Page 59 of Graves

“You know the situation.”

“Yeah, but we both know it’s not something that can’t be fixed.”

I stand there with my head hanging. “They haven’t reached out. Not in five years.” My voice trembles, barely a whisper.

“I know,” Liam admits. Despite his wild lifestyle, he has a very close relationship with his own family.

“So… drive safe and tell your mom—never mind.”

“She’d be happy to hear from you.”

I force a smile. “See you later.”

I hurry out of the rehearsal room and head to the parking lot where Fox is leaning against the car, typing on his phone. The whole ride home, I stare out the window, blocking out the tangled mess with my family, and wonder if there’s no other way than facing the press. I have enough experience in the business to know certain things don’t just fade away—no matter how much I wish they would. So I text Leslie.

“One interview. No more. Together. I’m not doing it alone. Work something out. And we’ll make a no-go list and a pre-interview agreement.”

Less than five seconds later, Leslie sends back a cheering emoji. I sigh silently and curse myself for giving in.

“You have tomorrow off. Any plans?” Fox asks through the rearview mirror as he stops in front of Muvi’s.

“Sleep,” I mutter. “Enjoy my freedom a little and do nothing.”

Fox turns around. “We can go somewhere if you want. I’m on call. But please—no solo adventures.”

I smirk. “Don’t worry. I’d never do that.”

“You’re a free man again. Don’t think I’ve forgotten how you acted five years ago and how many bars I had to check to find you.”

“I’m not that man anymore,” I claim, even though I have no idea who I am.

Since coming back, I’ve been trying to find my footing again, but I’m still dangling from the strings that tie me to the contract and turn me into the label’s puppet.

Fox looks at me like he can read my mind. Before he can say anything, I open the door and get out. “Enjoy your day off, Brandon. See you Thursday.”

“You too, Aran.”

I shut the car door and slip through the garden gate into the courtyard. Ever since I’ve been back, stepping into the building feels strange every time. I love my apartment and spent five years longing to return, but being here without Ben isn’t the same.

When I enter the apartment, a yapping little dog greets me. The pain in my head pulses like my brain is on fire. I toss my leather jacket on the couch and fill a glass of water in the kitchen.

The dog follows me everywhere. I’ll admit, is kind of cute. I lean against the counter and make eye contact with Pixie. She looks skinny as a stick with her short haircut.

“Hey,” Koh greets me, coming around the corner and sitting on the couch in front of his open laptop.

He’s wearing a black shirt and black pants, which surprises me since it’s the first time I’ve seen him all in black. The clothes accentuate his lean figure, and I like how he’s rolled up the sleeves. He’s barefoot too.

I don’t know what it does to me, but it does something. Images from last night flash through my mind and my cock twitches.

When Koh leans back and crosses one leg over the other, Pixie jumps up at him and settles beside him. My leather jacket is still there, and when Koh moves it to the armrest, a few notes fall out of the inner pocket. But that’s not what stops him.

He holds up the pill bottle. “What is this?”

“Pills,” I answer curtly, finishing my water.

“I can see that, but… these are prescription and there’s no name on them.”

I place the glass down and retrieve my phone from my back pocket. I have no intention of answering that question.