Page 95 of Love is a Lyric
With a sigh, she answered. “Hey, Mel.”
“Piper? Is that you? I don’t recognize your voice.”
“Very funny.” She’d been avoiding Melanie’s calls since Tommy’s video went viral over a month ago. Really, she’d avoided everyone’s calls.
“No, really, you should want to talk to me.”
“If it’s about the video—”
“Of course, it’s about the video. Piper, you’re an internet sensation, and no one even knows who you are. Have you read any of the comments?”
“No.” She’d tried not to get angry with Tommy for subjecting her to the mob, but sometimes it was hard. “Why would I do that?”
“Well, your face doesn’t show in the video, and no one who knows you has revealed your identity. That’s the good news. In the comments, they’re calling you Mrs. Piano.”
Piper snorted. “That’s a stupid name.”
“Very, but the video has climbed over four million hits now. We have to capitalize on this.”
“Capitalize? Melanie, no.” She’d known Melanie for years, and it was like she could read her thoughts through the phone.
“Pipes, I’m going to be real with you here. That song blew me away. I didn’t know you could write lyrics, let alone sing them and play piano. You have something very few people have.”
“Annoyance?” That was all she felt at the moment.
“You sing from some deeper place. I really think you could have a career at this.”
“What if I don’t want to?”
“What? Everyone wants to be famous.”
Piper walked further into the room and sat on the corner of the bed. She’d never cared about Quinn singing her songs, but there was something deeply personal about Piper performing them herself. “I never have. Mel, I know it’s your job to push people to greatness, but can’t I be great without the fame? I don’t want to be a singer.” She only sang when she needed to feel connected to something.
Melanie sighed. “I only want what’s best for you. For the past couple years, I have watched you toil away, helping others reach their potential.”
“It’s not toiling if it’s what I want to do. Ilikehelping other people. Ilikesupporting their careers and watching them succeed. It’s not unlike what you do.”
“You’re right. I know you are. It’s just… you’resogood, Piper.”
“I never cared about being good. I sing for me.”
Melanie was quiet for a long moment. “Okay, fine. But… that’s not the only reason I called.”
“Spit it out, Mel.”
“It’s Ben. I needed to know if you’ve spoken to him.”
“Why would I speak to him?” Piper sat up straighter, listening more intently than she had before.
“He left, Piper. And it might be the end ofFate.”
“He left?” Her heartbeat kicked up a notch.
“It’s like he just disappeared.”
