Page 24 of Beautiful Noise
“What type of fans am I used to?”
“The ones who want to be inspiration for your next chart topping song.”
He laughed hard, leaning in closer. “And there goes another fact that you know about me. I’m really not feeling this disadvantage.”
“Good.”
“Damn, it’s like that?”
“Yes. I have to celebrate the small victories. And this is one.”
“Fair enough. How about you tell me what’s your favorite album and song.”
“Easy,Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, ‘Ex-Factor’.”
“Of mine, smart ass, but good choice on that one. It’s in my top twenty.”
“Someone is feeling a little insecure.”
“No, I’m not. Just curious is all.”
I stared at him for a long moment before giving in. “Okay I’ll play, album,Stoned Heart. You were in a very raw emotional space. It came through in your music. I’m sure you’re probably still licking the wounds from whatever woman broke your heart but you should be thanking her. She inspired some classic, timeless music which to date is unparalleled. As for my favorite song, I’d say, ‘Hollow’. Again, the emotions were raw and unfiltered. I could feel your voice vibrating beneath my skin, digging into my soul. That album and song was some of your best work. I’m a little jealous of the woman that inspired both because it seems she really cut you deep to pull that type of emotion from you. I envy her for the ability to bruise that overinflated ego of yours.”
Something shifted behind his eyes and the energy around us shifted as well. Our light and airy conversion turned dark and angry. Ezren pushed his stool back and stood, glaring at me like I had wronged him in the most callous and hurtful way.
“Thanks for this, I think I’m done,” he muttered, tone ice cold and guarded.
“What’s happening? Did I say something wrong?”
“No, I just remembered some shit I need to do. His hand brushed over his head but he never allowed his eyes to meet mine again before he turned to leave the kitchen.
“Ezren, wait. What did I say? Please, tell me. If it’s about your ex, I apologize. Bad break-ups are personal and devastating. Nothing I should be joking about. I get it.”
He laughed sarcastically. “I wouldn’t know, I’ve never been in a relationship. They’re not really my thing. It’s impossible for a woman to break what they’ve never had access to,sweetheart.” His tone was condescending; malicious even, as if he wanted me to feel small.
And I did.
“My mother invited you here, so please, stay. The house is big enough for the two of us to coexist and keep our distance. I’ll stay out of your way if you stay out of mine.”
And with that, he walked away, leaving me baffled about what the hell had just happened after the sound of his door slamming confirmed what I was feeling.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Ezren.
I paced back and forth in my room a foot away from the door I’d just slammed. Angrily my hands moved across my head and down the back of my neck where I gripped with enough pressure to leave marks. When I released the hold, I jerked my beard roughly.
After a few minutes I paused abruptly and stopped, staring blankly across my room, not really seeing anything that filled the space. The lack of focus only prompted another round of pacing but this time it was accompanied by an angry rant.
“What the fuck was that?”
My steps paused briefly before starting up again.
“And why the fuck am I so bothered?”
No, not bothered, fucking angry.
I had no right to be. She hadn’t done anything wrong, which meant Kori wasn’t the problem. I was.