Page 5 of A Tragic Melody

Tuesday doesn’t fail to live up to the rumors. She is extremely charming and flirtatious. The stories from people who have gotten the pleasure of her company are wild. Supposedly she is sexy, fun, and knows how to wow anyone. Clearly all that is correct.

It’s fun to watch as she plays right along with Derrick’s attempts at flirting. She is bored, I can sense it, but he doesn’t seem to notice.

Chewing on my lip, still watching, amused when he suggests they get drinks after the interview. Tuesday apologizes and says that she has plans after, tucking a long strand of hair behind her ear before her eyes dart to me, just for a moment.

“That’s too bad.” Disappointment laces his voice, even as he smiles. “Maybe we can get a rain check.”

“Yeah…” Tuesday nods, eyes still on me. “I’m sure we will have plenty of time for drinks on tour. And you are more than welcome to join us, Wyatt.”

My name sounds wonderful coming from her lips. Hell, every word she says sounds amazing. Her talking voice sounds almost as good as when she sings. Her singing voice is phenomenal, but hearing her say my name is something else.

“I don’t drink, but you two have fun.”

“Are you straight edge?” she asks, perking up with curiosity.

“I wouldn’t say that.”

“Oh.” She presses her red lips together, studying me. “I don’t have any clue how anyone could do what we do and stay sober.”

“It is pretty grueling,” Derrick adds.

“Yeah. It isn’t easy.” I chuckle.

“Shit. I didn’t mean to insult you,” Tuesday says quickly.

“Of course not.” I smile up at her.

“So who else have you toured with?” she asks, turning back to Derrick.

“A lot of bands.” He laughs. “Gosh, it’s kind of been a busy few years.”

“The climb to the top can be back-breaking.” She nods in understanding. “It takes work and just a bit of luck.”

A laugh slips out between my lips. I didn’t mean to laugh, but it’s funny to hear that statement coming from her. She got plucked from a shitty band in a small town because she was hot. The fact she could actually sing was just a gift in a horse’s mouth to the label.

No one even noticed her for the first few years of her career, though. She flew under the radar until she got the chance to open for Abbey Dark a few months ago.

So whatever work she is talking about is tiny in comparison to how lucky she got.

“And skill,” Derrick adds, glancing at me.

The look on his face tells me he thinks I’m an idiot. He isn’t wrong, either. I am an idiot, but he shouldn’t be judging me while he is drooling over Tuesday.

“Yes.” Tuesday nods, letting a grin spread across her face. “Lots of skill. Isn’t that what got you here, Wyatt?”

“That’s correct.”

“Rumor has it you were almost my touring guitarist.”

“Almost, but I couldn’t settle on being just a touring member for anyone. I need to have the freedom to create the music I play.”

I’m not entirely sure why I’m being an ass right now. Maybe it’s self-preservation kicking in, because Tuesday having any interest in me is not good. It’s in my best interest to push her away. She is a can of worms I can’t afford to open.

“I would never pass up the chance to share the stage with Tuesday.” Derrick is laying it on thick, and it comes across as pathetic.

“She is a mini genius.” I nod. “She wouldn’t have listened to any of my input.” My shoulders lift in a shrug.

“That’s very true.” Tuesday laughs. “I don’t need any input. This thing—” She taps at her temple with the tip of her black-painted fingernail, “—can produce a tune in five seconds.”