Page 83 of Chasing Lyric
CHASE
Goddammit! I never meant to hurt her.
My heart pounds ferociously, my breathing frantic as I watch Lyric fall apart in the cab. I want to go after her so fucking badly. Everything in me is screaming, aching to make this right, but I know right now she doesn’t want to talk to me.
I know her.
She needs time.
I need to respect that she needs her space. But as the cab pulls away with her inside, it breaks something within me. It feels like I’m physically being torn in half. Like a part of me has driven off in that damn car.
My nostrils flare in anger.
I never meant for her to find out like this.
I always knew one day she was going to find out, and I swear Iwasgoing to tell her. I know what singing and her family mean to her. I know what she wants from her life.
But for her to find out likethis.
No, this wasn’t supposed to fucking happen.
I stare out into the darkened night street. Cars zoom by, and I guess I’m hoping, praying for her to come back.
But I know she won’t.
She’s stubborn, and I love that about her.
I hang my head, shoving my hands into my jeans pockets, and walk back inside.
Dax slaps my back, shaking his head. “I told you this was going to blow up in your face if you didn’t come clean.”
“Not helping, Dax,” I grunt out the words.
My father walks over, reeking of disapproval. “I know it’s rare that you and Dax go off the grid, but I had your phone tracked.That’s how I found you, in case you’re wondering, son.”
I roll my eyes. I should have known, but right now I’m too concerned about Lyric to care about my father’s invasion of my damn privacy. Lyric was never meant to be approached by my father. I know she never wants back into the music scene. It’s why I haven’t pushed her on any level, and why I didn’t tell her who I am. I knew if I didthisexact thing would happen.
She’d think I was only with her to try to sign her to Ego Star Promotions.
Maybe if I’d told her the fucking truth from the get-go, this could have been avoided—with a simple and honest conversation.
Too late now.
The damage is done.
And I have no damn clue how to fix it.
Dad exhales, shaking his head. “I had no idea when I came looking for you tonight, I’d find such talent. Lyric’s unique, CJ. I wantyouto sign her. Make. It. Happen!” Dad slaps my shoulder, then turns to walk out of the bar, leaving me with Dax.
I run my fingers through my hair as I let out an exaggerated groan. “Jesus Christ.”
“I don’t think he’ll be much help right now,” Dax adds.
I glare at him. “Not. Helping. Dax,” I repeat.
He lifts his hands in mock surrender, but there’s a glint of sympathy in his eyes that only adds to the weight pressing down on my chest. “Sorry. But honestly, how did you think this was gonna end, Chase? You’ve been basically catfishing this girl for months. Telling her you’re someone you’re not. Have you even told her about the othermega-importantthing?”
The words slam into me, and my jaw clenches as my shoulders tighten like I’m bracing for a punch that’s alreadylanded. I can feel the blood draining from my face. My stomach turns with guilt, thick and sour, and I grimace, because the worst part is—he’s right.
