“What?”
“When we were in Lyon, he made a comment about your music that I couldn’t let slide. I told him the stuffyouactually write is amazing. He didn’t believe me, so I gave him a specific example. And showed him the YouTube video ofHeart on Fire.”
Austin stares at me.
My heart is racing, and I hurry to go on. “He didn’t react much at the time, so I didn’t think anything of it. But now…” I clench my eyes shut.
Austin blows out a breath.
“I’msosorry, Austin. I had no idea he’d do something like this—that hecoulddo something like this.”
He shakes his head. “I warned you about him, Mia.”
“I know, but I couldn’t sit there and listen to him take shots at you. I had no clue he’d turn around and use what I said against you.”
Austin looks at me. “I know. You believed the best of him. And the worst of me.”
I swallow. “You’re right. I was unfair to you in the beginning, and I feel terrible about that. I judged you before I knew you. I did the same with Noah, but I was wrong both times. And this is where it’s brought us.”
Austin shuts his eyes. “It’s not your fault. I know that. I’m just… upset. At myself. At everything.” The elevator dings, and the doors open. “I need a little time to get my head on straight.”
I nod.
He rubs his neck with a hand and steps out of the elevator. “I’ll text you later, okay?”
“Okay.” I stand still and watch him head for the lobby doors, wondering what him getting his head on straight will mean for us, wishing I could somehow fix everything with a flick of a wand.
The doors shut on me, and I sit in the unmoving elevator for another minute, staring at nothing in particular. I can’t believe how wrong I’ve been about so many things.
For a couple of years now, I’ve had Noah Hayes on a pedestal, thinking he was some sort of god for his ability to write lyrics and music that get at the heart of love, when in reality, he’s a complete jerk.
Austin, on the other hand, was easy to roll my eyes at. I thought he was a talentless pretty face, riding the celebrity train as far as he could take it, no matter what it required of him.
Turns out, he’s not just full of hidden talent, he’s one of the best people I know—loyal, giving, funny, and full of untapped potential.
The bell dings, and the doors open to let someone in.
The lady cocks a brow at me, and I hurry to press a button. I don’t even remember what floor my room is on, but I get out on three, then pull the card out of my purse.
My room is on the fifth floor, but I opt to take the stairs. Heaving my heavy bag feels like some sort of indirect penance for my mistakes. All the excitement of my call with Fusion has deflated like an old, wrinkly, latex balloon.
I hesitate in front of the door to my room. Kelly and Rose are inside laughing, and I’m not in the mood. But I need to talk to someone. Someone who understands this whole situation. I’ve been so stubborn, so pigheaded and prideful, but a realization crashes on me with the force of a falling brick wall: Ineedhelp.
I promised Fusion I would get back to them soon, but I can’tdo that before I talk to someone who knows this industry better than I do.
I chew my lip for a second, then make my way down the hallway and knock on the door to room 512.
A few seconds later, it opens.
“Hey, Paul. Can I talk to you for a minute?”
31
AUSTIN
I siton the edge of a pedestal that holds a huge lion statue, watching the hordes of people coming through to take pictures in iconic Trafalgar square. I figured being surrounded by a huge crowd might make my problems seem a little smaller.
So far, it’s not working. These people are worrying about selfie angles and harsh lighting. Next to that, my issues feel like Everest.
