Page 9 of Mic Drop

“Not going to discuss this with you,” I snap.

“Fine by me. Don’t talk. Listen. Whatever went down between the two of you devastated her, and I have the wet shirt to prove it. The woman was crying so hard on me, I felt like a human Kleenex.”

I ignore the pang in my chest.

I ignore the longing in my heart.

I ignore the yearning in my soul.

Instead, I say, “It’s what happens when your crazy is exposed.”

I walk around him, toward the band entrance, taking no heed of his murmured, “I don’t think she was the crazy one.”

By the time I reach the stage, my lead singer mask is more impenetrable than ever. I run through the sound check like the pro I am, interacting with the band as required. All except Tris, who can play his keyboards on the side all night without a mic or spotlight for all I care.

Luke must’ve taken pity on us, as this has to be the quickest sound check ever. I follow the rest of the band off the stage. “Great job, guys,” our manager says. “I made a dinner reservation. Limo should be here in thirty.”

We mumble our thanks. While food is the last thing on my mind, I will need fuel to get through the concert tonight. If the prickTristanis there, I’ll make sure to sit far away. Maybe put him at another table. With the crew. Or send him out to greet crazy fans.

One of our crew stops moving some stage items as I approach. “Hey, Bennett, Got a minute?”

“Of course, Jeb.” I always have time for the crew and roadies, as they keep our show running. “What’s up?”

The huge, tatted man pushes his long sleeves up. “I’ve beenlooking everywhere for Jenna. The exercises she gave me have been great. I did as she told me and shared them with the rest of the crew, and we’re all feeling better.”

Bully for them. “That’s good.”

When I don’t elaborate, he presses, “I was hoping to ask her if she could do a group session with all of us. That way, she can correct our form if someone’s doing something wrong.”

I rub the back of my neck. “Listen, I’m happy she was helping you, but she went back home.” Not a lie.

He persists, “When will she be back?”

My control snaps. “She’s not coming back. I sent her packing, all right?” I stalk in the opposite direction, fighting an urge to punch a wall. Jeb. OrTristan. He would do. Why do I have to keep telling this story over and over? I open my mouth to yell that she’s gone, but shut it just as fast. I’m the cool, collected, cocky lead singer of Untamed Coaster, not the hot-headed band member. I’ll leave that honor for Río. I fight for a semblance of indifference.

Our stylist approaches me, pierced eyebrow bouncing. “Where are you hiding Jenna? I want to dress her for the concert tonight. I picked up something in town that will look amazing on her?—”

“For fuck’s sake,” I growl, at the end of my rope. “I broke up with the crazy bitch. Let it go!” My arms fly around my head as I leave Nese and slam into the hallway.

I need to get a hold of my emotions. Blowing up at our crew isn’t the answer, I know. Until I can force memories of the bitch out of my head, I have to rein it in. I walk in circles around the cement hallway until my breathing resembles normal. I can do this. Alone. The way it’s always been.

My phone rings in my back pocket, blaring “Cleanin’ Out My Closet.” The ringtone doesn’t register as I answer it. Even a telemarketer would be a welcome distraction. “Hello?”

“Nice of you to answer my call. Are you finished with thefriendwho answered your phone before?”

Mom. Shit. Anyone but her would be welcome. Guess I onlyhave myself to blame for answering my stupid phone. “What are you talking about?”

“I called you yesterday when I saw Lissa on TV. A girl picked up and said you were taking a shower. I knew she was the Black Widow.”

Mom’s use of the nickname strikes me as wrong. “Jenna’s not out to ruin UC, nor did she kill Darren. If anything, she tried to help him through his injury and addiction.”Why am I sticking up for the physical therapist who just left me?

“I set her straight, don’t you worry. Told her about how lovesick you were for Lissa in high school after she dumped you for Curtiss. Then how you disappeared right after your father did.”

My eyes close. I don’t need this shit. “Mom, that’s not how things went down.” Well, it may be from her point of view, but I don’t have what it takes to deal with her now. “You know I got the offer to join UC and couldn’t turn it down.”

“It’s exactly how I remember it. You spent how many hours with the Lissa girl, fawning all over her? Have to hand it to her, though, she stuck it out longer than I thought possible. Rather, she strung you along as long as she could. Ditching you for Curtiss was her crowning achievement.”

“Stop.” Lissa and I were in love. We kissed at school, for everyone to see. She wasn’t leading me on. She couldn’t have been.

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