Cherry Bomb [H.S.]

CHAPTER SIX

Looking over to my laptop that's set up on my dining table for a quick moment, I head into the kitchen to fill my mug with my second dose of coffee for the morning. I had on some light makeup with my hair pulled up into a high ponytail - pieces framing my face. There's a large dark red jumper adorning my torso and just some plain black leggings on my bottom half. I look cozy, but still put together.

This morning I have a meeting at 11 with Lys and Dominick, the head of my record label, to discuss the timeline for my album. Thinking about that had knots twisting in my stomach. Progress has been coming along easier with it now that I had my home studio completely set up, but I still feel like I'm falling behind in some ways. This is my first deal, and I'd hate to fuck it up by disappointing them.

On top of all of that, I haven't been able to get the argument with Harry last week out of my head. There's been no communication between us since then. I haven't tried to call or text because, quite frankly, I don't really know what I'd say. I feel beyond guilty for bringing up his mom the way that I did. I pushed too hard, but I can't help but worry that Harry might be following down the same path as her - especially with the way he acted at the bar that night.

His mom has never really been responsible. She never cared about the bars she got kicked out of, the jobs she lost or the way her shitty boyfriends would talk to Harry. It's why Harry would be at my house so often. There wasn't a single one of her flings that had any redeeming qualities that would make him want to be in the house when they would be there.

That's why it hurts me to see him turning to alcohol in a very similar way. I have to wonder what the whole situation is when it comes to Rylan paying for everything while they're out. Does he not work? Or does he still work, but most of his money goes to his mom just like before? I just hope that he's not still living with her. I wanted nothing more for him than to get out of that toxic house.

As I walk back into the living room, I hear the call tone for Zoom singing through my speakers, and I sit down at the table with my mug between my hands. I accept the call while sucking in a deep breath.

Lys' face pops up on the screen which causes some relief to wash over me. I was hoping I'd get to see her one on one, even if just for a little bit, before Dominick joined.

"How's my best girl this morning? I hope you're not too nervous," she says as she takes a sip of her iced coffee.

"You and I both know that you know that I'm freaking out over here."

Her lips turn up into a soft smile as she stares into the screen with comforting eyes. "It's all going to be okay, Marlowe. They signed you for a reason. They think you're extremely talented, and they love your work. They'll give you the time they feel necessary to create something that you love if it means they get a taste of what they've already heard from you.

"And if they don't want to do that for us, then we'll walk. You had a couple of other labels not as big as them, as you know, that wanted you. I'm sure something can be arranged with one of them if they don't want to be reasonable."