Page 72 of Next to Everything We Wanted

“It can’t be wrong

To feel so alive

When I look into your amber eyes.

It wouldn’t be right

To turn you away

When you deserve a chance to stay.”

The back door opened, and I turned to see Celeste poke her head out.

“Hey,” she said softly, a warmness in her eyes I couldn’t discern. “Can I talk to you?”

“Hey, what’s up?” I put my guitar down.

“I just saw your Instagram bio this morning.” She sat next to me. “I edited mine, too.”

“Oh.” I swallowed. “I thought it was time to change it.”

“So does that mean you like her?”

I sighed. “That doesn’t?—”

“Don’t lie to me. Do youlikeher?”

“I don’t have to tell you everything, you know,” I said, failing to control the annoyance in my tone. “But yes, I do like her. We’re just friends, though.” If only she knew the “unfriendly” thoughts that ran through my head.

“She seems pretty cool,” Celeste said. “She talked to me and Forrest the Friday before last.”

“Really?” I raised an eyebrow. “What did she say?”

“Not much. Forrest scared her away before she could say more.”

“Of course he did.” I grunted. “Listen, I know things didn’t work out with us, but I really value you as a best friend. Healing from this breakup will be hard, and I’m sorry I haven’t made it easy by communicating with you. We’ll get through this.”

She chewed her bottom lip, not seeming convinced, but she put on a small smile. “We will.”

I nodded, not knowing what else to say.

Celeste got up from the chair and gave me a small smile before going back inside. She shut the door carefully, and I couldn’t help but look into her sad eyes. She gave me a little wave before walking away.

I picked up my guitar to work on my song again. The lyrics weren’t the best, yet I liked the rhythm I had going on. If I kept this up, I’d finally have a song I could use for our band. Or maybe I could keep this one to myself, a little treasure to hold on to.

Guess we’ll have to find out.

CHAPTER 18

Sienna

“Idid it!” I exclaimed to Raina and Arielle as soon as I opened the door for them Thursday after lunch. “I wrote a song that actually isn’t crap!”

They both gasped as their eyes went wide, and I giggled at how they looked like clones of each other.

“Did you actually?” Raina asked as we went inside.

“You’ve completely blown our minds this week!” Arielle gave me a tight hug. Gosh, for a girl who was only average size, she had enough power to crush my spine. “First you’re going out with Ivan?—”