Page 31 of Hard Rock Muse

“Not for a second,” Seth said cheerfully. “You’ve been on fire these last few shows. Don’t know where you’re getting the energy. I’ve been exhausted working on this new album.”

“You just need to work on your stamina,” Julian teased, leaning his head into Seth’s.

I’d never seen Julian so at ease, almost jovial.

“Hey, I’ve got the stamina of a stallion,” Seth declared, his chest puffed out.

Julian’s eyes went soft and indulgent as he listened to his best friend’s boasting, a fond smile on his face.

The ache in my heart returned.

Julian never looked at me like that.

“Are you joining us?” Seth asked, turning back to me.

“Joining?” I repeated.

“The gang’s heading over to a club for an after-party,” he explained. “We’ve got a private room and everything.”

Being stuck in a room at a loud club with Julian and Seth? Sounded like my idea of hell.

“No,” I said. “I’m going to head home. Been a long day.”

“Another time then,” Seth said.

I couldn’t tell whether his disappointment was faked or not.

“Maybe we can talk later about working together?” Seth said, almost like a peace offering. “I’m not as useless as this guy, but I could use someone with your talent to look over my stuff.”

Maybe he was only trying to butter me up, but the compliment was encouraging.

“I’m pretty busy working with Julian but I’m sure I can fit in some time for you,” I said. “Do you know if any of the others need help?”

“I can ask around,” Seth said.

“Thanks.” The more songwriting credits I had under my name, the better, even if it meant spending more time in the company of Cherry Lips.

“So how’s Keith?” Seth asked.

I stiffened.

“Last I heard you two were working on something?” Seth continued, either oblivious or not caring that I was clearly distressed by the question.

“I don’t know how he is,” I said, avoiding using his name. “We haven’t been together for some time.”

“Ah,” was all Seth said. “And how’s Abby?”

Despite myself, I couldn’t help smiling. “She’s doing great. She’s in college having the time of her life.”

“Did she come with you to the concert?” he asked.

“No, just me.” It made sense Seth would be wondering about Abby. She’d been like everyone’s little sister. They lost touch after the band broke up.

“Maybe I’ll see about bringing her around one of these days,” I said.

“That’d be great,” Seth said, expression lighting up. “It’d be nice to catch up and all.”

“I’m sure she’d love to see you guys playing again,” I told him.