Besides, what skills did I have to offer Eli? I’d never had a real job. When I was still in school, my dad insisted I focus on my studies so that I could get into a good college.
The joke was on him, because I managed to screw myself hard enough during my senior year that no one wanted me. At the time, I figured it would be easier for him to accept that music was my life if it was my only option.
And that joke was on me. I knew I was talented. No one ever accused me of being insecure about my songwriting skills or my vocal chops. The problem was that the odds of making a living were slim enough without being part of a group who didn’t take music as seriously as I did.
To them, it was nothing to walk away when they found what they really wanted in life. Not one of them had asked me how I felt about the band breaking up. None of them had called to check on me. This was why I didn’t trust people. If my bandmates—people I swore were my chosen family—could turn their backs on me so easily, why would I believe everyone else wouldn’t?
My phone chimed.
Have you blocked my number?
I cocked my head to the side, rereading Jack’s message a few times, trying to figure out what in the hell he was talking about. Had my shady ass phone eaten messages from him?
I couldn’t help but laugh a little when I figured out what he meant.
You are still a jerk but, no, I haven’t blocked you.
And have you thought about what I said this morning?
Rather than type out a reply, I sent him a picture of the piles of neatly folded laundry covering my couch.
Good boy,he responded.
I’m not a dog, Jack.
No, but I could totally see you as a puppy,he teased.
I groaned. Okay, so there was something disturbingly arousing about guys getting to run around and pretend they were pups, but it wasn’t something that I wanted to participate in.
No thanks.
Oh, come on. You are exactly like a puppy. To you, any attention is good attention. You tend to act before your brain engages, and I’d be willing to bet you are full of excess energy you need to run off.
I couldn’t deny any of that, but there was the whole tail and hood thing that was just bizarre to me. Then there was the whole collar and leash thing, which should be more off-putting than it was.
Still not interested.
Duly noted.
Is that a problem for you?
Not in the least.
I released a breath when I read his answer. I still hated him for thinking a honey-do list was amusing, but I wanted to stick this out and see what sort of reward he had in mind.
I have a meeting soon. Do you have any questions for me?
Meetings. The tailored business suits. His fancy car.
Yeah, I had questions.
What do you do for a living?
That’s a question better answered tonight. Any questions about the list?
No, I am fully aware of what a chore list is. Next time, maybe you can make me a chart and stick it up on the fridge. Give me stickers for doing a good job?
If that’s something you feel you need, it is definitely something we can discuss later.
