I Was Already Gone novel · Chapter 7 of 24

Chapter 7: Chords

Roxie had a key to practice room B on the third floor of the music building, and at nine o'clock that night she used it.

It had a piano, two chairs, and a window that looked at a brick wall.

She pointed at the floor in the middle of the room.

"Stand there."

I stood there with my guitar strap over my shoulder.

"Sing the chorus."

I sang it.

She winced.

"Okay, you sing like you're apologizing to the back wall. The scout is going to be in row eight."

"I know."

"Do you know why you do that?"

"Because I take a long time to be sure."

"Because you let your breath die in your throat." She came across the room. "Hold still."

She put both hands flat against my ribs, one on each side, right under the arms.

Her palms were warm through my sweater.

I stopped moving.

"Breathe in," she said. "Push my hands out."

I breathed in.

She didn't take her hands away.

"More. Make me work for it."

My heart was banging against the inside of my chest, and I knew she could feel it through her fingers.

I could feel her rings pressing into my sides, cool and small.

"That's nerves," she said, calmly. "Everyone's pulse does that."

"Sure."

"Again."

I pushed her hands out, and she let out a short breath that was almost a laugh.

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