I grit my teeth and ignore the voice.
Yes. I’m going to call him.
But just as I’m about to tap the green call button, the screen lights up.
Brandon Ward calling.
My heart stumbles, giddy warmth rushing through me as I stare at his name.
I swipe to answer.
“Brandon, hi.”
“Hi. Are you still at the café?”
“No, Ellenor picked me up. Actually, I was just about to call you.” I toy with a strand of seaweed with the toe of my shoe.
Surprise enters his voice. “You were?”
“Yes.”
I missed you.The silent words hum through me, resonant as a struck chord.
I ignore it as I continue. “I wanted to see if you were okay after the barbecue. You left pretty suddenly.”
“Yeah. I just needed a bit of space.” A rustle, like he’s shifting his grip on the phone. “So, the reason I called was to apologise to you. I shouldn’t have hit Jack. I don’t like scenes, and I hate that you had to see that.”
“You were protecting me,” I murmur. “And I know some of that was about how he treated Natalie. I can’t believe he left her like that.”
“I was angry, but…unsurprised.” A pause. “I should have warned you about him.”
“Why didn’t you?” I ask, brushing the strings idly as I prop the phone against my ear.
“I hoped he’d changed. Wishful thinking on my part, but at the time, you seemed comfortable around him. He was being supportive with your music, helping you in ways I couldn’t. I didn’t want to interfere or poison your view of him before you’d formed your own opinion.”
“Well, I’ve definitely formed an opinion now.” I rise and begin pacing along the ramp, guitar in hand, careful to avoid the tracks. “It turns out you were right about him. Jack and I…it’s over.” I swallow. “He—he used my songs tonight. Claimed them. Well, tried to.”
“What do you mean?” Brandon asks sharply.
“He tried to stop me from singing lead. But I played a song anyway—that one you suggested. As a solo, right at the very end. He didn’t take it well. After, when I was leaving…” I stop pacing and look at the dark water. “He threatened to take my songs.”
Brandon doesn’t reply right away. When he does, his voice has droppedeven lower. “He can’t do that.”
I close my eyes. “I think he can. I don’t know if I can prove they’re mine.” A weary sigh escapes me. “Ellenor thinks he might have just said it in the heat of the moment.”
“That’s possible.” He doesn’t sound convinced.
“Do you think he would do it?” I press. “Actually take credit?”
Another pause. “That depends. Does he know you didn’t record your songs?”
“Yes. And he knows I never posted anything online.” My voice cracks. “God, why did I tell him? I didn’t think it mattered. I thought he was just being nice!”
“It shouldn’t have mattered,” Brandon says softly. “But he might follow through, especially if the scout won’t take him.”
“She won’t. Hilary wanted to sign us as a duo, apparently. And I don’t want that.”
“I see. In that case, I’m afraid he’ll probably try whatever he thinks he can get away with.”
