Page 63 of Love Unwritten

“I’m not sure if you heard about this, but I recently lost my cowriter.”

I place my hand over my heart. “Something happened to Phoebe?” Everyone who loves Cole’s music knows about Phoebe, his lyrical cowriter and longtime girlfriend. They were always seen as a powerhouse in the industry.

His plastic coffee cup bends under the pressure of his grasp. “We decided to part ways.”

“What? Why? She was amazing!”

His bitter laugh sends a chill down my spine. “Yeah, I thought the same thing until she fell into bed with someone else.”

My mouth falls open. “She cheated on you?”

Everyone with internet access knew about Cole and Phoebe’s romance and how much Cole loved her. The man glowed whenever she was brought up during interviews, so if she cheated…

“Damn,” I mutter to myself. No wonder he donated their guitar to the thrift shop.

He takes a long sip from his straw. “Yup.”

“I can’t believe it.” I chose to ignore the recent gossip headlines trying to paint Cole as a serial cheater who caused the demise of his relationship because I thought they were trying to stir up unnecessary drama.

Turns out Phoebe was the one having an affair, not him.

“The positive pregnancy test cleared things up rather quickly for me.”

I nearly spit out my coffee. “You’re having a kid?”

“Fuck no. I was busy finishing up the American leg of my tour.”

“Shit.”

“Sounds about right.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Sorry enough to help me write a song?”

I laugh at his boldness. “No, but good try.”

“How about money?”

“I already have a job.” The excuse is weak, especially since I could write songs and still remain Nico’s nanny, but that doesn’t mean I should.

Some dreams are meant to stay broken, and this is one of them.

“Is this because Ava Rhodes stole your songs?” he asks without any hesitation.

I wince. “I never said that.”

“I know, but I did some digging around yesterday and found out a few things.”

I shoot him a look. “That’s a big claim you’re making.”

His right brow arches. “Yet you’re not denying it.”

Words escape me, so I remain quiet.

He pushes his sunglasses up so I can get a better look at his eyes. “I could get you in contact with the right person who can help you get the credit you deserve.”

The world freezes as I repeat his words in my head. “That’s crazy.”

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