Page 68 of The Drummer

I grind my teeth. He has no clue what this last year has been like for me. Hit after hit after hit meant for him, but I was the one present to take the blows.

“They’ve been bugging me, but this was the first ‘do or die’ call.”

“What do they want?”

Great question. I stare at him, not sure how to answer it. Part of me wants to flip him off and leave. The other part is in disbelief he even gives a shit enough to ask that question. Even if it’s because he’s trying to make conversation, it’s more than I ever thought I’d get.

“New tour in four months with at least three new tracks.”

His smirk grates on me. “Got tired of waiting, I guess.”

“I’d love your help, man.”

It’s only in the tense silence that follows that I realize my words were part plea and part punishment.

I’m not remotely surprised when he won’t look at me. “Yeah, well, that’s not my thing anymore.”

Of course it’s not. Nothing ishis thingexcept drinking and accidentally seducing the only woman who genuinely cares about him.

I have nothing to lose, so might as well go out with a bang.

“I know, but maybe if?—”

Luke shoves back from the table. “Alright, well, I know I’m full. What about you guys?”

His dismissive tone hurts more than his abrupt retreat.

While he stalks away, I slide my chair back as well, fists clenched. I watch him go, forcing away the twinge of guilt clawing its way up my chest. We can’t keep tiptoeing around him. Catering to him. Walking on eggshells because he’s the king of the universe and the rest of us?—

“You okay?” Callie asks.

Am I okay? No, I’m not fucking okay!

I don’t even try to hide my frustration when I face her. She’s just as guilty in this. Maybe more because she broke a promise. At least he never pretends to be better than what he is.

“You’re living with him?” I spit out. “Why didn’t you tell me you two hooked up? Don’t you think you should have led with that?”

She winces, but those doe-eyes won’t work on me anymore. I still believe she’s genuine. None of it’s an act with her. It’smewho read everything all wrong. This is my issue, not hers, but I still need the truth.

“What? Whoa, wait a second. We didn’t hook up.”

I release a harsh laugh. “No? But you moved in?”

“It’s not like that! I mean, I know what it sounds like, but it’s not.”

My anger falters at the urgency in her delivery.

“I didn’t move in, I just keep some stuff here in case it gets late,” she continues, eyes pleading.

My stomach sinks. I want to believe that. So much. It’s just… history. Every bit of evidence in front of me.

“Come on, you know he’s not ready for a real relationship,” she says, searching my eyes. “I know you know that better than anyone!”

Yeah. I’m the one who warned her. And she…

Ah!

I scrub at my face. Evaluate hers. There’s nothing but sincerity there. And something else. Fear. Why would she be afraid right now unless…

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