Page 68 of The Twisted Beats

I send Callum a message with my mind scrambled.

Me:What about our date on Friday?

I wait for what seems like a half an hour for his response. It could be the time warp caused by the weed, but it’s still torture waiting.

Callum:Sorry.

Me:For what?

Callum:We’ll have to do it another time.

Me:You promised to take me out on Friday.

Callum:What do you want me to do, Lily?

Me:Take me out. You said you wanted to show me off in public and let the world know I was your girlfriend.

He doesn’t respond. I get ready for bed, with my thoughts spinning in a downward anxiety spiral. I wring my hands and pace around my room.

Is this always going to happen? Is our work always going to get in the way?

Between other girls and his singing career, I’m beginning to wonder if we can make it. Am I going to lose him before we even start?

I slide into bed at midnight. I have an early call time, so I have to leave at six in the morning. My heart breaks as I peer at my cell phone. Still no message from Callum.

I send one final text. If I’m hurting, so can he.

Me:Nothing to say? Just face it, you’re a liar.

I throw my phone across the room and bury my head in my pillows. Maybe a few hours of rest will make it all better. If only that were true.

My alarm goes off way too early for me. I could use another ten hours of deep sleep. I drag myself out of bed and into the en suite, picking up my phone from the floor as I pass it.

I peek at the screen. There’s a slew of messages from Callum.

Shit.

Bren told me to take it easy on him since he was caring for his mom, and I went and sent that text. I shrink inside.

What was I thinking? Oh, that’s right, I wasn’t.Stupid pot.

I should read the messages, but I don’t have time. I’ll do it once my ride picks me up and I’m on my way into the studio.

My driver arrives right on time. He’s a sweet older man my parents hired. He works because his wife died, and he likes to get out and feel needed.

I run out to the car, showered and ready for hair and makeup. “Hi, Lester. How are you today?”

“Very well and you? Are you feeling better this morning?”

“Yes. Thank you for asking.” I slide into the back seat of the black BMW. “I have a bunch of messages I need to answer from yesterday, so I won’t be much of a conversationalist.”

“That’s fine, Livianna. Do your work, and I’ll ensure you arrive at the studio safely and on time.” He shuts the door.

We drive from the house moments later. My mom and dad set up a driver for me since my schedule can vary. They have other responsibilities to manage, and I actually like it better this way for this exact reason.

Lester won’t ask me about my texts or anything unless I engage with him. I usually do because he’s so nice, but today I have to suck up my pride and apologize to Callum for being a brat last night. My throat dries as I open the first message.

Callum:Do not call me a liar. I didn’t lie.