“She is.” He smirks. He knows exactly what I’m thinking. “One of the best voices I’ve ever heard.”
“I agree.” I nod too enthusiastically. “She’s special.”
“Aye. Special,” he repeats, eyes fixed on me. “You like her.”
It isn’t a question.
I shift in my seat. “Well sure, she’s talented.”
“Not what I meant.” He leans forward slightly, studying my face.
I stare into my cup. “You want honesty?”
“Always.”
“Yeah. I’m attracted to her. Probably too much. We had some good chats on the road.” I think back to the handful of times she and I had an opportunity to visit in between our sets.
What I don’t say is, other than the man in front of me, she’s the only other person I’ve instantly connected with on an otherworldly level.
“Do you wanna fuck her?” The words hit like a punch.
I choke on the air in my throat. “Jesus,Linus.”
“Do you?” His gaze doesn’t waver.
I drag a hand through my hair. “Fer fuck’s sake. You manage her. She’s magnetic. Gorgeous. I can’t be the only one.”
“There’s a lot more to Avonna than what men want from her.” He clasps his fingers together and leans forward.
Instantly, I feel like a dick. “Uh…I know. I, uh, didn’t mean…”
“Why’d you come here, Liam?” He stares into my eyes.
I hold his gaze, heart pounding. “You asked.”
Emotions flicker across his face. Surprise. Relief. Pain.
I exhale. “We saw each other a few times this summer. You barely spoke to me. When you texted, I couldn’t ignore it this time.”
“Liam. I’ve reached outdozensof times over the years.“ He winces, finally showing his emotional cards. “You ignored every outreach.”
“I know.” I scrub my chin with my fist and cast my eyes down.
His jaw wobbles. “I thought we meant somethin’.”
“We meanteverything.”
“You broke me.” He shakes his head, more weary than angry.
The words land heavy. I don’t try to deny them. “I broke me too.”
The quiet between us strains with everything unsaid. Dozens of people bustle past the window. Somewhere behind the counter, an espresso machine hisses.
I meet his eyes. “I’m sorry.”
“For which part?” Linus leans back and folds his arms.
“All of it.”
