“Can I drive this? She’s breathtaking.” Lora admires my gleaming new Volvo. I told them I’d drive it to Kristoff’s place after our classes. I’ve mostly driven Lora or Kristoff’s car in Whitlock, but I’ve also taken cabs.
I’m thankful to have Julian and my benefactor in my life. But my boyfriend giving me a car is too much. He was under no obligation to do so. I don’t think I can argue with him about it, though, because he’ll still do it.
But I’m thrilled about it. I will not be left out or have to wait for a ride with my friends.
“Let’s just meet there,” says Kristoff as he walks to his car.
Lora’s car is parked across the lot.
“Yes, please. I’m going to Trey’s first,” Lora says.
“I’m also getting a strawberry cake.”
After seeing off my best friends, I take a moment to call my Julian. I came dangerously close to throwing my arms at him in the classroom. I just couldn’t help myself. He’s simply too entertaining to watch.
“Anya,” he says as he answers the phone, and his voice instantly melts me.
“Hey, I’m leaving school to drive this new awesome car. I had a good ride this morning.”
He gives me a deep, rich laugh that sends shivers up my spine. “I saw that. I was right behind you. I’m glad you finally gave in.”
“Do I have a choice?” I get into the car and take the wheel. I put the call on speaker and buckled up. “When do you get home?”
“I’m not sure. This week’s competition has given me a lot of work to do.”
“Me, too. But who’s to blame?” I laugh as I make a joke.
I sense his smile. “I have no regrets.”
“That’s why I think you give your all to everything you do. Your decision-making, however, needs to be improved. You make some risky decisions.”
“Why do I believe you’re lecturing me, Ms. Scott?”
I burst out laughing. Oh, God. I love talking to him on the phone in this way. “I’m sorry. I guess I’ll just see you later at home.” Now, did I really say that? It feels like we’re living together for real.
“Watch out when you’re driving. I’ll see you at home.”
“See you.”
I end the call and rev the car engine, and the smooth roar instantly calms me. I’m about to go on another good ride.
***
I’ve been to Kristoff’s apartment several times but never stayed long. It is, as expected, a disaster. As Loria and I enter his condo, he removes the magazines from the coffee table and the clothes and socks from the couch. It’s a miracle it doesn’t smell like a dead animal, not that that’s ever happened. Fair enough, the place doesn’t get that messy. His place is bigger than Lora’s, so there’s more space for us to sit.
“I thought I had cleaned this up. Sorry. The housekeeper won’t be here until tomorrow,” Kristoff rationalizes, grabbing everything he sees in the living room that isn’t supposed to be there.
“Man, Candice was right. Don’t always let a girl clean for you,” Lora remarks.
“Does Candice clean your house?” I inquire, shocked. He wouldn’t let me do that. I never even spent more than five hours here.
He stops, looking at me. “Uh, yeah. She insisted on it.” He continues by turning on the vacuum cleaner.
I suppose theirs was a more serious relationship than ours.
Lora and I instead go to the kitchen and set the food on the counter. I ask her a question while we’re preparing the food. “Did Candice ever say if they’d ever lived together?” I whisper so Kristoff doesn’t hear.
“For a year, I think. Before my sister flew to Berlin. Why?”
“I’m just curious. Is it here?”
“I’m not sure. Candice was very private. I didn’t even know that until she told me she was engaged to Kristoff.”
“I see.” Maybe he’s more in love with her than he realizes. What’s keeping him from getting serious with Candice instead? We’re no longer together.
“You know, I’m still mad at him. He’s unpredictable. Candice still loves him. She told me,” Lora admits. “But I can’t do anything because it’s their decision.”
“I don’t blame you. I’d give him hell if she was my sister.”
“She doesn’t deserve it, but I’ll be a hypocrite if I don’t thank you for breaking up with Kristoff.”
“You’re thanking me for Candice.”
She nods. “She won’t tell me, but I know she was hurt when she found out about you.”
I smirk, shaking my head. “Well, they kicked me out. I felt the rage.”
“I’m sorry.”
“No, it’s fine. She’s your family.”
“And you’re my best friend,” she says glumly.
“Always.” I cling to her shoulder. “They’ll forget about it in time. Your parents are wonderful people.” They came to Lora’s apartment once, and that was before they found out about Kristoff and me.
She beams. “Thank you.”
Kristoff walks up to us and watches as we put out the burgers. “That’s one big patty.”
I roll my eyes. “Make sure you eat everything until you can’t breathe,” I mock.
His brows meet. “Why so grumpy?”
Lora laughs out loud. “I see what you did there.”
“Are you done?” I ask Kristoff.
