Page 35 of Paint Our Song

Miles tries not to stare—lots of fans talk about how Cloverlily’s bassist and drummer are an item, but he’s never realized it was the truth until now.

While Gil and Chase talk quietly, Miles peers at Calvin.

It all makes so much sense now. The puzzle pieces fit together. The way Calvin talks about Theo… or rather, how he doesn’t enjoy talking about him. He thought it was all rumors, that they were all speculations and only hopeful thinking from fans—circulating photos of them being too close, the way people over analyze what they say and link it to each other.

There’s a sourness gnawing on Miles’ insides. He turns to Calvin, who’s staring at his drink with a blank expression. Calvin must sense him staring because he looks up and meets his eyes.

“Theo’s an idiot,” Miles says, annoyed. “Not a single thing about you is ordinary.”

Calvin’s eyes widen, and Miles can’t help but notice that he finally stops fidgeting in his seat.

Chase and Gil exchange glances, eyebrows raised, and even Gabby makes a soft sound that sounds kind-of like a chuckle.

His outburst somewhat broke the tension, which is good, even if he’s just proved how much of a huge dork he can be for Calvin. Might as well wear the Calvin cap Gabby gave him. He’s never beating the allegations.

Chase reaches across the table and taps Calvin’s wrist. “Get more drinks with me.”

“Why? They’ll bring it to the table.”

“Please.”

Frowning, Calvin shrugs and gets up. Chase leads him away from the table, and not toward anyone who can actually take this order, and they stop a distance away from the group. His hands moving around wildly, Chase looks rattled.

“He’s apologizing.” Gil’s voice is calm and soft. “Chase runs his mouth when he’s stressed, and Cal’s always been hard to read… but we’ve been friends for a long time, and this is nothing.”

Theo’s been their friend for a long time, too. He has bits and pieces about their history now, has clues as to why the band decided to part ways—and it’s clear that none of them are taking this easily. Miles knows how that feels, to lose a big part of yourself. It leaves a hole in you that will never mend.

“It’s like when we fight.” Gabby teases. He knows she’s attempting to lighten the mood, but Miles is lost in his own world now.

Calvin used to date Theo.

“Cal’s a very private person,” Gil says. “But you’re right, Miles. He’s extraordinary.” His eyes flicker. “Not only because of his talent, but how he is… You won’t find anyone more selfless and loyal than him.”

Why’s he telling Miles this, specifically? Confused, Miles nods. He takes a swig from his drink, lets the bitterness cool on his tongue.

When Chase and Calvin rejoin the group, Chase still looks hesitant. He has an arm around Calvin’s shoulder, and he squeezes him before letting go.

Gil is right—they’ll be fine.

“Oof! I forgot to ask for a second round!” Chase announces.

The conversation goes a lot more smoothly after that hiccup.

Hanging out with Cloverlily, as Miles expected, is a dream come true. Chase is loud and has no filter, which makes him outgoing and hilarious—and Gil, as it turns out, is able to read a room well. The two of them banter a lot, their conversations bouncing one another naturally, and Gabby’s able to keep up with them. It isn’t a surprise that Gabby easily meshes with them. She gets along with almost everyone she meets.

Gabby has tears in her eyes from all the laughing as she listens to all the trouble the band used to get in growing up, and Miles is simply living the life—hearing all these behind-the-scenes anecdotes about the band, from the band itself, is mind-blowing.

Miles makes no effort in hiding his enthusiasm, listening to the band’s stories, especially when it’s a story involving Calvin. He’s all ears when Chase talks about how they used to practice in Calvin’s garage, and how Calvin’s two older sisters were always an adventure to be with.

“Ah, Cassidy,” Chase sighs, closing his eyes and shaking his head.

Gabby asks, “Who’s Cassidy?”

“My first love. Theone who got away.”

“Iwillfight you,” Calvin says, eyes narrowed, but there’s a grin tugging at the corner of his lips.

Gil offers as an explanation, “Cassidy is Cal’s sister.”