Chapter 72

I shook my head vehemently. “It wasn’t like that, I swear to you. Our time together meant a lot to me.”

“Well, your behavior around me lately is so unlike you, I don’t know what to think.”

“Forgive me. I’ve been having a difficult time processing something that…I never expected. I appreciate your concern.” I managed a smile this time. “Don’t worry about me, all right? And I’ll try to do better on the friend front.” I took a breath and said. “So how was Vienna?”

His laugh sounded relieved as he sat in the chair in front of my desk. “It was awesome, actually,” he enthused. “We put together enough songs for two albums. It was magic.” As always, his excitement did things to my insides.

“That’s great, Chuck. I’m happy to hear it went so well. Does that mean you guys will be going on touragain in a few months?”

“Not until next year. We leaked a couple of songs. Have you heard them?”

I nodded.

“The fans loved them,” he continued, “so we know the new music will be a success.”