Page 50 of Composed
I jerk forward, exhaling slowly as I cross to answer it.
Cracking my knuckles, the tension eases enough that I can push down the button. “Hello?”
The speaker crackles. “Hey, Cole.”
“Hey,” I release the locks before I can back out. “Doors open. Just head straight through the hallway, down the stairs, and I’ll meet you outside the studio.”
“Okay.”
I pull away as I hear the door crack open through the speakers.
Raking a hand through my hair, and pull the control room door open,
Cold air rushes into the control room.
I shove a hand in my pocket and stalk down the hallway. Records, album covers, and lyric prints line the walls—telling the story of Reckless Abandon. I move past the live room, my feet slowing with each step.
I spot her friend first. Dressed in sunflower dungarees, her auburn hair bounces beneath yellow ear defenders as she shifts from one foot to the other.
When Hendrix texted to say she was bringing someone, my first instinct was to tell her no. This studio is our sanctuary. It’s hidden—built beneath the walls of our home where no one can find us.
We don’t bring strangers here.
But Hendrix is as good as a stranger now too.
So, I couldn’t deny her the comfort of a friend when stepping into a world that’s no longer her own.
Pretty sure I couldn’t deny her anything, if only she asked.
I shake my head, willing the thoughts away as I yank the handle.
The door releases with a jerk.
I frame the wood with my ankle, stopping it from smacking into the wall.
The friend looks up first, cool grey eyes brushing over me, before they settle on a spot on the wall past my shoulder.
“Hi, I’m Riley,” she says, her fingers wiggling at her sides.
“Hey, Riley.” I smile. “I’m Cole.”
“I know.” She breezes past me, scanning the framed walls.
“Okay, then,” I mutter, turning to Hendrix. Her shoulders tremble, and I tilt my head. “Are you laughing at me, Rixie?”
She cups a hand to her mouth.
“Nu-uh.” A soft tinkling giggle spills from her lips. “I just can’t imagine you’re used to that kind of reception.”
My mouth twitches. “No, can’t say I am.” I glance back at Riley who pokes her head into the lounge before turning back to Hendrix. “She’s different.”
“She’s just Riley. You’ll get used to her.” Her gold glittered eyes widen a pinch and she jerks them away and to the ground. “Or you know, you won’t.” She clears her throat, kicking the floor with the toe of her black Converse. “We’re not sticking around for long, after all.”
“Right.” I nod. “Should probably get this over with then. Don’t want to keep you for longer than needed.”
Something flickers across her expression, so fast I don’t catch it. “Yep. Sounds good.”
“Rix—”
