“My girlfriend lost her job because of me,” I blurt out, gulping when her eyes widen in shock.
“Is that a fact or a speculation?”
“They fired her because of her online presence, which is because of me.” I place my arms on my desk, leaning closer to the monitor. “So, yes, it’s the truth.”
“How does she feel about losing her job? Is she angry at you?”
She should be, but considering the fact that she’d been looking for a job for months, landed a position, and gotten fired before she could even start, I’d say she’s in good spirits.
I shrug, not knowing what to say. “She’s not projecting anger toward me.”
“So, maybe there isn’t anything to feel sorry about. Maybe this is something that’s weighing down your shoulders for no reason.” She smiles sadly.
My eyes burn as I try to keep eye contact with her, but, damn it, my eye sockets kill.
I blink, and a sigh escapes my mouth. “That doesn’t change the fact that she lost her job.”
“This job might not have been what was meant for her. Remember, there is always light at the end of the tunnel; hers is coming soon. We just have to be patient and let the magic happen.” With a nod, she scribbles something down. “But what I do want is to have weekly chats. They’ll be helpful,” she explains softly. “Especially after your legal battle, all you’ll be left with is feelings.”
The session continues, slow and careful, like she’s peeling away layers I’ve been hiding.
Something in my chest softens.
“I have fantastic news!” Fay runs into the room, a shit-eating grin on her face. “I don’t think you’re ready for this.”
“I’m on the tips of my toes,” Leonidas says, tuning my guitar for me. I tried doing it myself, but he wouldn’t let me.
“The lawyer we hired to be present in court for your legal representation informed me that the judge seems to be swaying more on our side. All the documents you guys accumulated over the years are helping you win this.” She bounces to the other side of the room and drops down on the couch beside Amelia. “Thejudge scheduled a court hearing in five days. I’m speculating it’s going to be the last one.”
“We have a good chance of winning?” All the torture they’ve inflicted on us flashes in my head.
“I would say we have a ninety percent chance of beating the old record label. Their evidence changes each court hearing. It doesn’t align or make any sense. Some of it is plain old childish. Our lawyer informed me they’re hurting themselves by acting like fools in court. Screaming, yelling, and even crying.”
She starts laughing, Amelia joins in, and the two start dancing in their seats.
I’d do anything to be present in that courtroom in five days, just to see their faces when we finally make it on top and get the justice that we deserve. We don’t even care about the large sum of money we’ll get. All we want is justice.
Regaining her composure, she drags a hand down her torso, straightening her pencil skirt after standing. “Enough of that. How is the acoustic practice going? Do you think you’ll be ready for the small performance in”—she checks her tablet—“two days?”
“We’ve run through the set ten times, and the last three were perfect,” Leonidas calls out, sitting on the other side of the room, adjusting his microphone stand.
“I’ll take that as a yes.” Fay types something down before slapping her tablet to her chest with excitement. “The tickets will go on sale tonight at twelve. Make sure you acknowledge when you post that this is a small charity event being held before the actual concert. I’ll leave you guys to it.”
The intimate charity event was my idea. A small statement felt too impersonal after the actual reason behind the cancellation of the show. The thought of hosting an acoustic set that would take all the proceeds and donate them to a mental health service, ensuring everyone got the help they needed, wasthe only thing I could think about throughout my entire hospital stay.
When she heard my idea, she loved it.
The planning started immediately.
“I think I have a crush on you.” Lily swoons, lost in a trance. Lying on her belly on our makeshift stage and swinging her feet back and forth.
Resting my guitar on the stand, I smile down at her. “I think I’m in love with you.”
Narrowing her cute eyes, she jumps up, crosses her arms, and acts all upset. “Youthinkyou’re in love with me?” She drags out the wordthink.
“Ask me how IknowI’m absolutely smitten with you. Go on.”
I smile down at her cranky face. The two front pieces of her hair cradle her rosy cheeks.
