Page 15 of Every Shattered Note
They don’t answer right away.
Then Alec says, quieter now, “You should come by the studio tomorrow.We can lay something down.Just for you.”
Barret agrees.“Yeah.Don’t let it go to waste.Also, let me know if you need the penthouse.”
I nod even though they can’t see it.“Alright.I’ll think about it.”
“Just don’t make any more weird deals with teenagers.”
“No promises.”
Barret snorts.“Later, Dex.”
They hang up.
The suite’s too big.Too quiet.The air smells like overpriced linen spray and faint regret.
Still, I can’t stop thinking about her.
The smudge of frosting.The way she said “Rafe” with clenched teeth.The twitch of a smile she tried to hide as she walked away.
You were good too, Rafe.
She has no idea.
And maybe that’s what makes this all feel like something.
Something worth sticking around for, and to make that happen, I have to send her my address, which can’t be my penthouse ...nor the hotel.I probably need to move to Barret’s or at least make that my mailing address for the time being.Well, not mine, but Rafe’s.But how do you explain why the check is not being cashed?
Fuck, I really didn’t think this through.I could say it got lost in the mail, right?It’s not like I did that for the fucking money—I paid to be there.
ChapterFive
Private Message | EchoZone Internal Chat
From: MustLoveMusic
To: AlyEuphoriaEvents
Date: February 18, 2001 1:10 PM
Subject: Address
Hey Ali,
I’m in between homes.Could I send you my new address next week?Also, I had a lot of fun.If you have another gig, I’ll be happy to assist you.
The wedding singer
ChapterSix
EchoZone – Private Message Thread
February 18,2001, 8:07 PM
AlyEuphoriaEvents:Between homes?You’re a puzzle, Rafe.I was under the impression you were currently living in your parents’ basement.
MustLoveMusic:Ouch.That’s a little hurtful.
