Page 32 of Losing the Rhythm

“If she wishes,” Graham said. “The two of us already talked it out. You’re graduating this year. If you need a place to feel safe, we’re here. The room is yours. It’s already dressed up like a guest room, so it isn’t like we’d have to do anything.”

“It would be nice to have another girl in the house,” Bayley said. “I worry about you living on your own. It can’t be safe.”

I swallowed hard, their offer nice but, for some reason, not sitting too well with me. I tried to grasp at reasons not to. If they were here months ago, when I was fighting for a place to live, I’d probably have jumped on it. But now?

“I’m fine,” I said. “Besides, all my equipment for work is at home. I have an entire studio set up. It’s easier to just go home so I can work.”

“You don’t live that far from here,” Bayley said, sounding let down. “You can—”

“Either way,” Graham interjected. “The room is there for you if you need it. Even for just a night. Or even a couple hours. Or weeks. Until you graduate. Even after you graduate. It’s up to you.”

I swallowed at the warm feelings welling up inside of me. “Thank you.” The words came out thick.

“Agreed,” Micah said. “If something happens and you need a place, we’re here.”

“As they said.” Bayley stabbed at her food. Graham reached over and rubbed her back.

When he noticed me watching, he smiled. “Eat up. You definitely lost some weight.”

“That I can do.”

“And I’m sending you home with leftovers. I hope your fridge has room.”

I thought about my empty fridge at my house. When was the last time I even went shopping? “More than enough room.”

We kept eating, trying all her Asian inspired foods while talking about school, work, and plans. It was nice. Uplifting. Something I wouldn’t mind doing again often if they’d let me. For a moment, I was able to pretend that I was part of a real family who actually cared about my wellbeing.

Chapter Nine

~Toby’s POV~

“School is out to get me,” I said, staring down at the pile of books in front of me.

“Don’t be silly,” Seth replied as he came in with a bag of his old books and notes. “And you say this every time we have a study night.”

“But it’s true. What’s the point of tests? Why do we have to cram so much info into our brains? Especially info I have no intention of using in real life?”

“Is Toby going on about taking down the school system again?” Paxon asked as he came in with Justin.

“He didn’t get that far just yet,” Bryan said as he did something on his phone. “But he was definitely getting warmed up.”

“I’m not lying though.”

“We have this kind of conversation every time tests come up. Lay it to rest already,” Bryan said.

“Never! Not until I never have to take another test in my life ever again.”

“You realize even adults take tests?” Seth asked.

I covered my ears. “Why would you say something so blasphemous?”

“True,” Bryan said. “It doesn’t necessarily end after college. You may need to do special training or certifications once you work. Presentations too.”

I shuddered. “No way. I’ll make music instead.”

“But then isn’t that always being tested? You have to garner interest in your songs, so you’ll have to play them and let people judge you.”

I gave Bryan an incredulous look. “Why would you say that about something so precious? Why would you put that thought in my head? Why are you so cruel?

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