Page 5 of Hope & Harmony

I’m disappointed in myself. Living like a scared rabbit won’t get me anywhere.

Not if I want a shot with an exquisite woman like Hope.

CHAPTER 4

HOPE

Later That Night

Mood: Confused.

I’m riding a weird high-low combo. It’s become my life’s soundtrack lately.

Back at my studio apartment after an electric night at The Mission, I drop my keys on the counter and flop onto my threadbare thrift-store couch that’s seen better days. My mind’s still buzzing from tonight’s unexpected gig.

I wish I could enjoy it, but my heart sinks at the sight of my pile of unpaid bills cluttering the coffee table.

Reality bites.Hard.

I’m about to spiral into a full-on freak-out when my phone buzzes. A text from my BFF Lissa. Without thinking, I hit FaceTime.

“Girl, you won’t believe the night I had,” I blurt out, skipping formalities when I see her face fill my screen. Lissa’s been my rock since….well, forever. Even more so after Mom passed last year.

Fucking cancer. It took more than her life, which is an unbearable loss—she was my best friend. Greatest cheerleader. Biggest fan.

One terminal diagnosis and our support system disappeared. Treatment wiped out her life savings. She had to sell the house and most of her possessions to ensure I wasn’t saddled with medical debt when she passed. There was just enough left over to keep me going for a few months, but it’s mostly gone now.

I glance at my guitar. My most-prized possession.

Just knowing it’s close by makes it feel like she’s here with me. My one remaining comfort.

Lissa cuts through my haze. “Hope. Snap out of it and give me the scoop. Let me guess, Zane and Fiona want to adopt you?”

“God, I wish.” I bat my eyes at the screen, then dive into the tale of my impromptu performance and how Zane promised more gigs at the club. “It was terrifying and amazing. Playing on a real stage for a crowd who loves music? Incomparable. It’s what I was born to do. For a minute, I forgot all about the mess I’m in.”

She beams at me. “I wish I could have been there, it sucks I live two thousand miles away. I’m sorry you’re struggling.”

“Yeah, I’m in my destitute era, big time. Rent’s due, and I’m short. Like, ‘eating-ramen-once-per-day’ short. Bartending and street performing don’t cover my basic bills. Seattle’s so crazy expensive.”

The weight of adulting presses down hard on my shoulders.

I can practically hear Lissa’s brain ticking. “Okay, so here’s the short-term plan. This week, you’re gonna busk during every open spot you can slip into. Milk it and then some. Secure your bread.”

Huh. It’s simple but genius. I should have thought of it sooner, but I haven’t wanted to seem greedy. There’s a certainprotocol to follow until you’ve paid your dues, which I have, so I'm already mentally scheduling myself. "You think it’ll work?"

"Absolutely." Lissa's confidence in me means everything. "You're talented, and people love you. Plus, it's Seattle. Tourists eat an indie music vibe up with a spoon."

Her enthusiasm buoys my spirits. By the time we hang up, I'm armed with a game plan and a sliver of optimism. Sure, the next few days are gonna be a grind, but I've faced worse. Mom's guitar seems to hum in agreement from its stand by the window.

By the time I crawl into bed, I feel better.

I can do this.

I'll busk my little heart out, make rent, pay some bills, and keep chasing my dream. It's what Mom would have wanted.

Honestly, it's what I want, too.

CHAPTER 5

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