Page 27 of Paint Our Song

Cat-vin: my sister’s dog.

Fuck. Miles didn’t need to learn all these new things about Calvin Lowe. He has a sister? His sister has a dog? Calvin texted him for no good reason? Miles groans and clutches at his chest, and Gabby gives him an odd look from across the room.

He heads out to the deck, hoping that the grouchy black cat that he’s seen napping there is around. The cat’s curled up in one corner, but when Miles creeps up to it to get a photo, it snaps to attention and scurries away. All he gets is a blurry shot of its retreating tail.

He sends it to Calvin.

Me: And this is you.

Chapter Eight

“Ugh!” Miles holds back from slamming on the horn. Stupid freeway and its traffic jams that seem to materialize every time there’s something important. He’s going to be late for his own exhibit.

“We should’ve left earlier,” Gabby pipes from his passenger seat.

“You think?” Miles asks dryly.

“Don’t be grouchy. I’m here to support you on your exhibit… and also…”

He peers at her. “What?”

Gabby grins and opens her purse, pulling out a concert ticket. “I have general admission tickets for tonight’s festival. I’m looking forward to watching Cloverlily. Don’t worry though, I checked and they’re going onstage way after your exhibit ends, so I won’t leave before your thing is done.”

“How did you get a ticket!?” He gapes at her as she waves the ticket in-between them, grinning smugly from the passenger seat.

“A guest gave it to me last night.”

“No fair… Give it to me.”

“Oh, stop it.” Gabby scoffs and puts the ticket away. “You could get tickets by asking Calvin, but you’re too much of a baby.”

“…The heck?”

“You’re an idiot. Here, give me your phone!”

“Don’t touch my phone!”

She ignores him and takes it, anyway, and Miles glares at her. “Is… Cat-vin supposed to be Calvin?”

“What? It’s funny.”

“Cute, you’ve been texting a lot, huh?”

“Stop going through my messages. What are you typing?”

“Hi,” Gabby reads out loud as she types. “In town with Gabby, and she has a ticket to the festival. Any chance you have a spare one for me, too? I will love you forever.”

His chest lurches. “Do not send that last bit. Actually, don’t send that entire message altogether.”

“The last part was a joke. I didn’t say that. And it’s already sent.”

“You’re insufferable.”

“You like me, anyway.”

It’s strange, though. Now that Gabby’s gone and done that, he feels hopeful. Seeing the entire band live? He’s been wanting that for years now.

Gabby eyes her watch. “You’re going to be late for your exhibit.”