Page 74 of Sweetheart

"I'm not the one who broke his heart when I broke up with him," I said.

"No, you're just the girl he pined after for years without a care for his feelings."

"Wha—that never happened."

"You're so clueless," she said and crossed her arms. "But that's no excuse. I repeat, don't hurt Sam. If you do, you'll have me to answer to. Understand?"

I shook my head. "Sure, but—"

"That's all I wanted to hear."

Two other girls attempted to enter the bathroom, and Brisa said, "Hey, Dani, Lorelei! Let's go find another restroom. This one's overcrowded." They locked arms and out Brisa went, her hair swirling like a freaking tornado, leaving me a confused mess in her wake.

So much for the refresh.

After that convo, I was completely baffled.

My feet took me to the music room on auto-pilot.I'd already had my private lesson with Theresa—during which, she called me out for being distracted. That was 100% accurate. But she also notedthat my playing seemed even more passionate than usual. Hmmm. Must've beenall thoseemotions leaking out. Music always helped me release them.

I hoped it would do that again now.

Technically, it was my lunchtime, but reaching for my favorite outlet, I removed Yami Yami from her case, rested the violin on my shoulder, and ran my fingers along the neck.Closing my eyes, Iplayed, letting the music carry me away.

I lost track of time.

Wasn't sure how long I stayed in that blissed out state.

But at the sound of someone clapping, my eyes snapped open.

Sam was standing in the doorway. He'd been propped up against the frame, butat my look of surprise, he stepped forward with a grin.

"Sounded good, Kent," he said.

"Thanks."

"I said your name, but you were completely lost in the music."

"Yeah, that happens sometimes," I mumbled, ducking to put Yami Yamiaway—it also had the added bonus of giving me an extra second to compose myself. "Were you looking for me?"

"Yeah, Ihaven't seen you all day. You okay?"

"Of course, why wouldn't I be?"

Sam shrugged, stopping about a foot away. "Don't know. That's why I asked."

Straightening, I took a deep breath andmet his gaze. "I ran into Brisa," I said.

"Oh yeah?"

"We hada strange conversation.She said some weird things."

Sam shrugged. "Like what?"

"Well, she called you one of her best friends," I said. "Told me she'd make my life hell if I hurt you."

He chuckled quietly.

"You think that's funny?"

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