Page 103 of Sing Your Secrets

“Reese, can I tell you a secret?”

“Sure.” I can tell she’s put the phone down. I imagine she’s tugging on sweatpants and a hoodie, on her way to rescue me once again.

“I don’t think I can do this—make an album.”

“Why?”

“Because I want it so much, it’s going to hurt so bad when it doesn’t happen.”

“What?” she asks clearly, the phone back on her ear. “Why would you say that?”

“Because all the odds are stacked against me and I’m not sure if I’m going to live up to my expectations, or yours. What if I never make it? What was this all for?”

“You know what, Miles?... I hope you don’t—make it.”

“What?”

“Yeah.” I hear her apartment door slam behind her, her keys jingling in her hand. “I hope we make an album together, and I hope it goes nowhere, so when you don’t make a dime, and I’m still standing right there next to you—maybe you’ll finally realize the journey was the best part, and that I love you regardless.” There’s a silent beat. “Shit! Wait, how high are you? Any chance you won’t remember I said that?”

“Zero chance. I’m going to text myself right now so I don’t forget.”

“Shit.”

“Goddamn, Reese. You just said I love you for the first time…over the phone. Classy.”

“Shaddup,” she gripes and I picture her eyes rolling. The sound of her ignition tells me she’s already in her car, on the way to see me. I wait patiently as her Bluetooth connects. “How close are you?”

“About five minutes away.”

“Then we still have time…”

“For what?”

“Another secret…”

“Oh yeah, and what’s that?”

“Oh, nothing major.” I smile into the phone. “Just…I love you too.”

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