“I’m… processing.”
“I get it.” She twisted the cap off her water bottle. “Can we start over? I think we got off on the wrong foot.”
“We did?”
“Maybe not wrong, but definitely awkward. Ex-girlfriend meets new girlfriend. It’s inherently weird.” Faith smiled. “But I wanted you to know that I’m genuinely happy Cole found you. He’s been different since Asheville. Lighter. More himself.”
Something in my chest eased. “Thank you.”
“There’s a record label guy who’s been sniffing around. If he’s serious, our lives are about to get insane. Studio time. Promotional tours. Radio interviews. Long stretches on the road.”
My stomach clenched.
“Here’s what I learned the hard way; he’s going to feel guilty. About being gone, missing you, and not being the partner he wants to be. And if you let him, he’ll martyr himself trying to make everyone happy while slowly going crazy.”
What do I do?”
“Be honest. About what you need. About when you’re struggling. Don’t let him disappear into the music so completely that it affects you two. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for what you need.” Faith’s expression softened. “Cole and I didn’t work because we both wanted the spotlight. We both wanted the road. But you? You’re different. You’re grounded, and I think you two actually have a shot if you fight for it.”
“Thank you.”
“If you ever need to talk about the insanity of dating a musician, call me. Seriously.”
“I might take you up on that.”
“Please do.” Faith squeezed my hand. “Also, between you and me, watching Decker try to flirt with your friend is the most entertainment I’ve had in weeks.”
We both looked over. Decker was tapping out a rhythm on the armrest of his seat, drumsticks twirling between his fingers while Brynn watched, completely transfixed.
“Is that new?” Brynn leaned forward.
“Wrote it last week. It’s not done yet.” His sticks moved in a complex pattern. “What do you think?”
“I think it’s beautiful. The rhythm is gorgeous.”
“You know music?”
“Piano. Ten years of lessons my parents insisted on.”
“Play something for me later?”
“Maybe.” Brynn’s smile was shy, genuine. “If you’re lucky.”
“I’m feeling pretty lucky right now.”
The Charlotte venue was bigger than the Asheville bar—an actual concert hall with a green room with more than one couch and a bathroom that didn’t look like a health code violation.
“We’re moving up in the world.” Cole set his bass down.
“This is amazing.”
“Wait until you see the crowd. We’re sold out.”
“Sold out? Cole, that’s incredible.”
“I know.” His grin was pure joy. “We’re getting close, Autumn. To the big time. Record labels are starting to notice. There’s talk of a manager, a proper tour.”
Pride swelled in my chest. “You deserve it.”
