“Well,” Chris rolled his eyes, “since LeBitch doesn’t have two cents to rub together and he’s already paid for the month’s rent, he’s letting her stay in his apartment.”
“You’re kidding.”
“Sadly, no.”
“He’s too kind for his own good.”
“That he is.” Chris nodded. “If it were me, I’d have kicked her sorry ass out and left her homeless.”
She snorted. “Of course.”
“So, is it okay if he stays, then?”
“Sure.” Leah smiled. “He’s family.”
And suddenly, it clicked.
And the sky opened above them.
And all the planets aligned.
Why didn't I think of it sooner?
“Wait!” Chris startled her.That came out louder than intended.
“Jesus fuck!” She choked on the food, the fork clanging against her plate. “What?”
“What if it’s you?”
The side of her lip tugged up into a confused scowl as she raised a brow. “Me what?”
“Our new vocalist.”
Crickets.
More crickets and hazel-green eyes fixed on him, widening.
“What?”
“Who’s having the stroke now?” Chris flashed her a cocky grin right before stuffing pasta in his mouth.
“I-I can’t, Chris…”
He knew this would be her first reaction. But he’d seen her go from wanting nothing to do with music after escaping the relationship that almost destroyed her to slowly letting it in again. First allowing him to play his guitar for her. Later asking him to listen to music with her. Only to end up freelancing as an instrument restorer. This was the next logical step, right?
“Why?”
“Because…” Leah lowered her head and placed her fork on the table. “I’m not sure I won’t break.”
“That’s what you thought about listening to music again, and you did it. And now you can’t live without it. You’ve even attended all of our concerts.”
She shook her head. “It’s not the same, Chris. The last time I stepped on a stage, it was withhim.”
“But this time it would be different. I’ll be there with you, and the guys, too. Besides, he’s in jail.”
Leah stared at him, silent.
“What if he sees and finds me online, and then where we live, and—”
