Page 18 of Rock Me
Before he can explain further, a familiar ring sounds from where my computer sits open on the table by the couch.The FaceTime ringtone indicates I’m getting a call, and the only people who contact me this way are my parents, whom I haven’t spoken with in almost a week.
My gaze darts from Ben’s tortured expression to the computer.
“Go.Take the call.”
“But—”
“Go,” he insists, walking into the kitchen and getting lost staring into the refrigerator before taking out a can of soda.
I shake my head.“This isn’t finished,” I say, heading to take the face-to-face call with my parents.After which, I intend to pin Ben down on why he is pulling away after admitting he doesn’t want to let me go.
Chapter Five
Summer
Isit downin front of the laptop and glance at the screen.My mother’s face stares back.
“Hi, Mom!”
I’ve been waiting for this call and the chance to tell my parents what happened onThe Morning Show.Although I had to hire a professional agent for the business side of my life, I didn’t anticipate the changes my actions would cause with the two people closest to me.
My heart hurts at the physical and emotional distance between myself and the people I love.Maybe they just forgot my schedule, and that’s why they haven’t called until now to see how my national television performance went.
“We’re home!”My mother smiles, her teeth white against her tan.She looks happy and healthy, and for that, I am glad.“We got back the other day, and I’ve been exhausted.Between jet lag and unpacking, it’s been just crazy.”
“Oh!That’s good.I’m glad you’re back safely.And I’ve been wanting to tell you about my performance onThe Morning Show,” I say.
“I want to hear all about it, but first let me tell you about the trip!My favorite stop was the island of Santorini.It’s the site of one of the largest volcanic eruptions in recorded history.I’ve never seen a more beautiful sight, all the white structures built into the mountainside.”She sighs and even holds up her phone to show me a picture.
“It’s gorgeous,” I say.I don’t want to seem disinterested or shallow, but I have news of my own.“Mom—”
“It was wonderful.I have to admit I wasn’t sure about overseas travel, but I’m so glad I let your father talk me into it!We even rode donkeys down the side of the mountain.”
“That’s nice.I can’t wait to see pictures… and to see you,” I say, and before I can speak again, my mother goes on to relay more about the history of the places she saw on her trip, totally self-absorbed and failing to mention coming to visit and to ask about my life.
“Molly, we have to go!We have early dinner reservations soon.”My father’s voice sounds in the background.
“Can I talk to Dad?”I ask.
“He just walked out to meet me in the car.We’ll call you soon, dear.Bye!”The picture goes blank, with a double beep for emphasis.
I sit stunned, staring at the disconnected screen.
My parents have obviously not only learned to separate business and family, they’ve decided not to care about my career at all.No matter how excited they are about their trip, and I understand it was a trip of a lifetime, how could they not acknowledge or ask about the competition?My singing?My well-being?I swallow over the lump in my throat and lower the laptop screen, clicking it closed.
I love my life.I understand I am working toward a goal, but sometimes, I am just lonely.I press a hand to my eyes and hold back tears.
I jump at the feel of a hand on my back.
“Easy,” Ben says in a gruff voice.
“I forgot I wasn’t alone.”I straighten my shoulders, not wanting him to be a witness to my sadness.I’ll just pull myself together and forge on.
“Are you okay?”he asks, sympathy in his voice.He obviously heard me mention my appearance and my mother’s preoccupation with her trip.My father’s disinterest in talking to me.
I swallow hard.“I’m fine.”
“I don’t believe you.”His hand moves, gliding from my shoulder to the back of my neck, moving my hair aside so he can massage my tight muscles.“Things have changed between you and your folks since the time you were onStar Power.Want to talk about it?”
