Love Me in the Dark novel Chapter 35

RIVER

It hurts. Finally, I felt excruciating pain. I didn’t feel numb anymore.

I was hurt, and it was clear that Krew didn’t care about me, in contrast to how he said those sweet words when we were together.

I thought I was terrible with men. I gave up.

Thankfully, my girls were the best. For the past three days, I managed to divert my attention from my stupid broken heart to what I loved doing. I managed to adjust my time. I did my gigs at Staple Bar at night, then in the afternoon, I did covers and posted them on my growing subs YouTube channel.

Right now, it was my recording for Whiskey Tennessee cover with Adam with his vast ten million subscribers. I hit fifty thousand subs yesterday and just posted my last endorsement picture a few minutes ago to my twenty-five thousand Ig followers.

Sadly, I hadn’t heard anything from Krew since that day.

I let myself focus on the blessings I had. After six hours, we wrapped up the recording.

“This only needs editing. Then tomorrow, it would be live on YouTube. Are you excited?” Adam asked me as he offered me a cocktail.

“Thrilled. Can’t wait. Thank you for believing in me.” I smiled, even though my heart was bleeding deep inside. But life must go on, and if I had to live my life without Krew, then I had to learn to live it that way.

“You’re an amazing singer with an amazing voice, River. Why haven’t you done this before?”

“I um, I stopped when my mother passed away. When my dad became a recluse. I stopped listening to music, stopped playing. It was the darkest day of my life. I felt like everything fell apart. My world became black and white. Then I had an issue with a powerful man. It ruined me in the end. Two months ago, I met this man again. He taught me a lot of things and pulled me out of that dark life I’d been in for years. He made me play songs. That’s how it started.”

“You have an amazing talent that you should not keep to yourself. Share it with everyone who loves to hear it. Music changes people's lives, River. You inspired a lot of people, even if you have no idea. I didn’t just do covers and posted them to earn money. I do this because I feel like I’m making people happy.”

“You’re amazing, Adam. Thank you.”

“Thanks for the trust. Have you tried writing your own?”

I paused for a while, staring at him. He did believe in me. “Yeah. It’s just like a personal diary. The lyrics need a lot of polishing.”

“Every songwriter starts with a crappy love story or life story, River. Play it for me. I wanna hear it.”

I shook my head, laughing. “No way. It’s terrible.”

“I still believe in you. We could work it out together. I don’t need credit. I just want to help you. The first time I heard you sang, I knew at that moment that you have a future in this industry. Your parents would be proud of you, River. Never take for granted the opportunity handed to you. Whatever you're dealing with right now, note that the storm will pass. You have to be strong to face trials on your own.”

“How did you become a man full of wisdom?”

“So can I buy you a drink? We need to celebrate our awesome cover.”

I looked down. “I-I can’t.”

“I’m not asking you out. Just a celebration between a good partnership and a good friendship. I know about you and Krew Selik.”

“What?” I tried my best not to look hurt and shock.

“It’s all over the social media.”

“Oh? Yeah. But we're kinda in need of some space right now.” Why couldn’t I say that we broke up? I guessed because I was stupid and still hoping there was still a chance for us.

He offered me a guitar. “Play a few lines of your song.”

I scrunched my nose. “It’s terrible. I’m ashamed to even play for you.”

“Just do it. I won’t judge because it’s still raw. Maybe I could help. Come on, pretty girl.”

I might need his help. “I’m stuck with the second paragraph. I don’t know if it’s the lyrics or the melody.” I strummed and sang nervously.

When he stared at me, my cheeks burned. “That bad, huh? I think I stick to covers.” I put down the guitar.

“Try changing D to C minor. For some people, the piano made it easier. Do you play?”

“Not that good. But I’ll try to change it. Thank you. Raincheck for the drink? You can always buy me at the Staple.” I hugged him.

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