Page 15 of Hard Rock Muse

“That’s nice,” I said flatly. “Can you pass me a napkin?”

Julian’s brows drew down into a frown. “I know things are tense between us, but there’s no reason Seth—”

“I’m going to the restroom.” I stood abruptly. “Excuse me.”

My fists shook as I made my way to the back of the restaurant.

Things had finally started to ease up between me and Julian. We’d managed to have an entire conversation with only a few moments of awkward tension.

And then he’d brought up Seth.

I gripped the sink with both hands and leaned forward, staring at myself in the mirror. My lips were pressed into a thin line and the corners of my eyes were crinkled in a glare. I fought to smooth my expression.

I resented Seth for being one of the reasons my band broke up. For being the reason Julian had left me. Julian had dated both guys and girls before me, but Seth was straight, so it wasn’t like he really stole Julian away from me — not in that way at least.

But what Seth could do was string his best friend along for years. He could make him think he might have a chance. He could dangle that carrot ofmaybe one day.

And I hated him for it.

But Seth was a member of Cherry Lips. I was going to run into him eventually, and possibly even be asked to work with him. I couldn't let my anger overtake me every time anyone so much as mentioned him.

I took in a deep breath and exhaled slowly. I forced my fingers to relax and let go of their tight grip on the sink. My forehead was no longer lined with anger. I splashed some water on my red face to cool it down and smoothed my blouse.

The best thing I could hope for was to get this job done as soon as possible so I could get the hell out of this whole situation before it blew up in my face.

When I returned to the table, Julian was sitting still, staring at my empty seat, looking almost lost. His shoulders slumped as he played with one of his chopsticks.

“I was thinking about your song,” I said as I slid into my seat.

He looked up, a guarded look on his face.

“I’ve got some idea for lyrics that might go well with it,” I said. “Why don’t I work on it for a few days, then we can get together again and I’ll show you what I have?”

Julian sat up straighter in his seat and put his chopstick down.

“Sure,” he said. “I want to get started right away. I want enough time to make it the best it can be.”

“It’ll be amazing,” I reassured him.

“I know it will.” He offered me a small smile.

When the waiter came with the bill, we both reached for it. His hand landed on top of mine. The touch was so warm, so familiar. I inhaled sharply as his hand squeezed mine.

“This one’s on me,” he said.

I lifted an eyebrow.

“You know I’m not going to let you pay for me,” I said.

He raised his own eyebrow. “You know I’ll fight you on that.”

“Should I come back?” the waiter asked, sounding nervous.

I reached into my purse and grabbed a handful of bills, enough to cover my half. I shoved them into the waiter’s hand.

“There,” I told him. “Don’t give that back.” I turned to Julian. “We’ll split it. Fair?”

He shook his head ruefully, but did the same, taking money out of his wallet and handing it to the waiter.