Page 49 of The Duet

“That was great,” she says.

“Thanks,” Billie says, then turns to me. “I don’t know, though, Lana. Was that as good as it could have been?”

I shrug. I can’t change anything about the performance we just delivered anymore. “We’ll have Izzy for our next gig.”

“You keep saying, but she hasn’t agreed yet,” Sam says.

“Trust me. Izzy’s going to be on that stage with us,” I say with more confidence than I feel.

I drink the water Logan hands me. He’s beside himself again at the mere mention of Izzy’s name. When I get to my dressing room, Jess corners me.

“Can I talk to you for a second, please?” she says.

“Now?” I pull the towel Logan gave me tightly around my shoulders. “I really need a shower.” And Jess is the last person I want to talk to. If Cleo and I are not going to be together—and if we’re no longer even singing together—I’m more than happy to distance myself from any drama regarding our support band.

“Or later. I’ll wait,” Jess says.

“It’s fine. Come on in.” I invite Jess inside my dressing room. I drink more water as I look at her.

“I wanted to apologize to you in person. I’m so sorry for what happened with Cleo. It’s not what I wanted for you or for her. I don’t have a problem with you two being together. I really don’t. I just wanted you to know that.”

Great. We have Jess’s blessing, not that it makes any difference whatsoever. “Cleo knows this?”

Jess nods. “I told her that I wouldn’t be the one standing in the way of anything that might, um, blossom between you and her.”

“That’s good to know, Jess.” To think I thought it sweet when she confessed her feelings for me that night in LA. Innocent and oh-so sweet. “But nothing’s blossoming between Cleo and me.”

“If you want, I can try to convince her to sing with you again.” She chuckles nervously. “Don’t get me wrong, that version you just did was great, but, um, when you and Cleo sing it, it’s just so unique. Even I can see that. Go figure.”

“That’s very kind of you, but I think we can manage. Besides, for our upcoming week in New York, I already have a very special guest lined up.”

“Yeah, I heard. Isabel Adler’s really going to join you?”

“That’s the plan.”

“Oh my god. That’s going to be amazing.”

“So why don’t we just leave Cleo be?” I don’t care that I sound patronizing.

“Yeah, sure. Is it okay to tell people about Isabel Adler or are you keeping that secret?”

“It’s not a hundred percent done deal yet, so best keep it to yourself for now.”

“You got it.” Jess looks ready to swear a solemn oath. Then I feel for her again. She didn’t choose to have unrequited feelings for me.

“Thanks. No hard feelings, okay?”

“Sure thing, Lana.” She sends me a smile that looks genuine enough. “I’ll leave you to shower now.”

“Hey, Jess. I’m sorry too about how all of this has turned out. Neither of us ever meant to hurt anyone. I hope you know that.”

Jess nods and exits, leaving me to wonder, if she really gave Cleo the same speech as she has just given me, why Cleo still won’t sing with me.

Chapter 28

Cleo

Ever since we arrived in New York City, the air has been awash with excitement. It’s different from LA, because LA is where we’re from and performing there is like playing a home game. Coming to New York to play for New Yorkers demands something different. A little more of everything. A more ballsy attitude. An extra coat of coolness. It’s hard to put my finger on exactly, but it courses through my veins nonetheless, speeding up my pulse.

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