Page 38 of Feral Touch
“You need help. I can do something about it.”
“I don’t need you to fix all my problems for me!”
“You wouldn’t answer my calls!” Ren burst out, running a hand through his hair.
I frowned, confused at the change of subject. “What’s that got to do with anything?”
“I was worried I’d never hear from you again. I thought if I helped you, maybe—”
A lightbulb went off in my head. I didn’t want to consider it, but I had to ask. “Did you think I’d only be with you if you paid my tuition?”
His face registered hurt, but there was also a hint of guilt. Indignation punched through my chest.
“I can’t believe you!”
“I didn’t know what else to do!”
“You can’t just throw money at people!”
“It's been five years. We barely know each other anymore. I didn’t know if you’d still—”
“If I'd still what?”
“It's been so long. I've changed. I didn't know if—” He cut himself off, apprehension on his face.
“You didn’t know if I’d still like you?”
“I wanted a reason for you to stay with me. To be with me.”
I was aghast. “That’s not how it works! You can’t just buy people off, Ren.”
He shut down. That was the only way to describe it. His eyes went blank, his face expressionless. He stood frozen in the middle of the kitchen, turned away from me.
“Look, I’m sorry I didn’t contact you. I was working through some stuff.” Like whether or not Ren, now a rich and famous rock star, was just like all the rumors said. Did he really think I cared about his money? “I’m not going to let you do this for me.”
Ren was completely still, completely silent. His eyes were flat, lifeless. He didn’t even acknowledge me.
I bit my lip. Had I hurt him by turning down his offer? It didn’t matter.
“I’m sorry, Ren.” I grabbed my purse and cello case, turning to leave. Before the door closed behind me, I looked at him one last time.
“I don’t need some rich guy to save me.”
CHAPTER 10
ICOULDN’TBELIEVERen thought he had tobuyme off.Was he really so out of touch? Did he really think that of me? It made me sick to my stomach.
But the way he had just gone cold—that worried me more. I didn’t remember exactly what I’d said in the few seconds before he closed up, but I knew I had hurt him.
I didn’t know what to do. I had made it clear to Ren that I wouldn’t accept his help and he had shut me out. I hadn’t messaged him since and he hadn’t messaged me.
I supposed that was it. Whatever there was between us, however briefly, it was over.
I was almost relieved. I’d been distracted and conflicted because of Ren. My performance in school had slipped. I'd started doubting myself. I was turning into someone I didn’t even recognize. Without him, I could get back to my old life.
Unfortunately, that life still had one big problem.
I stared at my phone, hovering a thumb over the send button. I’d composed an email asking the events company to reconsider. I didn’t give them my sob story, but I did make a strong case for why I was a stronger candidate than all the rest. I name-dropped my school and stretched the truth a little by saying several world renowned symphonies had showed interest in me. It wasn’t a total lie—orchestras often sent music scouts to our school and I’d spoken with one or two.
