I nod against him, and he continues to look at the ceiling, deep in thought. “And then you’ll become this big Broadway star, while I continue to teach in high schools.” He laughs humorlessly, as if not happy with the path he’s chosen.
My eyebrows wrinkle, but I’m not overly surprised. Levi should be working in the industry. Maybe a producer or guitar player for a band. “I think you belong in the studio, Levi.”
His gaze shoots down to mine, and he tilts his head. “Really?”
“After hearing you sing for the first time, I knew it would be a shame to keep that talent hidden in a classroom.” I tap on his chin. “Dream bigger.”
And with that, he promises to think about it.
The conversation didn’t scare me in the least. It feels like the future we discussed is entirely possible and one that adults should aspire to and plan for.
We go into a bathroom and make ourselves decent before heading back down the stairs, both of us smiling like a pair of love-drunk idiots. Then, we hear what sounds like a fight.
“Get him the hell out of here!” I see Jake’s friend, Brian, yell toward the door.
I give Levi a look, and we rush down. All of the guys are against the wall, staring at whatever is happening.
“Stevie!” My head whips to the source of the voice.
Andrew and a friend of his try to get past four large men holding them back.
What the shit?I haven’t seen him since that night at King’s Wolf.
“What the fuck is he doing here?!” Levi yells at the group.
Jake moves forward. “He came here asking for Stevie, saying he needs to talk to her or something. The guy’s acting fucking insane.”
“More like heisinsane,” I state.
“Can’t you guys do anything right? You heard the man, get him out of here!” Emma yells.
A fifth member of the frat joins as Andrew and his friend continue to try to push back. They’re already halfway to the door.
Why are they resisting this way?
“Stevie, you need to listen to me, it’s important! It isn’t about us.” His eyes look as if they’re about to bulge out of his head. He seems genuinely worried, but he’s fooled me enough times to know that he could do it again.
“I don’t want to hear a word you have to say, Andrew,” I spit out. “We’ve been done for months. Move on. I have.”
For a split second, pain flashes in his eyes before he growls in frustration. Apparently, I was right about him not moving on. I’m not sure why he’s here, but it’s obviously for selfish reasons. When a sixth frat member joins, they’re able to move the two guys out the door, throwing them on the lawn.
“Be careful, Stevie. I’m trying to be your friend!” Andrew yells a second before thefront door is shut and locked.
“You were never my friend,” I whisper to myself, knowing it’s the truth.
Chapter Thirty-Three
LEVI
The lights in the theater lower till it’s completely dark in the large room, and I rush down the aisle to find the gang. It’s a full house for opening night. Stevie was nervous as fuck when I last saw her right before she was called to the dressing room twenty minutes ago. We’ve seen each other less over the past week, but it’s to be expected with everything going on.
We’re only two weeks away from study week and then finals.
I still can’t believe the semester’s almost over. An entire semester of knowing my girl. She’s been mine for over two months now, and by the time we reach the end of the school year, it’ll be four.
“Over here,” a voice comes from my left, and I see Em waving a hand. I make my way over to the seat smack-dab in the middle of my friend group to get the best view.
I run a hand through my hair. “Did you bring it?” I lean over to Jake.
