Page 17 of The Jaded Notes

When the host asked Guns how he felt about Cash writing the song, Brendan “Guns” Hemings insisted the band knew nothing of it. He added that if Cash had written it, he’d done it without their knowledge.

Cash admitted he wrote and sold the rights to his words. Was he intending for Livianna Hemings, Cash’s ex and Guns’s sister, to hear them? She’s been seen on video dancing her heart out to the song, so we know she’s heard it. Now the question is, does she know the lyrics, or does she just love the beat?

It’s been long speculated that the hit single “Stripped,” which earned Mayhem multiple awards, was also written about her. Many fans believe that most of his songs point to his turbulent relationship with her.

When the host pressed on with this information, Cash threatened to end the interview, and the truth spilled from his lips.

Speaking through gritted teeth, he said, “Artists are known for writing about the way they feel.”

To which the host responded, “So it is about her.”

Cash backtracked and said, “Any songs I write about Livianna are for me to know, not the public.”

The host followed up with a statement about how his feelings have drastically changed, citing the success of “Packed Train,” the revenge song Cash wrote and sold the rights to, which was more recently written and produced than “Stripped.”

Cash then stormed off the set, leaving Livianna’s brother to defend the band. Similar to the lyrics from “Packed Train,” we don’t think Cash will bemaking any more stops. Not for that host’s show, anyway. As for Livianna, only time will tell if Cash is truly done with his ex.

The words blur as I finish reading the article and my chest caves in. How did I miss the fact that “Packed Train” was written by Callum?

The song plays in my mind. I lower my head and suck in a tortured breath as the lyrics slice me into pieces. At least Bren had my back, and the public will see that.

Callum’s never-ending cruelty toward me is getting old. What did I do to him that makes him come at me so relentlessly? Maybe it’s because I lost our… I’m so done with him hurting me.

My skin itches like a million tiny bugs are crawling up my arms. Thankfully, I just got a manicure and asked for pointy tips.

I haven’t done that since I moved here. I guess my intuitive side knew what was coming and that I would need the release.

Why does the media hate me? I dig my nails into my wrists, and I stare out the window of our classroom.

I’m not even in the States, and they still come for me. The gut punch is expected when news about Callum hits, but this time, it’s just another reminder that I need to forget him once and for all.

Our teacher dismisses us, and the seven English-speaking students gather their things to leave. It’s a small class because it’s only for people who don’t know French, which I think rubs the lead designer the wrong way.

Oh well. He still gets paid, so I’m fine with it.

Trent places his firm hand on my shoulder. “What’s got you out in space, my special little boo?”

I smile at his nickname for me. “A media release.”

“Come. Tell me about it over a drink.” He closes my computer and nudges me to stand.

Our class meets in a small converted commercial office building. I thought it would be like a clothing warehouse or a design studio, but it’s more like a conference room.

And it happens to be in the same building as Crowne Ventures International’s Paris office.

Okay, I may have had an ulterior motive when I signed up for these classes, but that hit a wall the second Jaxon went back to the States.

Trent and I gather our stuff and meander down the hallway to the elevators. He lets me have a moment of silence since other people are around.

Once we’re in the elevator and tucked in the back, he raises his brows. “What did they say this time?”

“Have you ever heard the song ‘Packed Train’?”

“Um, yeah.” He deadpans. “It’s only the best dance song of this decade. Why?”

“I just found out my ex wrote it.”

Trent slaps his palm to his heart. “Impressive. I thought he only did rock. Then again, he started out in a boy band, so there’s that.”