Page 81 of Hard Rock Love

“What?” I asked, bewildered at both his curt tone and his declaration. He’d never talked to me like that before.

Seth put down the plate in his hand, letting it sink into the soapy water. He sighed deeply and pressed his palms against the counter.

“I’m not taking the exam,” he repeated, quieter this time, shocking me into silence for a moment.

“Why not?” I burst out. “You were working so hard, and it was so important to you, and—”

“Because I can’t,” he interrupted me. There was pain in his tone, and regret, but also resignation. He met my eyes. “The exam is the same day as our audition.”

“Your tour audition?” My voice went hushed, as if afraid to say it too loud. “The one where they’re choosing the headliners?”

“Yeah.” Seth dried his hands with a kitchen towel then rubbed at his eyes, looking exhausted. “It’s the same afternoon as the exam. I can’t make both. So…” He shrugged listlessly. “So there’s no point studying, because I’m going to fail anyway.”

“That’s not fair.” Tears pricked the back of my eyes, my heart aching for Seth and the choice he had to make. “You should tell Cerise and the others, maybe they can—”

“No.” His words were decisive and final. “I made a commitment to the band. I’m not going to let them down.”

“Maybe they can work something out. You shouldn’t have to give up something you want so badly.”

“What I want is to be the headliner for that tour.”

“But you also wanted your diploma.”

He waved a hand dismissively. “It’s just a piece of paper.”

“Don’t say that. It was important to you. It mattered.”

“The band matters more.”

“You’re allowed to have dreams of your own, Seth.”

“Cherry Lips is my dream.”

“Why are you being so stubborn?” I said, frustrated.

“You have no idea what it’s like,” he snapped. “All you’ve got to worry about is trivial stuff like studying and grades, but I’ve actually got important shit in my life. My choices actually matter to people.”

I inhaled sharply, stung by his words. The ache I’d felt for him twisted into a bitter ball.

“Well, I’m sorry if nothing in my life is as important as yours,” I bit out. “I’m sorry I can’t possibly understand. After all, I’m just spending my life on trivial things, right? I have no idea what it’s like to be worth something. I’m not famous or important like you.”

Seth growled and ran a hand through his hair.

“You know what I mean,” he said impatiently.

“I know exactly what you mean.” My chest throbbed with anger. I stormed out of the kitchen and grabbed my bag.

“Where are you going?” Seth called out.

I shoved my feet into my shoes. “Home!”

“Abby—!”

“I’ll call myself a cab,” I cut in rudely.

I slammed the door behind me and left without another word.