Page 64 of Ravaged By Lust

“Fine,” she says. She pulls out a notebook from her guitar case. It’s clearly seen some work. The ends are battered, and it’s definitely been opened a whole lot of times. I bet Chloe takes this book everywhere. She reluctantly hands it over to me.

“Are there any songs about me?” I ask her with a smirk.

“Only the shit ones.”

I start to browse through. Chloe’s neat handwriting is scribbled all over the pages. So many songs. I read through a few.

“These are good,” I say, and I’m telling the truth. They are good. She has a way with writing and it has definitely improved a billion times since we were teenagers.

“I just write all the time,” Chloe says. “I have to get the words out, otherwise I’ll go crazy. Well, more crazy than I am usually.”

I turn the page and read another.

It’s only you I think of

You who made my world spin

I want you to come back

And tell me you’re sorry

Sorry for everything

“This song’s definitely about me,” I say, pointing it out to her.

“Um…”

She can’t find an excuse fast enough.

“You want me to apologize?” I ask. “For what?”

“For what you did,” Chloe says.

“There’s nothing to apologize for.”

Chloe shakes her head and stands up. “I’m leaving,” she exclaims, grabbing the notepad out of my hand. “I knew coming here was a mistake.”

“You’re risking your music career because I won’t say the word sorry?” I ask her.

“I am.”

“I don’t understand you, Chloe.”

“Self-respect is more important than anything.”

“Well, I ain’t saying it.”

“And that’s why I’m leaving,” she retorts.

And she actually does. She walks straight out of my house.

“Fuck me,” I say under my breath as she slams the front door. “Fucking women.”

25

CHLOE

Screw Bishop.