Page 69 of Heartstring

“Mik…” I look around, hoping no one will see us or recognize him.

He takes another step forward until we’re almost chest-to-chest. His hand comes up to touch my face.

“It’s okay. You don’t need to be afraid anymore.”

I narrow my brows. “What are you talking about?”

“Can we go somewhere private?”

“No.”

He sighs. “Fine. I know about the contract my dad made you sign.”

If I was already cold, my whole blood supply has now left my body. How is this possible?

“Stan?” I call, and he comes over. “I hope you finished your business because we’re going home.”

I start walking away, which is when Stan decides to do his business.

“Perfect timing. Thanks, Stan,” Mik says.

“It’s Sir Stanley von Stinkles the Fifth for you,” I say.

He bows. “I apologize. Sir Stanley von Stinkles the Fifth, thank you for your impeccable timing.”

I fight a smile.

“Ty, I’m so sorry. I only found out about the contract this weekend.”

“So what, your dad decided to clear his conscience? Or does he know you’re here, so he’s using you to finally get what he wants?”

“What do you think he wants?”

I scoff. “Don’t fucking know. His money back? Which I never asked him for in the first place. He gave me no choice.”

“I know, Ty.” His voice is surprisingly gentle. “My dad wasn’t a great man, and he had no right to put you in that position. You were only a kid, and he gave you an impossible choice.”

I take a bag from my pocket to pick up Sir Stanley’s gift, tying a knot at the end before tossing it into a nearby trashcan.

“What do you meanhe was?”

“Ty, he died fifteen years ago.”

“I’m sorry, what?” Stan nuzzles my hand.

“He died of a sudden heart attack.”

I laugh. “Right.”

Stan nuzzles my hand, so I start on my way back home.

Mik catches up and places his hands on both my arms.

“Why would I lie?”

“I don’t know, Mik. Why would you leave me behind and follow our dreams alone? Why would you want to take our songs with you? Those are the questions that have haunted me for the last twenty-five years.”

“I didn’t abandon you, Ty.” He squeezes my arms tighter, and I try to get away from his hold, but I’ve seen that look in his eyes before. He’s not going to let this go.