Page 29 of My Rockstar Ex's Broken Vows

I pull off my headphones, running a hand through my hair. "You sure? No notes?"

"Nope. That’s the one." Max grins. "Feels raw. Real. Exactly what we’re going for."

Mike and Jace slap my back as they file out of the booth. "Told you this track would hit," Jace says, tossing a water bottle at me. "You’re overthinking again, man."

I chuckle, cracking the bottle open. "Maybe."

Mike shakes his head, leaning against the console. "You killed it, dude. The whole album’s fire. Gonna be a fucking monster debut."

Their words settle over me, warm and affirming. I’ve spent so much of my life chasing this—pouring everything into the music, trying to prove I had what it takes. Now, with every finished track, it feels like I’m finally closing the gap between where I was and where I’ve always wanted to be.

"You guys wanna grab a beer?" Jace asks, stretching his arms overhead. "Celebrate a little?"

Mike nods. "Yeah, there’s that dive bar a few blocks over."

I hesitate, the exhaustion from the session catching up with me. "I might pass tonight," I say, leaning against the edge of the console. "But if I change my mind, I’ll text you. I just want to clear my head."

"You sure?" Jace gives me a pointed look. "You’ve been all work and no play lately."

I wave him off. "Go. I’ll catch up maybe."

The guys exchange glances but don’t push it. They grab their stuff and head for the door, leaving me alone in the studio. The quiet settles in, the faint hum of the equipment filling the space as I sink into one of the chairs.

It’s not that I don’t want to celebrate. I do. But the high from the recording session has already faded, leaving me with a restless energy I can’t quite shake. My mind drifts to Sienna, the way she looked at me last night, her eyes guarded but still... familiar.

Before I can stop myself, I pull out my phone. My fingers hover over her name for a second, and then I send a text:

Hey. Hope I’m not bothering you.

The reply comes quicker than I expected.

Depends. Are you about to ruin my quiet Monday evening?

I smirk, becoming one with the chair.

I wouldn’t dream of it. Just checking in. How’s your night?

A pause. Then the response I’m hanging on every breath for.

Uneventful. Yours?

Uneventful.

Thinking about grabbing coffee. Know any good places?

Her next message comes with an ellipsis first, like she’s typing and rethinking before she sends it.

Are you fishing for an invite, Callum?

I chuckle softly, shaking my head. She’s as sassy as ever. And I love it.

Maybe. Can I call?

A second passes, and then my phone buzzes with her response.

Sure.

I hit the call button before I can second-guess myself. Her voice comes through on the first ring, soft and familiar. "Hey."

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