Page 44 of My Rock Star Neighbor
I ask Nick, “Have you seen Riley?”
“We should find her.”He holds my hand and tucks me close into him.He turns us around to walk away as Luca speaks up.
“You’ll excuse us,” he says.“The van is waiting outside for us and the rest ofMaddie’s friends.”He emphasizes “Maddie’s friends.”When I look back as we reach the exit, past my whole group of friends trailing behind me, she stands alone.
Like I used to stand on the lunch line.She used to threaten anyone who ate with me with social ostracism.I quickly learned who my true friends were.
Still, I feel no joy in leaving her there alone.
Nick slips his arm around my waist and whispers in my ear, “Forget her.Just think that she made you a stronger person.”
But I’m not.I froze again.She was still able to affect me.I’d thought I would be impervious to her.I’m not.I’d thought she couldn’t affect me anymore.She can.A tear of frustration escapes my eye.I should have said,We were never friends.I should have excused myself from her company.I should have prepared for this.
Maybe I should look at the comments on the articles and posts about Nick and me dating.Iris said not to look, but maybe I need to.I need to see if I can handle them, because if I really want to have a relationship with Nick, I won’t always be able to ignore the trolls and the rumors.
His possessive look when Luca hugged me, the way he looked so proud when everyone was clapping, and how quickly he pulled me into his embrace earlier today, I feel like there might be the possibility of something real.
Nick clasps my hand, and the warmth of it grounds me.I grip it back tightly.This is my life now.This group of friends and my career.I was on a panel with Twyla Jackson!And she treated me as an equal.We might even have lunch!
My phone beeps.It’s Demoraux, confirming that he is willing to meet me tomorrow.I show Nick that we’re on for tomorrow.This could be my big break.
It’s true that I froze.But she’s my history.What I need to determine is… Can I handle a future with Nick as a famous rock star with the trolls that will attack me?Am I stronger now?More sure of who I am?Will that be enough?Because I’m falling for him.
Chapter twelve
Nick
Maddieacceptedmyofferto come along with her on this interview with the corrupt inspector because he wants to meet in a seedy-looking bar.Luca said this place can attract a rough crowd and to be careful, so I’m relieved Maddie is allowing me to tag along.That has to mean something, right?She trusts me.
This is definitely a step forward in our relationship.She always wants to handle everything herself.Or she truly thinks this is dangerous.Luca’s parting words were “duck and weave.”He said at least I’m fast on my feet, with all the dancing and exercise I do.He gave me a whistle.Some help he is.
I tighten my scarf and wait for Maddie outside the subway station.A cold wind sweeps down Fulton Street, fresh off the East River.The World Trade Center looms over the street if I look west.This corner has some thatched roof outdoor café set up, vacant at the moment, which promises that spring weather is coming soon, even if it doesn’t feel like it.
Seedy bars are not my thing.When I was thirteen (and becoming “a man,” as my mom said), my mom tried to find my dad because she thought he’d want to know me and that I might need him.And we searched for him in some disreputable bars—huge men with black leather and tattoos and the smell of pot smoke and stale alcohol are what I remember.I hated the way people would stare at me when my mom and I entered.And she’d tell me to wait by the door in her sight while she checked out the back.I didn’t like her going into those places—I worried about her.I even thought maybe my mom had cooked this up as an elaborate scheme to deter me from wanting to be a musician.But she found my dad.He wanted nothing to do with us.I was relieved when he moved back to Nashville, and she realized once again that we didn’t need him.
I check my phone to make sure that Maddie hasn’t texted me with a change of plans, because it’s now five minutes past the hour.
It’s impressive Maddie managed to convince the inspector to meet for an interview.She said that he’d hung up initially but then called her back.He wanted to know how she’d been able to track him down.She told him, and he seemed to change his mind.She’s a good reporter.It was good to see her getting some recognition for that at her middle school event.
But Maddiefreezinglike that—I’ve never seen her react that way before.I didn’t even need the code word.I couldn’t care less if that woman outed me as rude.I wanted to pull Maddie away from her.
Has Maddie seen the comments online under the recent article about us?Or the photos taken of her leavingThe Intelligencerone night?I hope not.Some are cruel.
Is he dating the Pillsbury Doughboy?Why is she always dressed in that enormous parka?
Is she carrying a dead body in that bag?Or just a lot of makeup to make her look passable?
What does he see in her?I give them three months.
Three months is right.At least it will be Maddie breaking up with me.And I have a feeling I’ll be able to make them believe I’m heartbroken.
But these trolls…
One more reasonnotto date someone who wants to be a famous musician.
And then there’s Cybergirl’s comments:What doesshesee in him?Rock stars are not to be trusted.
Why do I have a sneaking suspicion that Cybergirl is Iris?But good for her for supporting Maddie.
