Page 27 of Composed
I drag in a slow breath.
“So to answer your question, yes. I loved him. Very much so. But more than that, Ilivedfor him.”
I swirl the final shot in the glass before tossing it back.
The burn is welcome. I choke it down as my eyes catch the microphone once more.
“And then I went right ahead and broke his heart.”
Chapter nine
Hendrix • Then
Kiss Me Again – We The In Crowd
Fifteen Years Old
Myeyesdrawonthe ticking clock.
I should already be halfway home by now, not hidden around the cracked music room door, watching Cole Hayes like some weirdo stalker.
“You’re not doing it right.” Saint snatches the ancient Fender from Cole’s hands.
Cole scowls. “Maybe you’re just a shit teacher.”
Saint only smirks. He settles the electric guitar in his lap. Deft fingers press down on the strings as he lazily strums. Each chord blends seamlessly, one into another, as he breezes through a tricky riff.
I flick back to Cole who's watching Saint with his hands shoved deep in his trouser pockets. The crooked grin I’ve grown so used to seeing on his face is gone and replaced with a…pout?My god.
I bite down my smile.
His black-and-blue striped tie hangs loose down his chest, the top couple buttons of his white shirt are popped open, and his hair is a shaggy mess, like he’s been tugging at the strands for hours.
The guy who is usually so effortlessly cool now stares down his best friend with puppy-dog eyes and puckered lips. It’s adorable.
Cole groans, dragging a hand down his face. “This is pointless. I’m never getting it.”
“You don’t have to be good at everything, you know,” Saint says with a grin. “You sing, play piano, drums,andthe violin. Not to mention you write music. Why is guitar so important to you?”
Cole kicks his foot against the carpet. “’Cause Beethoven doesn’t exactly scream future rock star.”
My stomach flips.
Before I can think better of it, I stroll into the room. “You know there are a ton of bands who use piano in their music, right?”
Cole’s head spins so fast, I’m surprised he doesn’t topple over.
His gaze locks on mine, his back straightens, and he beams. “Is that so?”
“Just look at Queen.” I press my back to the wall and fold my arms over my chest.
“Not quite the vibes we’re going for.”
“Maybe not.” I hum. “But Avenged, My Chem…”
“Interesting.” Cole steps closer.
His fingers close around the edge of the drawstring dangling from my hood.
