Page 92 of Hold Still

I force a smile. “I bet you can, babes.” As soon as the familiar nickname falls out of my mouth, McKenna’s gorgeous face materializes in my mind’s eye. Mi Dulcita. All the alcohol in my stomach turns sour. I can’t do this. “I think I need to go to bed tosleeptonight. Hopefully you all can catch me again tomorrow, when I’m more rested.”

The women, as one, sigh. I turn my back on them and call for the limo. They don’t matter to me, and I don’t matter to McKenna. Fine fucking life I got going on.

Night turns to day, which turns to night again. Concerts come and go. Women throw themselves at me but I still can’t bring myself to seal the deal. All because of McKenna, who texts me less and less frequently. Not like I ever start an exchange.

I bring up our last conversation.

McKenna—Super busy with everything ~ How are your new songs going over with the audiences?

Me—Everything’s going well.

My finger traces her name. We’ve gone from sexy flirting to all business. I guess that’s what I was to her all along anyway—a job.

I spend most of my time drunk. Aiden pops over sometime around three in the afternoon to sober me up enough to perform. Then he’s smart enough to let me resume my drinking for the night. Tomorrow’s going to be different, though. Tomorrow’s the Big Reveal for the Project. Ginger made it perfectly clear I have to attend. Andshe’sgoing to be there.

At least Aiden helped me pick out two chicks to accompany me.

I down another whiskey. I’m going to need it to get through the next twenty-four hours.

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