“It’s overrated,” I stated. Lies were easier to tell someone than true feelings. Besides, Amber didn’t know about my history with Jake. “Last week, I had to listen to it at the dentist’s while getting a cavity filled.”
It definitely made the list of Top Ten Weirdest Times I’ve Heard My Ex-Crush Sing About His Ex-Girlfriend.
“I can’t believe Livie broke up with Jake after he wrote ‘Lovely, Aren’t Ya’ for her,” Amber continued, shaking her head as she talked about the reality TV darling. “I still remember when they publicly split at the Stream It Awards.”
“She slapped him in front of at least thirty-nine cameras,” I commented, trying to keep my voice as neutral as an evening news anchor.
In reality, I’d been anythingbutimpassive. I played the viral clip over and over, not believing that the guy grinning cockilyat the screen as he rubbed his stinging cheek was the same one who’d sat here in the café and cried after readingCharlotte’s Webfor the first time.
Amber gave me a funny look. “Why do you bring up the breakup slap every time I mention the band? It’s like you have a personal beef with Jake or something.”
“I don’t.”
Skittles stole the mouse out of my hands, then sent me a look that said,I can see through your lies.
Shut up, Skittles.
“It’s not like I care,” I protested.
Leaning down, I picked up the mouse again and threw it. The stuffed toy flew across the room, hitting the opposite wall and ricocheting right off the sign that said “Remember to be gentle.”
The squeaker inside let out a startled-soundingEek!
“Right,” Amber said dryly as four felines descended upon the unfortunate stuffed mouse. “Because that was a totally normal reaction.”
Yep, completely, 100 percent normal. Especially if you considered everything that happened between us.
“Come on, Jake can’t really bethatbad, or else his bandmates wouldn’t be such good friends with him,” Amber wheedled, apparently on a Make Lucy Like Moody mission. “He’s not even my favorite. Phillip is. Or maybe Aspen. But even I have to admit Jake’s got the best voice out of the band. He sounds otherworldly! His voice is pure magic, like...” She searched for the right words. “Like...”
“Like some kind of siren, calling you to him,” I finished.
It’s true, and I’d thought those same words the first day I met him. New persona or not, Jake was born to sing.
“Exactly,” Amber agreed with a nod, pleased I had something positive to say. “I wonder how his voice sounds live, in person.”
“Better.”
“Oh?” Amber asked, curiosity piqued. “You’ve been to an US concert?”
“Something like that.” Jake used to sing on his apartment building’s fire escape, with a guitar over his knee, his voice all velvety and sweet as he moved his fingers across the strings. “Can we change the subject?”
“Sure,” Amber agreed easily. “We can talk about how you’re obviously not telling your mom how the café’s actually doing.”
I gave my friend a scowl with no real heat behind it. “Well played.”
“You gave up your paycheck too. Aren’t you supposed to be saving that for college? Like, doesn’t your scholarship not cover books and stuff?”
“Please don’t talk to me about college either,” I begged. Once, it felt exciting to be moving on to something I wanted. Now?
Now it only made me worry about everything I was leaving behind.
“Okay,” Amber relented, with raised eyebrows. “But I still don’t get why you don’t just tell your mom we’re not getting any customers.”
“Because she’s been through so much. I don’t want her to worry,” I argued. Hiding my face from Amber, I bent down to say hello to Bunny, our three-legged rescue, who hopped over to me. I stroked her snowy-white fur. Where would she have gone if we weren’t here to take care of her until she found her home? “Mom can’t lose faith in me, not when I promised I could be here forher while she’s down. Ihaveto make sure this place stays open. But it’s okay,” I added brightly, “I’ve got a plan.”
“Oh, you’ve got a plan?” Amber asked skeptically. “Does it involve the wordsFeline Crime Ring?”
“No.” I mock-glared at her. “It’s called Get More Foot Traffic So Mom Never Has to Find Out About This.”
