Page 65 of Key Change

Bevan lost it, laughing. “Since when has being a musician been convenient for anyone?”

Cillian smiled. “Did you sell much of your artwork?”

“I did. About half. Which is pretty fucking decent.”

That was an excellent result. “Well done.”

“Word got around you were there the first night. I think people were expecting you to come in every night.”

“If you hadn’t arranged it to clash with ballet, I would’ve come in for another surprise visit.”

“Sorry, I’ll check your schedule before arranging my own.” Beven chuckled and then swore. “Break time is over. I have to go back to serving customers.”

“Thanks for the heads up about the job and the recording.”

“No worries.” Bevan hung up.

Cillian checked his emails, finding the one about the job and also one for his agent about the recording of the demo and the creation of an extra three songs. He must’ve had it typed up and ready to go and was only waiting for Cillian to say he was interested.

He forwarded the job email to Anthony, with a little note about how Bevan said to name drop him, and that the job had been described as entry-level and extremely boring.

From the name of the local council, it was also an hour out of the city. It wasn’t that far… and it wasn’t as though they had made any promises, but it felt as though Anthony was drifting further away from him. He didn’t like the thought of losing him, even though Anthony had never been his to start with.

He texted Anthony, telling him about the potential job.

You are amazing! ??

You still need to apply.

And there was no guarantee that he’d be offered the job.

I will, I’ll do it right now… it’s not like I have anything better to do.

Good luck.

He tried not to think about Anthony moving away. It made sense that he would because the rent would be cheaper. He may not even need a car to get to work.

I’m going to need a pet sitter while I’m on tour… it doesn’t pay anything, but you can stay in my apartment.

He usually offered it to one of his friends who wanted to escape their housemates for a bit, but it was a way of keeping Anthony closer for a little longer.

I’m pretty sure I can clear my schedule. You think it’s wise for me to stay there given the broader situation?

I hope it’s over by then.

So do I. I miss you.

Cillian’s breath caught. He either brushed aside the honest admission or he confessed.

I miss you, too.

It hadn’t even been that long. They had been texting and calling, but it wasn’t the same as seeing him and holding him.

There’s been no change at my end.

Which Cillian assumed meant Anthony was still being followed around, and it wasn’t safe for them to sneakily try to hook up.

I haven’t heard anything, either.

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