But I did it for Ella.
Because I loved her and wanted to be with her more than I wanted the thrill of the music.
I was a fucking fool!
No, I was pussy-whipped.
And I willneverallow that to happen again.
I let a woman and her band take over my life once before.
It’s not about to happen twice.
We’re packing up after the press conference, and I vow to reclaim control. The only problem is, Luminous walked straight out after the conference, leaving us to clean up—fucking typical.
With my mind racing a million miles an hour, I’m hanging with Matt, talking through random things, when Nate walks over. Rolling my eyes at his mere presence—the man is driving me crazy with his sly looks and annoying comments—I stand taller when he stops in front of me.
“Isn’t it uncanny?” he states, obviously trying to get a rise from me about something.
I want to ignore him, but he’s piqued my interest. “Okay, I’ll bite.What?”
“Effa. She’s a tiny little thing. Blonde hair, smoking body, beautiful face, innocent nature. I can’t help but think she’s sweet, like…sugar?”Nate smirks.
My body stiffens at the mention of Ella’s nickname, and it suddenly clicks that Effa is a lot like Ella. Even down to her name, Effa and Ella are not that different.
“Dammit, Nate, did you have to bring that up?” Matt shoots Nate a stern glare. “Seriously, man, we’re about to tour with Luminous. Try not to be a dick and make things difficult for the bands, okay?” Matt scolds, giving Nate’s arm a firm push.
Nate shrugs. “What? I’m just saying what everyone’s thinking,right?”
I scowl, my skin crawling at the thought. “No, not right. I hadn’t thought of Effa that way. But now, every time I see her, that’s all I will see… EllafuckingSlade. Thanks toyou.Way to go, Nate, you’re arealfucking piece of work, aren’t you?” I jab and storm off past him, smacking my shoulder into his as I pass.
“Good! When you look at her and remember Ella, then look at Lunar and think about the outcome,” he calls out after me, his voice trailing off as I continue to walk away, seething with frustration.
Walking out of the press conference room, Lunar is talking to Effa in the hall, and it’s like my past and my present are colliding. It’s unsettling, and my stomach flips on itself watching the innocence of Effa juxtaposed with the tough confidence of Lunar. Knowing how different they are, yet how Lunar has changed my life so dramatically in the short time I’ve known her.
Shaking my head, I walk over to the two women who are laughing together and turn to look at me with great big smiles.
“Hey, big guy, we were just talking about how cool it would be for Recoil and Luminous to do a duet,” Lunar chimes happily, like the idea is her best yet.
I can’t help but scoff. “Haven’t even heard their sound. It probably won’t even mesh.”
“Oh… whatever!” Effa rolls her eyes. “Just listen to us, then make a call, gorilla man.”
I tilt my head. “Gorilla man? That the best you got? You saying I’m hairy? Have you seen my chest?”
She lets out a laugh. Lunar frowns, furrowing her brows slightly, and I exhale, returning to Effa. “Okay, fine. I’ll listen to your music. Drop a demo to my room, and I’ll think about it.”
Effa jumps up, clapping her hands, and squeals. “Thanks, this is gonna be amazing.”
“I haven’t said yes, Effa.”
“No… but you will.”
Scrunching my face, I huff. “And you thinkI’mcocky?”
“Touché! But seriously, think about it. A duet will only boost sales on the tour and get us both heard on the radio. It’s marketing 101, Danger.”
Lunar nods but says nothing.
