Page 78 of On the Beat

“Stop lying to me, Isla.” He shoves my laptop bag and purse at me. “I’ll call you a cab from the airport. This one’s on me.”

I grab my things and tuck them away into my luggage. I can’t tell him he’ll regret this, pushing me away, because really, I know he’s already regretting letting me in. And I have no one to blame but myself.

“What the hell were you thinking?” He snaps finally. “What—I told you I’d help you. I told you I’d help you with your career, but you wanted to throw it all away. For this. For an article that no one will remember in ten minutes.”

The words sting. Part of me knows he’s right, so I stand there, packing my bags, and I take it in silence. Even then, my protests burn on my tongue.It wasn’t an article shaming him. I proved his innocence!

“You thought—What did you think? Did you think you knew me? If you thought you knew me, you were wrong. Because there is no way I wouldeverbe okay with this, especially not after what Poppy did.”

I summon the courage to speak.

“I thought I knew you Ryder, but I was wrong. You’re not who I thought I was–you’re not shallow or spoiled or entitled—you’re not a walking six-pack or a brainless pop star. You’re different. You’re a person with dreams and hopes and fears and I—“ I gasp, trying to stop the tears from falling. “You love your family. You care about them so much it hurts. You’d give anything for your friends, and anyone who’s loved by you is so damn lucky. You’re smart and kind and brave and you don’t just make me feel safe, you make me feel alive. I think we actually could have been something–”

Ryder scoffs, but it doesn’t hide the pain in his eyes. “Please. Please don’t say it. Not like this.”

“I know you.Please. I know you.” I don’t dare reach for him.

He rakes a hand through his hair, staring out into the ocean like the waves will bring him the right words to say. When he finally speaks, his voice is barely above a whisper. “I thought I knew you, too, Isla. But damn it, I’ve never been so blind.”

I swallow my protests. Tears burn in my eyes. I can have my career, and he can have his. But we can’t have both, and have each other.

We were never meant to coexist, and we’ll never breathe in the same air again.

Top Celebrity Headlines During Ryder Black’s Disappearance from the Public Eye

River Black: A Fame-Seeking Addict or a Swindled Entrepreneur? By Iris Hart

Naoya Sugawa’s New Innovative Talent Show: How the Blend of Fashion and Music Makes for Perfect TV

Who is Poppy Black, Stylist on Naoya Sugawa’s New Show? (Hint: she’s got a famous sibling!)

When will the feud between Naoya Sugawa and Ryder Black end? A history of their long-standing bad blood…

Did Ryder Black really go to rehab? Inside source tells all…

Is River Black still in rehab or is he in jail? Click here to find out…

Poppy Black on Fashion, Fame, and Working with Naoya Sugawa

Used by Ryder Black: The Lyrics

verse 1

I’m thinking of calling you up for the hundredth time,

out of habit—or maybe out of spite,

because I check up on you to see if you’ve moved on…

and I’m not sure if I want you to want me or someone else

chorus

damn it, I didn’t even love you

I just loved being wanted

maybe I used you a little

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