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"What?" Chris asks in disbelief.
"Most people signed up in the showcase are same-sex bands. Either all girls, or all boys. This could set us apart. And, I write. Writing can set you apart, too. We need you, and you need us. We could be good together." I'm pacing the floor, rubbing my knuckles together, an anxious habit.
Chris's face is impassive, unreadable. He puts up a good front.
"Just think it over. I can let you think it over if you need the time," I say, shrugging my shoulders, standing in front of him. His eyes are cast downward at his feet, concentrated.
I sigh, rubbing my forehead. After spitting out everything I've been pining to say, all that's left is a glittery, light feeling. "Should I leave now?"
He nods his head no. "How do I know you're any good? At writing, I mean."
I didn't bring my song journal, so I have nothing to show him. Honestly, I thought I'd back out and go home before I got this far. "You're just going to have to trust me."
Chris's eyebrow quirks up. "I'm not going to conjoin a band out of trust."
When I turn away and look at the ceiling for answers, I can feel his face soften. "Look, the guys are going to hate me for it..." he trails off, looking anywhere but me.
"I convinced Claire and Dani, you can convince your friends," I offer, turning back to face him.
This time he looks me in the eye. The air around me heats up and I feel on fire under his gaze. I like it better when he's not looking at me. "Kate," he says.
"Chris," I parrot.
He straightens his back against the couch. "I'll try to work something out, okay? I swear on my life. If it was just me, I'd have said yes. But you know how Alex and Cody can get..."
I roll my eyes. "Yeah, I know how they get. It's fine."
I feel like I've lost the battle, and I'm in enemy territory. I'm waiting for a rescue team, but I know no one's coming to save me.
"I'm going to head home now." I start for the stairs, but I feel a hand wrap around my wrist, tugging me near a certain someone. "I'm going to talk to them. Meet me back here tomorrow night."
"You're having a party tomorrow." I recall the chatter in the hallway of school today. Chris's parties are notorious for getting out of hand and having the cops called, but since his dad's the mayor, he gets a free pass on the law.
"You're invited."
———————
I don't hate parties. I actually don't mind them. It's just, why waste a night surrounded by almost-strangers when you could be at home relaxing. That's what I use the weekend for, relaxing.
