Page 167 of Missed Notes (Rixon High 5)

“You know he up and quit on us, right?”

“Well, now he’s back.”

“Yeah,” Jude caught my eye and gave me a small nod. “He is.”

But Travis had to have the final word when he said, “Let’s just hope he doesn’t fuck it all up.”

* * *

I played my heart out.

Not only because I wanted the band to get their lucky break. Or because I wanted to prove to my old man that music could lead to bigger and better things. But I played my heart out knowing that Sofia was watching.

I’d spied Ashleigh live-streaming the gig from the side of the stage. She’d given me a little thumbs up the second we’d stepped out under the blazing lights and Jude had bellowed ‘Rebel City’ over the mic to the crammed room.

Sweat clung to my faded black t-shirt as I moved my fingers over the frets, serenading the crowd to the opening notes from Missed Notes.

It was my song still with a few extra tweaks from Jude and the guys, but now it was Sofia’s song too.

Deep yet hopeful she’d called it.

Before I realized what I was doing, I’d grabbed my mic. “This song goes out to a special girl. Sofia Bennet, I love you.”

Jude shot me a smirk while the crowd went wild, cheering and clapping.

Shit.

Had I really just done that?

But it felt good.

Better than good. It felt right.

She wasn’t here but she was still with me. Just like I hoped I was still with her while she watched from her hospital bed in Allentown.

The rest of the set went by in a blur. After Jude thanked the crowd and we ambled off stage, reality sunk into me.

I wanted this—I really fucking did.

But I wanted the girl more.

Shit. I needed to get to Allentown. Stat.

“Kandon, what’s—”

Someone cleared their throat and we all turned to find a tall man in a corduroy jacket and jeans. “I’m Denny Hambridge. Talent scout for Razorsharp Records.”

“Holy shit,” Mikey breathed.

“Nice to meet you, sir.” Jude stuck out his hand.

“I just wanted to drop by and say I really liked what you did out there tonight. And if you’re interested, I think we could make some music together.”

“Uh, yeah, we’re interested. Definitely interested.”

“Right answer.” He chuckled, pulling a card out of his pocket. “I have a couple more bands to watch, but I’d love to sit down with the four of you and talk over some things.”

“Yes! Hell yes.” Travis blurted out.

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