I examined Liam with a careful eye. The statement was almost accusing.
"Morris is a childhood friend," I explained. "We've known each other for more than half our lives."
Despite being a little annoyed at Liam's unfriendly demeanor, that small, insecure part inside me felt just a bit delighted at his possessiveness.
Liam Knight could have any girl he wanted, but he wanted me. And he couldn't hide his annoyance at seeing me hug another man.
That really shouldn't have pleased me as much as it did.
"You're new," Morris noted with a questioning tone, seemingly not noticing Liam's frown, or simply choosing to ignore it.
"I'm Cerise's new guitarist," Liam replied.
"He's filling in for me," I said. "Singing and playing at the same time was getting to be a bit much. We decided a temporary session guitarist would be a good idea for the tour."
Morris nodded. Way back with our old band, I hadn't played guitar while singing, either. "How've you been?"
"Working our asses off," I said. "I don't think we've ever rehearsed for a show as much as this one."
"It'll pay off," he reassured us. "It's hard work, but worth it."
"How's the band?"
"Doing great. Working on a new album. Kell's his usual annoying self. Insists on making half the album his solo songs." Morris's lips twitched upward. As much as he complained, I knew he had a soft spot for his obnoxious yet oddly charming lead singer.
"And Natalie?" I asked, referring to his girlfriend. "You two are good?"
Morris's eyes went soft, tender. "More than good." He pulled out his phone and tapped the screen before turning to show me. It was the sales page of a high end jewelry retailer, displaying a silver ring with an enormous rock.
My mouth widened into an O. "Things are that serious?"
He nodded. "Just waiting for the right time."
"Good for you," I said, even as my heart broke a little. Morris deserved to find happiness, but it didn't make the situation hurt any less.
Morris was getting the chance to marry the love of his life. A chance I never got.
There was a knock on the door before it opened. Through the open door we could now hear the screaming of the audience, loud and frenzied.
"Five minutes," the skinny kid popped his head in to say.
"Fans are going crazy," Morris said to the others. "You ready?"
"More than ready," Gael boasted. "We're going to blow the roof off."
The rest of the band joined in with nods of affirmation.
"We've got this," I said, aiming for bold and self-assured. The shaky note in my voice was so slight, I didn't think anyone noticed.
"You'll be great out there," Morris said quietly. "I know it."
His words calmed me. Filled me with determination.
"Of course we will," I replied with a smirk. "We're Cherry Lips. We're going to take the world by storm."
"Better get going, then," he said.
"Going to wish me good luck?" I asked.
