Page 46 of Every Shattered Note
MustLoveMusic:It’s a long story.One I’d rather tell you in person.Preferably somewhere quiet.No event checklists around.Just ...you and me.
AlyEuphoriaEvents:Intriguing.
MustLoveMusic:At what time does your Saturday event end?
AlyEuphoriaEvents:That’s actually why I wanted to chat.Can you be at a wedding?The guitarist’s wife had a baby this morning—he obviously can’t make it.
MustLoveMusic:I’ll be there.Just send me the details.Also, make sure you send him his cut instead of me.Let him buy something tiny and impractical for that baby.
AlyEuphoriaEvents:You still need to get paid.I don’t want you ending up in your parents’ basement, eating stale cereal, and composing breakup ballads in the dark.
MustLoveMusic:Relax.I’m good.I’m crashing at a friend’s place.Rent-free.I’d rather the new dad get the check.Babies are expensive, I hear.
AlyEuphoriaEvents:You’re too good.You know that?
MustLoveMusic:Only when I’m not being a disaster.Besides ...you saying I’m good makes it hard to argue.
AlyEuphoriaEvents:Thank you for being so understanding.I owe you.
MustLoveMusic:You owe me?Now that sounds promising.What does this debt entail?
AlyEuphoriaEvents:If you ever need a favor, just cash it in.Preferably not anything criminal.Or emotionally scarring.
MustLoveMusic:You realize you owe me at least three favors now, right?
AlyEuphoriaEvents:Three?That's some fuzzy math.I heard musicians are good mathematicians.Obviously that’s a lie.
MustLoveMusic:I played for you last weekend and brought the house down.That’s two points, easy.This wedding makes three.
AlyEuphoriaEvents:I paid you for that gig.
MustLoveMusic:Did you?Because I never gave you my address.Pretty sure you just applauded and walked away.
AlyEuphoriaEvents:Damn it.How did I forget that?
MustLoveMusic:Not sure, but ...I’ll cash when the time comes.
AlyEuphoriaEvents:That sounds suspiciously terrifying.Is this the part where you confess you’re a serial killer?
MustLoveMusic:Serial killers usually don’t give advance notice.They just show up in the middle of the night with duct tape and bad intentions.
AlyEuphoriaEvents:Not exactly reassuring.
MustLoveMusic:Don’t worry.I’m not kidnapping you ...but I am taking you away for a couple of days.Pack a bag.
AlyEuphoriaEvents:You do realize how deeply concerning that sounds, right?Also, no thank you.I’d rather stay in my apartment—where my locks work and I know the exits.
MustLoveMusic:I’m cashing in a favor, Alybear.
AlyEuphoriaEvents:You’re giving me a nickname.That’s emotional manipulation.
MustLoveMusic:If I were manipulating you, I’d be playing you a song while I asked.Barefoot.Under soft lighting.With that look you pretend doesn't unravel you.
AlyEuphoriaEvents:...Are you sure you’re not dangerous?
MustLoveMusic:Only if you’re allergic to spontaneous adventures, bad gas station snacks, and really great playlists.
AlyEuphoriaEvents:I’ll think about it.
