Oliver calls out to me, “Ryan, it’ll work out. You’ll see.”
I grunt and stride off down the hall toward the fire escape that leads up to the rooftop garden. It’s a peaceful spot where I can calm my panicked mind. Pushing on the heavy green door, I climb the flight of steps to the roof. The sun hits my face, instantly soothing me with its warm rays. Stepping onto the concrete, I take in the open space lined with leafy green potted plants. It’s the first time I’ve been able to take a steadying breath since the damn meeting began.
There’s a little garden up here, just enough to make it relaxing. I walk to the edge of the building, sit on the bench, and gaze out over the city. The mountains rise majestically in the distance, and the sky is so blue that it looks like a deep ocean. Despite the sounds of the city streets below, I find tranquility.
My feet come up to rest on the edge of the wall, and I roll back with my hands at the back of my head, just thinking. I am not talking about anything in particular, just about how my life is changing, and I have no control over any of it.
The creak of the door opening behind me doesn’t go unnoticed. I have no idea who’s coming out, and I don’t care. Light footsteps patter behind me, and I take a deep breath. Her fruity perfume tickles my senses, and I know it’s Lunar who sits on the bench next to me.
“It’ll be okay, Ry, give Tillie a chance. She’s definitely uptight…” Lunar giggles, “… but people like that are always good at their jobs. Remember Luke back in Australia? He was highly strung, and look where Recoil is now because of him,” Lunar says.
Sighing, I slump against the back of the seat. “I’m on edge from a shit day.”
She leans into my side, taking me into a hug. I embrace her back, needing comfort not only from my friend but also from the one woman who’s more like a surrogate sister since she came on the scene. I love Lunar, and I’d be lost without her.
“Try not to become overwhelmed. A change is as good as a holiday, so they say.”
I pull back and give her a small smile. “Let’s go back inside, yeah?”
“Your head a little clearer now?” I nod because that’s all I can muster right now. “Good, let’s go then.” She grabs my hand and hoists me up off the seat, then wraps her arm around my waist before we walk toward the stairs and go inside.
Lunar kisses my cheek, then rushes off toward Danger as I head to the kitchen, craving a caffeine boost. As I stroll through the doors, Tillie has already turned on the Keurig. The hairs on my arms stand on end, and my muscles clench at the sight of her, stopping me in my tracks as she turns to me. A moment passes between us—our eyes lock, and a thick tension surges between us. Unable to bear it, I turn to walk back out.
“Ryan… wait!”
My body halts at the tone of her voice, and I turn back to look at her again. It’s unnerving how beautiful she is, even with the nerdy, preppy look she has going on.
“We can’t avoid each other. We will be working in close proximity. A lot. We should try to get along.”
I fold my arms over my chest. “You took what I love doing, Tillie.”
She breathes in deeply and exhales loudly. “I was hired to do a job, Ryan. I’m sorry if it was yours, but now I’m here, I know I’ll be exactly what your band needs.”
“Well, it’s good to know your ego isn’t lacking. Just don’t expect me to save your ass when something goes wrong.”
She raises her perfectly sculptured brow. “By all means. If you think you can help me do my job better, then go for it. I’m all about self-improvement.”
“Are you sayingIneed self-improvement?”
She furrows her brows. “No, not at all. Your name was never mentioned. You’re fine just the way you are.”
“No, I’m not,” I murmur.Man, I sound like a fucking brat. What the hell!
She creases her forehead. “What do you mean?”
I let out an exasperated sigh. “Doesn’t matter. Just keep me in the loop, okay?”
“I can do that,” she states with a half-smile.
“Good!” I turn to take my leave, but I don’t make it far.
“Don’t you want coffee?” she calls out.
Glancing back at her, I sigh. “Suddenly lost the craving for it.” Stepping out of the kitchen, I walk toward the boardroom. As I stroll in, my bandmates are seated along with Oliver, and he’s discussing releasing our next album. I focus, taking in what he’s saying…
“We need this next studio album to be everything…”
My focus is taken away when Tillie enters and sits down opposite me with her coffee. I can’t help but watch her supple lips sip on the steaming coffee. Her nude lip gloss coats the rim of the mug, and I wonderwhat flavor gloss she is wearing and what it might taste like. My eyes widen at the shock of that thought.
