Page 53 of New Year's Faye

"Faye?"

"I'm so sorry.” I swallowed hard. “Could you email those dates? Something just came up that requires my immediate attention."

I managed to end the call professionally, but my hands were shaking as I lifted Sam’s notebook.

September 15

Faye color codes everything. Even her paperclips have a system. I shouldn't find it adorable, but I do. Today she organized our entire tour schedule with sticky notes and military precision. Justice actually took notes. She's kind of magnificent when she's in control. Actually, she's kind of magnificent all the time.

I sank onto the bed, my heart thundering.

The next page held lyrics, scratched out and rewritten:

"She's got everything under control

Every minute, every moment

But honey, if you could see

How beautiful you are when you let go

When you smile without planning

When you laugh without warning

When you just let yourself be..."

I recognized that song. It had been on their second album, the one that earned them their first platinum record. I'd always assumed it was about some free-spirited girl who'd caught Sam's eye.

Not about... not about me.

My fingers trembled as I turned the page.

December 3

She fell asleep at her desk again. Third time this week. I moved her to the couch and covered her with my jacket. She curled into it like it was meant for her. Maybe it was. Maybe everything I have has always been meant for her.

Note: remember she likes her coffee extra hot in the morning after late nights. And maybe buy a better blanket for the office couch.

The next pages were filled with more lyrics, more notes. Small observations that I'd never noticed him making:

She touches her left ear when she's nervous in interviews.

Her laugh has different levels - polite (clients), genuine (friends), uncontrolled (rare but worth waiting for)

She still carries that rejection letter in her wallet. I wish I could show her how amazing she is.

Then came the lyrics that broke me:

"Everyone sees the perfect smile

The polished shine, the careful style

But I see the storms you're hiding

Behind those bright brown eyes

Let me be your shelter

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