“You okay?” Tori says.
I nod. “Yeah.” I decide not to mention the fact that I know she was with Hunter. I would feel even worse if I ruined their surprise. “I think the Italian food is just making me a little nauseated. I’ll be right back.” I stand and walk to my bedroom, then sit on the edge of my bed in order to regain my bearings. I’m filled with a mixture of doubt and guilt. Doubt, because I know neither of them would do what I briefly thought they had done. Guilt, because for a brief moment, I actually believed they were capable of it.
Ridge
I was hoping the first set of lyrics wasn’t a fluke, but after seeing the second set she sent me and adding them to the music, I text Brennan. I can’t not tell him about her any longer.
Me: I’m about to send you two songs. I don’t even need you to tell me what you think of them, because I know you’ll love them. So let’s move past that, because I need you to solve a dilemma for me.
Brennan: Oh, shit. I was just kidding about the Maggie thing. You didn’t really dump her for inspiration did you?
Me: I’m being serious. I found a girl who I’m positive was brought to this earth specifically for us.
Brennan: Sorry, man. I’m not into that shit. I mean, maybe if you weren’t my brother, but still.
Me: Stop with the horseshit, Brennan. Her lyrics. They’re perfect. And they come so effortlessly to her. I think we need her. I haven’t been able to write songs like these since . . . well, ever. Her lyrics are perfect, and you need to take a look at them, because I sort of need you to love them and agree to buy them from her.
Brennan: What the hell, Ridge? We can’t hire someone to write lyrics for us. She’ll want a percentage of the royalties, and between the two of us and the guys in the band, it won’t be worth it.
Me: I’m going to ignore that until you check the e-mail I just sent you.
I put my phone down and pace the room, giving him time to take a look at what I just sent him. My heart is pounding, and I’m sweating, even though it’s not at all hot in this room. I just can’t take his telling me no, because I’m scared that if we can’t use her, I’ll be facing another six months of a concrete wall.
After several minutes, my phone vibrates. I drop to my bed and pick it up.
Brennan: Okay. See what she’s willing to take, and let me know.
I smile and toss the phone into the air and feel like yelling. After I calm down enough to text her, I pick up my phone and think. I don’t want to freak her out, because I know she’s completely new to this kind of thing.
Me: I was wondering if we could talk sometime soon? I have a proposition for you. And get your mind out of the gutter, it’s completely music-related.
Sydney: Okay. I can’t say I’m looking forward to it, because it makes me nervous. You want me to call you when I get off work?
Me: You work?
Sydney: Yes. Campus library. Morning shift mostly, except for this weekend.
Me: Oh. I guess that’s why I never noticed. I don’t usually get out of bed until after lunch.
Sydney: So do you want me to call you after I get home?
Me: Just text me. You think we can meet up sometime this weekend?
Sydney: Probably, but I’d have to talk to my boyfriend. Don’t want him to find out and think you’re using me for more than my lyrics.
Me: K. Sounds good.
Sydney: If you want, you could come to my birthday party tomorrow night. Might be easier, because he’ll be here.
Me: It’s your birthday tomorrow? Happy early birthday. And that sounds good. What time?
Sydney: Not sure. I’m not supposed to know about it. I’ll just text you tomorrow night once I find out more.