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Iknow this.Ialready know this, but hearing him say it tomy fatherhas butterflies soaring in my stomach.

“SodoesZak,”Dadreplies. “AndTy.Takea number, but sit your ass down.You’reno good for her and you damn well know it.”

Myexpression sours;Idoubt he’s ever talked toZakorTylike this.

Adrianscoffs. “Yourfaith in me is astounding, old man.”

“Dree, it’s nothing personal,”Dadsays gently. “You’remy kid, too.Iwant the best for both of y’all, and that’s not pursuing a relationship right now.”Papersshuffle. “Lether adjust to being back in the band without drama between you and your brother.Don’tgive her another reason to run back toAtlanta.”

Adriansighs heavily in resignation.

Thelong pause that stretches out is tense enough to push me out of hiding, butIstop dead in my tracks whenAdrianspeaks.

“You’reright.”

“Yeah,I—”

Dadstops abruptly.Thesilence that follows could snap a piano string.

“Youmight be right, butImade her a promise, andI’mnot gonna break that.”Achair rolls over the wood floor. “Soget used to seeing me around.”

Dadtuts. “YouandRobbieare already fighting on stage; we don’t need you andZakfighting, too.”

“Youknow, maybe you oughta know somethin’ about y’all’s beloved golden child.”

“What’sthat?”

“Zwasn’t supposed to ask her out.”

Chapter7

“Grey Flap”

–Pist.On

Myjaw dropsto the floor.

Dadsays the same time asIthink it, “Whatthe fuck is that supposed to mean?”

Adrianstammers, like he blurted out that whole part and just realized what he said. “Iwas gonna ask her, butZakgot to her first.”

Myknees buckle, forcing me to lean against the wall for support.

“Youshould leave.”

“David, listen—”

“No.”Astack of papers smack against a desk. “Youlisten.Mydaughter isn’t a fuckin’ conquest for either of you boys.Getyour head outta your ass and leave her the hell alone.Nowgit.”

Amoment later,Adrianrounds the corner, head down like he has a tail tucked between his legs, and almost runs into me.

Hiseyes widen.

Myhead shakes, andIturn to head for the front door.Footstepsfall after me.

Ifling the door wide open, hittingAdrian, and stalk outside.

“Steph, wait,” he calls out.