Change in Harmony (A Silver Script Novel Book 4) Read Free

that’s really cool. So, would I know any of your work?” Allison felt . . . small. She hadn’t made anything of herself yet, and here was this big advertising guy sitting with her.
    He leaned back and rested his arms on the back of the booth. “Probably. I did a few of the Super Bowl ads, and worked on a few jingles for Valentine’s Day.”
    Allison could tell she hit on what he loved to talk about. “That’s great. Do you ever have a hard time coming up with ideas?”
    “Sometimes, but usually the ideas just flow. My parents always told me I needed to do something like this because I was constantly making up my own jingles for things.” He laughed and shook his head. “Some of them were pretty terrible, though.”
    “Really? Like what?” Allison leaned forward.
    Nate studied her for a moment before shaking his head. “Honestly, I don’t remember. I just know they were terrible.”
    Allison laughed. “Right. You just don’t want to tell me.”
    “Maybe. So what about you? Do you just play down in the subway all day? Or do you have other things you like to do?” Nate took a drink of his water, seeming not to notice how much he’d hurt her with the offhand insult.
    “Actually, I only do that when I’m not auditioning.” Allison looked down at the sugar packet in her hand. It was smashed and a small hole had formed, spilling sugar onto the table.
    “Really? What kind of auditions?”
    Allison glanced up to see his head cocked to the side, and his expression seemed sincere. “I love to perform. Anything, really. I love to sing, dance, play my flute. I’ve tried a few places, including Broadway, but haven’t found anything yet.”
    Nate frowned. “Don’t you think it would be better to pick one thing and stick with it? Maybe not spread yourself so thin? Then you’d actually find something and be able to stop the whole subway thing.”
    Tears threatened to spill over, so Allison jumped up. “Excuse me.”
    Nate called her name as she hurried blindly into the bathroom, but she didn’t turn around. She hid in a stall and let the tears flow. She should never have let him come with her to the diner. And what was she thinking probing him for his background when she couldn’t answer him back? Yes, she was spreading herself too thin. But it was the only way she could think of to get a job in the city. She needed this independence, but living off her roommate and whatever she could get from the subway wasn’t cutting it. Maybe she should just go home. Her dad had a job waiting for her if she did.
    No. Not this time. She wouldn’t let Nate push her into feeling sorry for herself. The job the next day seemed promising. A small bar where they usually held karaoke had decided to hire a full-time singer, and the bartender had liked what he’d heard on her demo. She took deep breaths and left the stall to check her makeup. After a quick splash of cold water on her face, she felt like she could face him again. Maybe.
    When she left the bathroom, though, Nate was gone with his box, and cash sat in the middle of the table for his portion of the meal. Allison pushed down the anger and frustration, and focused on the meal in front of her. It was still nice and hot. Bonnie must have just brought it out. She ate several bites before she finally gave up. So maybe she was a little more upset than she wanted to admit.
    “Not hungry?” Bonnie asked.
    Allison jumped. “Oh, you scared me. I guess not. Can I get a box?”
    “Sure, sweetie. And don’t feel too bad about him. He’ll be back.” She winked and walked back to the kitchen.
    Allison shook her head. She didn’t want him to be back. Maybe she’d need to switch to a different platform. That way she wouldn’t have to see him again.
    Bonnie brought a leftover box out and handed Allison the bill. “I know that look. Don’t let him get to you. He meant no harm by what he said. You’re just tired and hungry. Things will look better tomorrow.”
    “If you say