Page 76 of Faded Rhythm

Julian studies my face. “Any idea why?”

“No idea.” I sit next to him and pull out my phone. “Maybe my mother knows something.”

I put it on speaker, and her voice rings out a few seconds later.

“Hey, baby!”

“Hey, Mama.” I glance at Julian as he leans in a little, elbows on the counter, gaze unreadable.

“I wanted to ask you something,” I say. “About Dime.”

She clicks her tongue. “I know. It’s so sad.”

I frown. “What is?”

“You know he’s terminal.”

I’m so confused by this. I glance at Julian again, who stares right back. He doesn’t have the answers either.

“You didn’t know?”

I blow out a breath. “I had no idea. Terminal with what?”

“Well, you know he’s been sick for a while. Prostate.”

She’s saying it pointedly as if this is common knowledge.

“Brett didn’t tell you? What is going on over there?”

“So…he’s dying?”

“Yeah. Poor thing’s lost so much weight, he barely looks like himself anymore. He’s got maybe a year. That’s what he told me, but I think it’s more like six months.”

I feel like the wind has been knocked out of me.

“Brett never said a word about it,” I say. “And we don’t really see Dime that much anymore.”

Mama sighs. “Maybe he didn’t wanna worry you. Or maybe he’s too busy counting the money. I bet he’s giddy knowing he’s about to get half of the label.”

I freeze.

And Julian’s face finally registers an expression.

“…What do you mean, his half? I thought Dime sold the label after Daddy died.”

Mama chuckles lightly. “Dime sold the distribution arm, sweetheart. Not the whole thing.”

“But…” I trail off, unable to form anything coherent.

I swallow hard. “Brett told me Dime sold everything. Remember, Dime took care of all the paperwork and legal stuff. Right?”

“Yes. Your daddy’s fifty percent went to you and Ebony. Baby, why don’t you know any of this?”

“I have to go,” I rush out. “I’ll call you back. Love you.”

“Love you—“

I hang up before she can finish.

---