Page 57 of Broken Harmony
Wrapping the towel around me, I head straight for the bed, too tired to change into clothes.
As soon as my eyes close, I’m out. Thankfully, I’m not plagued by any dreams.
***
Three days later, I’m feeling better, and my pity party is over.
I’ve spent hours thinking about what I’m going to do with my life and where I go from here.
And now, it’s time I do something about it.
“Alright, tell me what's going on?” I ask, storming onto the tour bus. Everyone looks up at me. I can tell they want to ask questions, but I give them all a look that saysnot right now.
“Well,” my uncle clears his throat. “Julia has been arrested, which you already know. Your statement is enough to get her charged on multiple counts. We’re pressing charges, but there's going to be an investigation before any of this goes to trial. The lead detective believes you're not the only person she’s done this to.”
The sick thing is that I don't think I am either. How many people did she hurt? Take advantage of? Use and abuse?
“So, for right now, we’re going to be updated when we need to be. Just know she’s behind bars and can’t hurt you anymore.”
“Good.” I nod. Knowing she’s somewhere she can’t get to me has me feeling a little bit more relaxed.
“I want you to go see someone.” Chase surprises me by saying
“What?” My brows furrow. “What do you mean?”
“To talk to someone about what happened to you.” He swallows hard, his face a mask of guilt. “Ally, you were abused,” his voice cracks. “You shouldn’t have to deal with that on your own.”
“I’m fine.” I grind my jaw, not wanting to talk about this right now.
“Are you?” he asks. “Are youreally? Because I know if what happened to you happened to me, I wouldn’t be.”
Okay, so I’m not fine. Far from it.
“Fine,” I sigh heavily. Maybe seeing someone will help. I know I need to talk to someone about my depression. If I’m going to continue to make something of myself in this career,I need to make sure I’m healthy. Now that I don’t have Julia controlling every bit of my life, it’s time I take it back. Do what's best for me.
“Thank you.” He smiles gratefully at me. “As for a new manager. I’ve made some calls and I think I’ve found you a good replacement. He’s an intern at the label. Hard working. Good guy. And he’s a Beta. So there’s nothing to worry about with power imbalances. I can vouch for him because technically, I'm his godfather. I’ve known him his whole life.”
“You have?” My brows furrow. “Who is it?”
Chase grins. “Remember that little boy who would always come to the family barbecues. Jason Wilder’s son?”
My eyes widen. “Nate?”
“Yup.” He grins wide.
Oh fuck. Nate.Really? What has the universe done to me?
Nate Wilder. The only person besides Lulu I ever had a real crush on. He’s three years older than me, and I used to think he was the hottest boy to ever walk the face of the earth with his dark, wavy hair and bright blue eyes. The way he would smile at me and call me kiddo would melt my little girl heart.
Sure, it’s been years since I’ve seen him. But the last time I did, I was eleven and he was 14. He was at one of the get-togethers my parents would host. I went looking for him and found him making out with my older cousin. That was the first time I ever got my heart broken.
Any time he came to anything after that, I hid in my room. Refused to see him.
And now he’s going to be my manager.
Fuck. My. Life.
“Is that okay?” Chase asks. “If you want me to look for someone else, I can. I just think he’d be the best fit. I trust him. He’s a hard worker. Eager to learn. And knows a lot about what'sexpected. He’s been wanting to take on more responsibilities within the company, and he has good ideas.”
