“It’s not your decision. It’s mine.”
“C’mon, Rumor. You live in a mansion on the beach. It can’t be that bad.”
“It is. I went for a walk tonight and my uncle called the cops on me.”
“I thought your uncle was in LA.”
“He was, but he’s here now.”
“Why’d he call the cops?”
“Because he didn’t want me walking on the beach.”
“Why can’t you walk on the beach?”
“Because it’s dark and dangerous and . . . that wasn’t even the issue. He was pretending to be worried about me, but he really wasn’t.”
“Maybe he really was.”
“He wasn’t. Why are questioning me? I know what I saw and it wasn’t concern. He faked it. He doesn’t want me here. Neither do my cousins. Braden even told me tonight he doesn’t want me here.”
“Tough shit. You’re there and they need to get used to it.”
I sigh. “Just go back to your concert.”
“You’re mad at me now? For what?”
“I’m not mad. I’m just . . . frustrated.”
“Let me talk to her,” I hear Senna say.
“Want to talk to Senna?”
“Sure,” I say, not wanting to hear anymore from Axl. I thought he’d support me in this, but instead, he’s encouraging me to stay here. Is it because he’s found someone else?
“Hey, Rumor,” Senna says.
“See you inside,” I hear Axl say. He didn’t even tell me goodbye, or that he loves me.
“I’ve been meaning to call you,” Senna says.
“Yeah, it’s been a while.”
“I mean about your mom. I’m really sorry. I never know what to say when stuff like that happens, so I’ve been putting off calling you.”
“It’s okay. I didn’t expect you to call. I wasn’t even sure you were still in town. Did you ever join a band?”
“No, but I’ve been auditioning. I got a new guitar. Your boyfriend sold it to me. I went when he was working to make sure he got the commission.”
I don’t respond, not sure what to say. She called Axl my boyfriend, so she knows we’re still together, but that doesn’t mean she wouldn’t do something with him.
“You still there?” Senna says.
“Yeah. Sorry. I’m tired. It’s been a long day.”
“Maybe we can talk some other time. Want to talk to Axl again?” I hear the music blaring, as though she went back inside.
“I’ll just talk to him tomorrow. Bye.”