“Yes. The living room is available,” he confirms.
“Alright, let’s get started!” Lora claps her hands.
***
I scanned the pages of Julian’s grandfather’s lyrics last night, so I’m more motivated to finish my lyrics. Today is polishing day. Lora and Kristoff share their ideas, so I am more productive today.
We trust each other to recite the lyrics we wrote in front of each other, and I think they’re all equally good. We laugh at some parts that need to be rewritten.
Still, the music score will give the song its final touch, but we won’t show all our cards just yet. That is solely for the performance day.
Kristoff isn’t afraid to show us his song because, as he previously stated, he was already signed to the label, so he’s unconcerned about the prize. He picks up his guitar and begins to sing the song he will perform.
Even after hearing him perform it for us, Lora and I know he’s still a tough competitor.
I put my head on Lora’s shoulder as we listened to Kristoff’s play. The melody is golden, and his vocals are moving. He doesn’t stutter or get nervous while singing, and his guitar playing is flawless. It is, as expected, with Julian’s junior.
Kristoff has taught us a lot today. He’s made many mistakes in the past, but that doesn’t make him a bad musician. He’s great; that’s a sure thing.
His song concludes with him singing in falsetto.
We applaud.
“That’s lovely,” I say.
“For once in your life, you did something good,” Lora agrees.
I laugh at her remark and ask him, ”What if you win the preliminary round and advance to the final round?”
He sets his guitar down. “If I win, I’ll give the prize to the next winner.”
“Do you think that’s insulting? You’ve been chosen,” Lora says.
He frowns. “How is that insulting? Like I said, I want to give others a chance. I don’t think it’s offensive.”
“Yes, I don’t think so, too,” I say fairly, “but I’ll be disappointed. I wasn’t the obvious choice. Still, it’s a chance. I’ll take that chance.” I need to get to that stage for a variety of reasons. The first goal is to show the world what I am capable of. Second, it’s my dream to become a professional, signed composer with a reputable record label—also, it’s my parents’ dream. Finally, I want my benefactor to be proud of me and to finally see him.
“Good point.” Lora rests her chin on her palm. “If I win, I won’t care what my parents want for me. I’ll play in the orchestra. Just because they want Candice to be a pop star doesn’t mean I want it too.”
“We all have goals.” I remember Peter Greenwood’s offer to me. “But I have something to tell you, guys. Kristoff accidentally found out about it, but I didn’t tell you everything.” I’m hoping Kristoff won’t suspect what I’m about to tell them.
“Why does he know but I don’t?” Lora pouts.
I laugh. “I’m telling you now. I met Peter Greenwood a few days ago. He’s an executive producer for Sebastian Records and wants my song for Ophelia Grant’s single. She actually wants to meet me after her concert on Sunday.” I look at Lora’s face. “I have two concert tickets, and I’d like you to come with me.”
Lora’s chin drops. “Oh, my God. That’s incredible!”
“Yes. In other words, if I don’t win the competition, SEG will still record my song. It’s only one song, though,” I clarify.
“That’s the beginning,” Kristoff says. “It doesn’t matter if it’s just one. There will be more chances. So, you’re doing it?”
“Yes. What do I have to lose?”
Lora beams. “That’s the spirit. But how did Peter know about your song?”
“Professor Sebastian heard me play it once, and he liked it. So he asked me if we could show it to Mr. Greenwood,” I lie. Julian didn’t ask me. He showed it to Peter without telling me, which is perfectly fine.
“Well, he can be like that,” Kristoff agrees. “When he was still a music producer, he’d let the trainees perform in front of him, and when he liked a song, he’d immediately pitch it to the whole team. He didn’t care if you were an experienced professional or a newbie. He sees talent. He saw yours.”
That’s also why I love him. Julian is one-of-a-kind and generous.
“But please don’t tell anyone just yet,” I ask.
“Of course.” Lora smiles softly. “But I’m curious to see Maria’s reaction if she finds out. Once the song is released, it’s not a secret anymore. Ophelia Grant is her obsession. She worships her.” She snorts.
I smirk. “I can hardly wait to see that.”
“I guess I need to work harder,” Lora says. “You guys, this is a competition.”
“I’d like to see you try,” Kristoff challenges.
“We’ll all be happy if you win, Lora,” I say sincerely.
“I wish! Starting today, you two are my rivals,” she asserts.
“Game on! But now I’m hungry. Who’s hungry?” I look back and forth at them.
“Kris, get the food,” Lora says. “And some wine. You said you’d bring the drinks.”
“I already have that.” Kristoff got up from the couch to get the snacks.