Page 61 of The Masks We Wear

Her exterior falls and she walks over to the couch, dropping beside me and sighing. “You didn’t ruin everything.”

I give her the most unconvinced look possible. “I did. We’re getting sued and dropped because I didn’t show up to the studio to finish one song.”

She takes a deep breath, “Yeah, you did do that. You’re a dick for that, by the way.”

“Tell me something I don’t know,” I huff sarcastically.

She pauses for a second and then looks at me with a small smile on her lips, “I missed you.”

My brows pull together, “What?”

She shifts so that her whole body is positioned facing me. “I missed you, Brody. We’ve been best friends since we were kids and when you became famous a couple years ago and got big, you changed. Not in a way that made me resent or dislike you,but in a way that made me pity you. You were a shell of the person you used to be, the fire in you seemed to be put out by this constant worry and fear of what other people were thinking. It felt like I lost that confident, carefree girl I loved so much and in her place I got someone who turned to drugs and alcohol because she was so insecure.”

Tears threaten to rise and I try to force them away in fear of ruining my makeup. My face falls and my voice cracks, “Why didn’t you say anything to me?”

She tilts her head, “You and I both know you wouldn’t have listened. You would’ve gotten defensive. I’m just glad that the version of you I love and remember is back.”

“You really think so?”

She nods, “I haven’t seen you this way in so long. It makes me so happy to have you back.”

I feel free in a way, because of her words. It was the confirmation I needed that I’m doing the right thing in taking the mask off. I don’t care who sees me for who I really am nor do I give a fuck what they think. There’s only one person whose opinion matters to me and he isn’t here to share it. “It fucking sucks it took me this long to get it together. Only took losing everything we’ve ever had to make me see reason,” I shake my head, annoyance in my tone at my own actions.

Selene laughs, “We had quite the wild ride though. A lot of good times, a lot of bad times, but it was all worth it in the end. I’m glad we got to experience it all together.”

I reach for her hand, “Thank you for putting up with me for so long.”

She squeezes my hand gently, “You’re my best friend, Brody. I’d do anything for you even though you made me want to rip my hair out on many occasions.”

I smirk, “Sorry you had to bail me out of jail so many times. And that we stressed you out with all those legal problems. Ohand while I’m being honest, I’m really sorry for crashing into your Mercedes.”

Her eyes widen and her brows basically fly off her forehead. “I fucking knew it was you! You bitch!”

I chuckle, “That was totally my bad.”

She snorts a laugh, “I thought my neighbor crashed into my car and lied. I accused him of it and threatened him with a lawsuit. God, you sneaky little bitch. I knew you were acting suspicious around that time. That must’ve been what? Two years ago?”

I nod, “Yeah probably two.”

She looks amused, “You did so much crazy shit.”

I can’t help but smile in nostalgia, “That I did.”

“I guess it’s a good thing it’s all ending on a high note.” She pulls me into a hug and I hug her back. I have a flash of memories from our rise to fame, how much fun we had. I suddenly feel like I got hit by a truck of emotions but the most prominent is the love I have for my friends.

I guess it’s a good thing it’s all ending on a high note. I repeat her sentence in my head. My body stiffens and my mind goes blank for a second and a minute later, when I’ve gotten myself together, I pull away and grip her by the shoulders. “What if it doesn’t have to end at all?” I ask, excitement in my tone.

“What are you talking about?” Her voice is confused.

I leap off the couch and to the door, “I have to find Ivory and Aria,” I twist the knob and turn to face her, “Call the label and tell them we have the last song. Ask them if we can record it tomorrow but tell them we’re performing it tonight.”

Her eyes go wide and she places a palm on her chest, “You have the last song?”

I nod energetically, “Yes. I’ve had it this whole time, I just didn’t think about using it until now. I’m gonna fix all of this, Selene. We’re not gonna get sued and we’re not getting dropped.Call them!” I demand before I open the door.

“Brody!” Selene calls and I stop in my tracks, looking at her over my shoulder.

I give her a questioning look and she just gives me a gentle smile, “Don’t think I don’t know you were sleeping with Harvey Taylor for months.”

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