by Nikki Carter
Our relationship was already on the rocks and Rielle pushed it over the cliff.
While my heart was broken into a gazillion little pieces, DeShawn stepped in and got my attention. He took care of me, brought me food, made me laugh, and helped me forget that I was hurting. DeShawn really likes me, and even though I didn’t do it on purpose, I started to like him too. So even though I want to talk to Sam, I’m not sure if it would be fair to DeShawn.
It would be easy if I didn’t have to see Sam or deal with him. But every time I see him in the studio, the unspoken words hang in the air like rain clouds–heavy and ready to burst.
“I can’t call Sam. Too much time has passed, and it would just be weird now.”
“Okay. I’m just gonna call you Sunday Tolliver—the one-hit wonder. I hope they let me be in the Behind the Music special about you. I will say great things about you though.”
“Piper . . .”
“No, seriously. You might never write another song if you don’t talk to Sam.”
“Oh, shut up. I’ll call him.”
Piper claps her hands and squeals. “Yay! You’re going to get back together, I know it!”
“Wait a minute. I thought you liked DeShawn.”
“Well, sure I do. How could I not like DeShawn. He’s totally hot and super sweet.”
“Do you hear what you’re saying?”
Piper nods. “DeShawn is not your true love and he doesn’t inspire you. That’s all Sam.”
“My true love? Who am I, Snow White or somebody?”
“You do look like a Princess Tiana doll.”
“I don’t like you.”
“You love me! Call Sam. You’ll thank me later.”
Okay, so Piper’s logic makes no sense. One true love? My life may be on the fab side, but it definitely isn’t a fairy tale. And Sam is more Rumplestiltskin than Prince Charming.
Still, maybe it is time to have a talk with Sam. I have to try and see if it helps with the muse. I’m nobody’s one-hit wonder. I’ve got a long way to go and a lot of money to make.
DeShawn steps out onto the deck, now freshly showered and wearing his swim trunks. I think I’m going to implement a rule where he has to wear a full shirt at all times. I’m just saying.
“Ladies . . .” he says before he takes three quick steps and launches himself into the pool.
“DeShawn sure is fine. . . .” Piper says.
On second thought, is there time for me to pick another muse? I mean, I’m pretty sure I can find inspiration somewhere else. Right?
“Call him!” Piper says as if she’s reading my mind.
“Okay!”
I pull out my phone and send Sam a text. You in ATL?
His reply is almost immediate. Yes. Whuddup?
Can we meet? Need 2 talk.
Busy Bee?
No. Not there. I don’t want to meet Sam at our favorite spot. Too weird and too many memories.
Where then?
Over Big D’s.
I’m already here.
I’ll be there in a few.
Today I guess we’ll deal with those rain clouds full of unspoken words. Hope Sam has his umbrella, ’cause if he says or does the wrong thing, I’m predicting some pretty stormy weather.
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DAFINA KTEEN BOOKS are published by
Kensington Publishing Corp.
119 West 40th Street
New York, NY 10018
Copyright © 2012 by Nikki Carter
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the Publisher, excepting brief quotes used in reviews.
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ISBN: 978-0-7582-8009-1