With a nod in my direction, Rick leaves the two of us alone.
“You have a show tonight?”
“Yeah. That’s why I’m here. I was rehearsing.”
“I know, I heard.”
“You were watching me?” There’s a hint of amusement in her voice, and I’m sure she’s thinking about the same thing—our run-in in the gym when she first moved in.
“I haven’t been able to take my eyes off you since I met you. You have a beautiful voice.”
“Thanks.” Her gaze drops to the ground.
“Would it be okay if I came to the show? Maybe I could buy you a drink after?”
“There’s nothing left to talk about, Ryder. I kept things from you. I hurt Amelia.”
“You didn’t hurt Amelia—Devlin did. You’re not responsible for his actions. The only reason I cared that you kept it from me was I was hurt. I wanted you to trust me and thought you didn’t.”
“I trusted you with my life, Ryder. You just didn’t know it.”
“I do now.”
“You need to let this go.”
“I can’t. I won’t.”
“Ryder…”
“When you needed a job, I gave you a chance, didn’t I?”
“Yeah…”
“Well, I need you. Won’t you give me a chance?” I watch a myriad of emotions run through Ember’s eyes.
“One drink, but don’t count on me changing my mind.”
Arrogance radiates off my shrug. “Don’t count on me giving up after just one drink.”
CHAPTERTHIRTY-EIGHT
Ember
“Soundcheck was amazing,” Rick tells me as I put the finishing touches on my makeup.
“Thanks.” Being back on stage has been amazing. It feels like the old days—before Devlin. The thrill, the excitement, the rush.
“Are you excited about your special guest?”
“Knock it off, Rick.”
“Oh, come on, Ember. You have to be a little happy that he’s here.”
Of course, I’m not happy. Seeing him again, knowing that we can never be hurts—bad.
“I’ve already made up my mind, Rick. This is where I want to be.”
“What’s to say he wouldn’t follow you here. I mean, he’s here now, and he sure as hell doesn’t look like the guy to give up.”