Page 34 of A Dark Melody

“How so?”

“They just are.” He shrugs.

We continue walking in silence for a little bit. I can’t help but wonder what about me made him want to kiss me. What about my lips were so inviting? I replay the night in my head, all the comments he made.

“Did you mean it earlier when you said I’d look better with more meat on my bones?”

He laughs and pulls me close against him. “I never said better, just stunning.”

“Am I not stunning now?”

“You are gorgeous, period.”

“Would you like me more if I was ten pounds heavier?”

“No.” He stops walking. “I want you healthy. That’s all I meant.”

“No guy has ever cared about my weight before.”

“Abbey.” He says, spinning me so I’m standing in front of him, facing him. “I don’t think a guy has ever really cared aboutyoubefore.”

“But you do?”

“So much.” He says softly, looking into my eyes.

I don’t know what to say to that, so I just chew my lip. He cared about me, like really, truly cared about me. It was both exciting and terrifying. It meant I had to be better. I have someone I could disappoint now, but that also means I have someone who would look out for me.

He sighs, putting his arm back around me as we start walking again.

“I have a question.” He asks after a while of silence.

“Yeah?”

“Who did you writeLunar Promisefor?”

“No one.” I shrug.

“So, you just wrote one of the best love songs with no inspiration?”

“I’m just good at writing songs.” I shrug again. “And I guess it’s about what I wish for.”

“I’ve written a bunch of love songs, but none as hauntingly beautiful as that song.” I smile. I’m glad he likes my music. I’m very proud of my music. It’s the only thing I know for certain I’m good at. “Under the moonlight, speak your darkest desire. Speak your heart out to me.” He sings my song. “Absolutely beautiful.”

“I don’t really like that song, to be honest.”

“No?”

“The lyrics aren’t my best work. I think I sang it well, but I feel I could’ve written better with more time.”

“You’re too hard on yourself.”

“Have you written a song about Haley?” I ask, remembering his ex.

“A few. Some when we were together, some after.” He laughs. “The after ones are my favorite, but only one made the album.”

“Let Her Go?”

“Obviously.” He says. “It was the least harsh of the bunch. By the time we got to recording, I was less bitter about it all. Plus, I didn’t want to be constantly reminded of it through my music forever, you know?”

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