Page 59 of Paint Our Song

“Theo and I were living together, and we broke up… I don’t know, maybe half a year ago, and he moved out. When the lease ended, it didn’t make sense to keep renting such a huge place. I’ve been holding off getting another apartment because I don’t even know what city I’m going to end up in, because I’m not sure I’ll have a career when this is all over.”

Miles’s expression twists. “Of course you’re still going to have a career.”

“How? This stupid thing with the band’s going to be the end of it.”

“Calvin—”

“Listen. I like you. It’s ridiculous how much I like you,” Calvin says and, that easily, Miles’s world tilts on its axis. “I… I didn’t think you felt the same way, not until now.”

“You’re kidding, right?” Miles blinks at him. Everyone around them could tell Miles was into him. Calvin’s socute.“I mean, I know I’ve been trying to pretend I’m not into you, but even I know I was doing a horrible job at that.”

“I didn’t want to read into it,” he says weakly. “Besides, hanging out with you was the most fun I’ve had in a long time, so I was trying not to… ruin it by overthinking. Like Iam right now.”

Miles hangs his head, utterly confused. “Um, not to pressure you, but if we’re both into each other… what’s the issue?”

“Didn’t you hear everything I just said? I’m a fucking mess, Miles. I don’t want to drag you into it.”

Oh.That’swhat’s holding him back?

Smirking, Miles holds his gaze. “I’m a fucking mess too, if you haven’t noticed.”

That gets a chuckle out of him. “Miles.”

“Calvin,” he says, mimicking his tone. Calvin said he likes him. Helikes him.Because Miles is truly a fucking mess, like he said, he drives the point home and says, “I’d really like to kiss you again. Please let me kiss you.”

Miles would say that it doesn’t need to be complicated. It can be two friends letting loose, except even he doesn’t believe that. He’s not going to be satisfied with just that.

A beat of silence passes. Calvin’s gaze drops to Miles’s mouth, and he swallows before averting his eyes.

“I can’t,” Calvin says, softly. “I’m going to go.”

Calvin heads for the door, and when he’s reaching for it, Miles calls him again. “Calvin. Wait.”

He turns slowly, his lips a thin line. “Yeah?”

“Your guitar.”

“Thanks,” Calvin murmurs. His stare drifts to the ground as he walks back to the table to take it.

Nodding, Miles forces a smile.It’s okay. This is okay.But even when he tries to convince himself that it’s fine, it still feels like he got stabbed in the heart.

Chapter Sixteen

Chase and Gil arrive the very next morning, which is a shock because Calvin mentioned they weren’t going to arrive until the weekend. And it’s only the middle of the week.

“Go.” Matthew shoos Gabby away, gesturing for her to get back to the reception counter where she’s now clearly needed. “If their lead singer came too, it’ll be the whole band here.”

At the mention of Theo, Miles gets a twinge of… that sour sensation once more. Gabby adjusts her name-card and quickly runs off to greet Chase and Gil, ushering them toward the reception table. Realizing that Gabby might not have been told that the inn was sponsoring their stay, Miles excuses himself and jogs over to the reception table.

Gil’s the first to notice Miles. He grins and raises his hand in a wave. “Hello! Sorry for the short notice, but Chase here couldn’t wait to come over.”

“Hey, Miles.” Chase gives him a thumbs up. “Gorgeous place.”

“Glad to have you here,” Miles beams. As he rounds the reception counter and pulls close to Gabby, she eyes him carefully. “They’ve got complimentary stays. Got mom’s permission yesterday but haven’t had the chance to tell reception.”

“Got it.”

They turn back around. Gabby says, “Let me get your rooms prepared.”