff. "I'm serious. Listen, I know I'm low man on the totem pole here. I'm living in a dingy long-term apartment in a questionable neighborhood instead of some fancy hotel like the big celebs. I don't have a car service carting me around, or a dog, or an entourage the producers have to deal with. I've never asked for anything. I think I deserve this."

Dominic considers me. "Why does this song mean so much to you?"

I shift and grab my water bottle, not wanting to discuss it, but his steely gaze is fixed on me. "Chelsea, you have to help me out here. If I'm to go to bat for you, I need a good reason."

My heart squeezes with that old familiar pain. I don't talk about my past. But he's waiting for an answer. I breathe a heavy sigh. "It reminds me of my dad."

"I see." He focuses on the screen of my laptop as if trying to respect my privacy. "What's the title of the song?"

"Stay," I say softly, trying to keep the emotion out of my voice.

He nods with sensitivity in his eyes. "Want to tell me about that?"

"I'd rather not."

But then I do anyway.

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