Page 136 of Composed
“Hmm.”
“Those sound like fighting words.”
“And if they are?”
She cocks her head. Her tongue swipes over her lip stud and she drums her fingertips into the carpet. “I never lose.”
“Me either.”
“Who’s judging?”
“Axel?”
She shakes her head. “He’ll pick you. He always did.”
“Saint is yours.”
She grins smugly. “Obviously. I've always been his favourite.”
“Carter?”
Her nose wrinkles.
“He’s the most impartial,” I tell her.
“True. Pretty sure he hates me these days, though, so.” She hisses playfully, but her eyes dim, the corner of her mouth tugging down for a beat before she schools her expression. “Can’t see him giving me his vote.”
A weight settles on my chest.
Before I can stop myself, I wrap an arm around her back and pull her into my chest. “He doesn’t hate you.”
“He doesn’t like me, either.” Her breath skates my neck as she peers up at me, her fingers tugging at the end of my t-shirt. “And I’m not giving you an easy win.”
I brush aside the strand of hair falling into her face. “Well, do you have anyone to judge?”
She clicks her tongue, eyes dipping.
Then, she grins. “I do, in fact. But she doesn’t hold back, so prepare yourself.”
“She?”
“Riley.”
“So, we’re both writing a song, and then askingyourbest friend to judge it? I feel that’s pretty partial.”
She rolls her eyes. “He says as if he didn't just reel off his own best friends as options.”
“Ourbest friends, Rixie.” I grin.
She flattens her lips. “They're not impartial enough.”
“And Riley really will be?”
“She literally told me yesterday she hates what I write. If that’s not impartial, I don’t know what is.”
I choke on a laugh. “She said that?”
“Yup.” She chuckles. “My girl keeps me humble.”
