Page 117 of Strum Me

He takes the papers, reading over them, flipping the pages one by one.

“Why are you doing this?”

“Who cares? Isn’t it what you want? Not only is it what you want, but you’re taking it from me. Don’t pretend that’s not getting you all wet.”

His voice is soft, low. “What’s the catch?”

“I told you already. You get the performance of a lifetime, for your little signature on that line.”

He closes his eyes, and I know he’s picturing it. He wants it so bad he can taste it, and it taste like nectar to him.

“Just sign it, Silas. Let’s not waste any more of each other’s time.”

He squeezes his eyes shut, and his knuckles rap on his temple as he thinks. “Can I…will I still be able to visit him?”

“That’ll be up to Emily. But she’s never stopped you before. She wants what’s best for Ben.”

“Can I think about it?”

“You have until the end of the day.”

“That’s not long enough.”

“Then enjoy watching the concert from the nosebleed section.”

I tap the sheet in his hand.

“You want to play? You’ll get these signed to me by the end of the day.”

I slam the door behind me, and only hope that I haven’t fucked it up for everyone.