Page 48 of Night and Day
Mia lifted her chin, noticing his confusion. “You can’t imagine it, right? You’ve only ever seen me completely out of my comfort zone, right after I lost everything. I still don’t know how I’m going to get myself sorted. I’m entirely reliant on you. This isn’t me. I don’t rely on anyone. This is some through-the-wormhole version of me.” She shook as she spoke, eyes burning.
Izzy placed his palms over her fidgeting fingers. “Do you like this version? Or would you rather go back through the wormhole?”
Mia stared back at him, startled. “What do you mean? Why does it matter if I like it? It’s not me.”
Izzy smiled, stroking his thumb over her hand. “Of course it’s you. You just haven’t seen this side of yourself in a while. What were you like as a kid?”
Mia shrugged, a faint smile passing her lips. “Full of ideas, always creating something. It’s sad how things change, isn’t it? You grow up and notice that it’s not worth making things yourself. Those who do get paid a pittance. If you want to get ahead, you have to manage others, or you manage the people who manage them. That’s success, right? Getting further and further away from doing anything ourselves.”
Izzy shifted in his seat, releasing her hand. “I wouldn’t know about that, other than being paid a pittance.” He belted out a sad laugh.
Mia’s eyes flashed with alarm. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like that! I don’t think it’s right. Our contractor rates were abysmal. Now that I’ve seen how much food costs here, it makes no sense—”
“Don’t worry about it.” Izzy shook his head, smiling at her. “I’ve never tried to get ahead in the corporate world. It’s not for me.” He studied her for a moment. “And maybe it’s not the only path for you, either? Can I hear your other song?”
Chapter 18
Mia hugged her guitar, afraid to look at Izzy as she stared at the lyrics she’d scribbled on the back of her notebook. Come on, nerves, she told the weird, buzzing feeling at the back of her head, settle down. It’s only Izzy. He won’t judge me.
Taking a deep breath, Mia played as much as she had of the song so far, her heartbeat kicking up a notch as she forced herself to sing out loud.
Izzy’s eyes lit up like two matches as he stared at her fingers, and hummed along to the melody. Impatient, he grabbed his own guitar and started feeling for the right chords and trying new ones. Mia followed his lead, excited to discover his choices worked better, teasing out a haunting melody.
They worked through the song a couple of times, playing and singing together. Izzy discovered a secondary melody and they sang harmonies. The chorus gave Mia chills. “I can’t believe how good you make it sound!” She gushed, holding onto her guitar as the last chord rang through it, vibrating through her ribcage.
Izzy shook his head, eyes sparkling. “It’s your song, I’m just playing it. And I love it.” He put down his guitar, turning to his computer. “Have you thought about recording it? We can do it here.”
Cold sweat prickled on Mia’s neck. “I’ve only just worked up the courage to play with you.” Her face broke into a conflicted smile. “It’s weird, since I’m not really a shy person. In my job, I dealt with all these difficult people, a lot of public speaking... It didn’t bother me at all, but playing my songs?” she grimaced, searching for words. “It’s like I’m fifteen again and performing at a piano recital at school. I’m terrified.”
Izzy chuckled. “That’s totally normal, I think. Creativity makes you vulnerable. You can’t be the ice queen, like you said. Not that I think you are. I can see the ice melting.”
Would it turn into tears, Mia wondered, sensing the familiar welling in her chest and behind her eyes, again a little bit closer, a little bit stronger. If she could somehow avoid getting in too deep, falling for a guy who lived on the other side of the planet, spending time in his presence could unlock her tears. She could take those home with her, and it was a good thing, right? Good for her music, good for her mental health. Except she’d be crying over him.
“Play another one,” Izzy urged, offering his own guitar.
An uneasy feeling stirred in Mia’s stomach, and she flashed him an apologetic smile. “Maybe another time.”
