Page 102 of Graves

I turn away from Aran, taking a shaky breath. Pixie is sitting by the door. Without looking back, I snatch my phone, keys, and her leash, hurrying out of the apartment.

Dazed and confused, I exit through the courtyard on the south side of the building. Pixie happily sniffs walls and pees on weeds—unaware of my inner chaos.

What the hell just happened?

Did I really develop feelings for Aran just to get rejected?

We were only supposed to be having fun.

No, that was the drugs.

It had to be the drugs.

Why does he even take that shit?

Everything seemed fine. Or maybe the pressure finally got to him?

Five gigs. Tonight was the third.

On Wednesday he still seemed okay, and now he has marks on his neck from strangulation.

The man who just came home was definitely not the same person. Or maybe yesterday’s interview already threw him off?

The second I realize my thoughts are spinning around Aran again, I bury my face in my hands.

I’m such an idiot.

Falling for the first guy who’s nice to me, only to find out he’s an even bigger asshole than my ex.

Gradually, the storm inside me begins to settle. I walk south, letting the fresh evening air clear my head and create a bit of emotional distance from Aran as well.

His drug use is his problem.

Not mine.

Maybe I should try to see the positive side.

Aran showed me I haven’t turned into the emotionless block of wood I feared I had. He showed me that I still have feelings inside me, and a passion I didn’t think I was capable of anymore.

But Aran is too unstable.

Maybe he’s right. Maybe I do need to find someone who won’t hurt me.

I stop in front of a 7-Eleven, tie Pixie up by the entrance, and go in for a drink. While waiting in line at the register, I check my phone and scroll through the news.

I frown when I see a picture of Grave Sinner with the headline: “Third Grave Sinner Concert Ends in Brawl.”

What the hell…?

I pay for the water and walk out, not taking my eyes off the screen.

“Concertgoers report several audience members provoked and attacked Aran Graves. After the singer fought back, a full brawl broke out.”

Shocked, I watch the linked Instagram clips. One shows a full cup of beer hitting Aran in the head. Another clearly captures him being choked.

That explains the marks on his neck.

No wonder he was so messed up.