“That’s great, Mom.”Dante strummed aimlessly on his bass, the strings so taut they pressed into his flesh.Of course his brother was rocking life.Of course Dante was the one running around in secret with the girl of his dreams, the one girl who was off limits.He was both elated and felt like shit.
It sucked.
“Honey?What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.”Everything.He hated how much Logan had changed the Vendetta.He hated how the studio kept changing “Black Moan Rising,” so it was now some barely recognizable version of the song he and Ellery had written, that Selene and Lorraine had improved.Every one of them had put their stamp on it, and now it was all gone.He hated how Ellery was pouring her heart and soul into a new song for a TV show, how Selene and Lorraine had put their own romantic wishes on hold.He hated how there was all this pressure on one night, one song, one show.His stomach churned.This wasn’t him.“It was easier on the cruise ship.”
His mom scoffed, and he heard her sip her tea.“Easier?You mean safer.”
Safe wasn’t a bad thing.“So what?Casper’s the brave twin.”
His mom’s voice softened.“Stop it.That is not true.You are filled with courage.You’ve just had to use a lot of it too early in your life.But it’s still there.”
Was it?Dante hadn’t felt it in a long, long time.
CHAPTER21
Then
One and Only Ellery:I don’t understand why you’re acting like this.
Dante Baker (rock god):Because he handed you a list of people to choose from, like a Logan-approved dating app.
One and Only Ellery:And I shut him down.Flat.
Dante Baker (rock god): He shouldn’t even have asked.He should know we’re together.He shouldn’t have this much control over your life.
One and Only Ellery:He doesn’t.I’m still in control.I make my own decisions.What is this about.
Dante Baker (rock god):Nothing.I gotta go.
One and Only Ellery:Can I see you later?
Dante Baker (rock god):In another dark alley?Another bar in Simi Valley where no one recognizes us?
…
Dante Baker (rock god):I’m sorry.I’m just tired.It’s a lot.
One and Only Ellery:I know.I’m terrified, like, 96% of the time.But we’re still us.Aren’t we?
Dante Baker (rock god):I need some sleep.Night, El.
CHAPTER22
Two Years Ago—Ellery
“I like it,but this isAmerica Sings!It needs to be more upbeat.”Logan took out his phone and tapped a reply to something that must have been urgent since he was interrupting the band meetinghehad called.
“We’re the Vendetta,” Dante grumbled.“Why do we have to be something we’re not?”
“I’m not dignifying that with an answer, Baker.”Logan tapped at his phone.
Ellery sighed and looked over at Selene and Lorraine.Lately, it seemed like they were more on her side than Dante’s, which was not something she fully wanted to contemplate.Selene twirled one of her drumsticks through her fingers, as she always did when thinking.“What do you guys think?”
Lorraine shrugged.“I really like ‘Centrifuge.’I think it’s bold and sad and kind of grimy.But I’ve also seen the winners from that show, and the songs that make it are the ones that get people up and moving.Also a lot of men win, which, I mean, patriarchy.Still.There’s a time to be different, and there’s a time to play it safe.”
Ellery didn’t look at Dante.She knew how he felt about all this.We shouldn’t sell out.
