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She returns a sly smile. “Now who’s a walking motivational poster.”

She’s not wrong, but we’re also not as different as she thinks. In some ways, at some basic level, we’re all the same. We all need to believe that we matter.

“Well, you need to hear it, that’s all,” I say. “You know why I’m here? Because when I was sixteen, Elena Barrett told me that our dad was a liar. That I wasn’t a worthless piece-of-shit just because I didn’t meet his expectations. That I was smart,and caring, and a talented musician. And even though I was just a kid fooling around with drums in a stupid band with my friend Luke, it was important because I loved it.”

“You found something you love, Casey. Do you have any idea how incredible that is? No matter what happens, promise me you will never give it up. I don’t care if you’re playing in a basement for yourself or on a stage for millions. I just need you to play and stay passionate.”

Ten years later, I’m still playing. Against the odds. Against all the forces that tried to stand in my way, Elena’s words drove me against the tide. Maybe Callie never had an Elena to push her in the right direction, but she does now.

“That’s why I’m here, Callie,” I say in an earnest voice. I search her eyes, fighting for her the way my sister fought for me. “Because she told me what I was when everyone else in my life was telling me what I wasn’t. Once I started focusing on what I was instead, that’s where my identity came from, my dreams, the drive.”

“It all starts with believing in yourself,” she recites in a droll tone.

I squint in frustration. Not at her. Just at our world that is so quick to define and lock people in boxes until they trap themselves.

“No, that’s a lie. It starts with accepting yourself. You can’t believe in what you don’t understand. And if you’re still telling people you’re no one, then you don’t understand yet.”

She goes quiet, but I see her mind working. All I can do is hope that some of this is getting through. Because it would be a terrible tragedy if her beautiful light flickered out because she never understood how brightly it shines.

“Can we work on our song again?” she asks in a tentative voice.

My heart soars. No other response would mean more to me.

“Which one?” I ask.

She sucks in a breath. “What do you mean?”

Time to show her what a beacon she is.

“Fire up that laptop.”

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

I let Callie pick our next meal and immediately regret it when she chooses salads. Not because I don’t like salads—we practically live on this stuff—but I’ve never felt more like a museum exhibit as I do right now.

“What?” I ask as her weird smug stare follows yet another bite of lettuce from the container to my mouth. My fork dangles in the air like it’s not sure if it’s about to get an award or written up by the principal.

“Nothing. Just enjoying the moment.” She even leans back in her chair like she’s settling in for a show.

I narrow my gaze at her. “And what moment is that? Enjoying a meal with a super hot rockstar, or watching me eat vegetables?”

Her sly grin could go either way. “It can’t be both?”

“You’re acting like my mom again.” That threat worked before, but she’s unfazed this time.

“Good. You need it. Vitamins, Casey. You need vitamins.”

“There are vitamins in fries.”

“What would TJ say?”

My fork nearly falls from my hand. She really doesremember everything. I’m in deep trouble if this romance becomes a thing.

“TJ… Don’t remind me. Please.”

Her arms cross in an attempt to level up on the mom-stare. “What? You know I’m right.”

“Right about what?” another voice says from behind.