Page 72 of Play Dirty (Brooklyn Dawn 1)

Kyle shook his head. “You planning on absconding in the middle of the night or something?”

I could only be so lucky.

“He definitely is not.” Logan pointed at me. “Have you forgotten the actual recording of the holiday song? As good as it was, I might have some input as well. Never mind post-production.”

“Of course. Just saying.”

Logan didn’t reply, but his face said it all.

Just saying you’re being a dick. As usual.

Of course, Lo didn’t get the dynamic between Kyle and I. He knew about the accident. Knew we’d dealt with some understandable strain after. But it had been a decade, and Lo didn’t realize just how deep those roots went.

I wasn’t even sure I did.

“Yeah, as fun as it’s been to catch up with you, Lo, I’d like to have some of my vacation for myself.” Lindsey didn’t toss her hair in my face, but the effect was clear.

Not that I would’ve classified our time together as fun exactly. I didn’t know how to have fun anymore. I’d killed that part of my life around the same time I’d ended my dependence on anything bad for me I could drink, shoot, or swallow.

“We’ll record tomorrow and if we need it, the day after. Assuming you two play well together,” Logan arched an eyebrow as he looked between us, “then you’ll be on your way. But I figured you’d be happy to have Kyle hang out here for a couple of days. It’s cool to see the magic happen.”

It was my turn to arch a brow at Logan. Yeah, right. He was a decent guy and would’ve extended an invite to Kyle once he showed up at his door anyway, but my buddy’s presence would influence me not to be in full asshole mode. Or so Logan believed.

Kyle had seen the worst of me, and he’d stuck around. Unlike Kyle’s family.

“Sure. The more the merrier, right?” I narrowed my eyes at Kyle. “You mentioned work shit. You managed to get away for a few days?”

“I must’ve, since I’m here.” Kyle laughed and leaned against the Baby Grand piano, as relaxed as could be.

Maybe he was. I was the one strung tight.

“Kyle told me he has a way with the audio/visual side himself.” Logan looked at me pointedly.

Apparently, my not sharing that with Lo was yet another personal failure. I was piling them up.

I rolled my shoulders. “Kyle helps me in the studio when he isn’t working in artist development at Trident Media.”

“Oh, you’re in the business too?” Lindsey offered Kyle a wide smile. “You must have some stories to tell.”

“Probably none quite as interesting as yours. Mostly, I deal with smaller artists at the start of their careers. You’re on top of the world right now. Are you sure we’re even fit to breathe your lofty air up there?”

Her smile dimmed, but only slightly. “Pretty sure I’m standing right beside you.”

Kyle lifted his hands. “Didn’t mean to offend. Just saying you earned your place. Your voice is amazing. Were you classically trained?”

“I had some lessons, but I’m mostly self-taught.” She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “And thanks. Let’s just say I’m passionate about my subject.”

“What subject is that? Holiday cheer? Or my good buddy here.” Kyle laughed.

No one laughed with him.

Especially not me. I didn’t feel at ease most of the time. I still struggled with sober life even after all these years, and awkward social situations were hell. But this might as well have been a root canal without Novocain.

At least that particular awkwardness ended soon afterward.

I expected the itchy feeling between my shoulder blades to dissipate when we all went back to Lo’s house to unwind before bed.

It didn’t.

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