Page 98 of Love is a Lyric
“Oh, yeah. She’s good at her job, like really good. I’ve never seen anyone so singularly focused on anticipating my needs. Honestly, it’s a little creepy. I don’t even have to ask for stuff before she appears. Hold on, here she comes.”
Ben’s breath quickened as he heard Piper’s voice. Drew thanked her before turning his attention back to Ben. “Something is wrong, and I think that something is you.”
“How… Drew, you don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“I think I do. Piper is my girl, but I’m going to admit, I love you, man.”
“Gross.”
“Like really really love you. We’re bros now, and that’s cool. I know you love me too, you don’t have to say it. So, I’m just going to dive in. You shouldn’t marry Quinn when a girl like Piper is so obviously in love with you.”
“She’s not—”
“I was there in Ohio, remember? Most people think I’m a fool, and sometimes they’d be right. But not this time.”
“You realize this is weird, right? Giving me advice about your assistant.”
“Yes.” Drew laughed. “But weird works for me. Just know, if you hurt this sweet woman, I’m going to smash your guitar over your head. So, you need to decide. There’s no room for waffling. Do you love Piper? That’s all that should matter. Now, I gotta go if I want to get back to my hotel room to watch Quinn’s press conference. Think she’ll claim she’s pregnant with your baby?”
“Press conference?” His eyes widened. What could Quinn possibly be doing calling a press conference?
“Guess my calls aren’t the only ones you’ve been ducking. Chat later.” He hung up without a goodbye.
Ben stared at his phone, willing that conversation to disappear from his mind.
Do you love Piper?
Was it really that simple?
He pulled up Quinn on the phone and tapped her number, listening to it ring with bated breath. What could she possibly have to say to the press? The world? When the phone clicked to voicemail, he hung up and tried Melanie. If anyone knew what was going on, it would be her. Again, no answer.
In a last-ditch effort to figure this out, he tried Conner.
When Conner picked up, Ben released a breath. He didn’t bother with hello. “What’s going on? Why is Quinn holding a press conference?”
Conner sighed. “I tried to talk her out of this, Ben, but she’s adamant it’s something she needs to do.”
“What is? What’s she going to do.”
“You need to watch. I don’t know where you’ve been, or if you’re coming back, but Quinn is going to make everything right. We just might not have a band after this.”
Only moments ago, Ben hadn’t contradicted Chase when he saidFatewas breaking up. But now, talking to Conner, he needed to save them. “Tell me it’s not over, Conner.”
“Honestly, I don’t know.” In all the years Ben knew Conner, he couldn’t remember him sounding so dejected, so lost. “But at least if we go down, it’s doing the right thing. Look, I’ve gotta go. The press conference is starting, and I need to be at Quinn’s side for this. It’s being streamed on our website if you care to watch.”
The line went dead. Of course, he cared to watch. Even through the lies and turmoil, he’d never stop caring about Conner and Quinn. They’d been his family for too long.
Pushing himself to his feet, he walked toward the kitchen and slid Chase’s computer from the bag, powering it up. He typed in the web address. On the main page, a live stream showed Quinn standing on a small stage with Conner at her side.
Ben should have been there.
And instead, he’d hidden himself away.
Chase emerged from the bathroom, a towel wrapped around his waist. He stepped up beside Ben. “What’s happening?”
“She’s tearing it all down.” Even as he said the words, he couldn’t help feeling like it needed torn down. He wasn’t ready forFateto end, but they’d built their careers on someone else’s words without giving credit to the most talented person they all knew. Piper deserved for the world to see her.
Quinn cleared her throat, and the reporters quieted, straining to hear what she had to say. “I’m Quinn Hayes, lead singer of the bandFate, and I’ve come to you today with a confession and a story.” She flicked her eyes to Conner, who gave her an encouraging nod. “The last six years have been more than I could’ve imagined. Being a part of this band with the two best guys I know has been the kind of ride few people experience in their lives. But we didn’t do it alone. Most of you know I have a sister.”
