Page 133 of Composed
“Then that’s all that matters." I grab the sheet music I’ve been tinkering with since this morning. “I’m glad you’re finding new people.”
“Me too.” Her lips tug down. “But I miss you.”
“I miss you too.”
I scrub my pick over my chest.
In the years Riley and I have known each other, we’ve never gone this long apart. Sometimes I wonder if we’re too co-dependent, but I think we both needed something the other could give when we met.
Riley became my lifeline in the time I really needed something to hold onto.
“Why don’t you come down?” I ask her. “I’m sure the guys won’t mind you crashing with me for a few days.”
“Aren’t you busy working?”
“Yeah, but you can hang out. If anyone’s gonna give me brutal honesty about the music, it’s you.”
The corner of her mouth twitches. “I hate the music you write.”
Laughter crawls up my throat.
Most people would probably be offended if their best friend said that, but could never be me. I love how she's unapologetic about her likes and dislikes. “You’ve never heard the music I write.”
“Axel sent me over some of their songs.”
“Oh, did he now?” I scan her face, but her expression remains placid. “And what was your feedback?”
She bounces in her stool. “It wasn’t for me. I’ll stick to my banjo tunes.”
“Fair.” I smile. “Anyway, think about coming down. I’ll speak to Saint and clear it, but I don’t see him saying no.”
“Okay.” Her mouth tilts softly and the knot in my chest eases some.
A knock sounds at the door before it swings open.
“Hey, Riles, I’m gonna get off." I slide my guitar off my lap. “I’ll call you later, okay?”
“Yep. I’ve got to get back to this manuscript, anyway.”
I snatch up my phone and blow a kiss into the screen. “Love you.”
“Love you. Bye.”
I end the video call.
The click of shoes on hardwood echoes through the bedroom door. Pretty sure none of the people living in this building have ever heard of boundaries. I jump off the bed and drag an oversized black hoodie over my sports bra just as Saint strolls through the open door.
“Hey,” he says, leaning against the doorframe. “You free?”
I tip my chin, lips pursing. “Depends.”
He slides a hand into his jeans pocket. “Wanna come skate with me? Teddy is at the dance studio all day, and Cole, Ax, and Carter have gone to Tommy’s for lunch.”
“Cart’s dad?”
“Yeah, he and Susan moved down here a couple years ago when he became our official manager.”
“Why didn’t you go with them?”
