I clutched the guitar against my chest and sank to the floor, choking back a sob. I’d played it less than an hour ago, so someone must have done this while I was with Jared. If only we hadn’t sneaked off… But how could we ever imagine this would happen? And who would do such a thing? We were all musicians here, our instruments were practically sacred to us.

“Maddie, what—” Kyle asked and then kneeled beside me. “Oh, shit. What happened?”

I held it out to him, unable to form words. He took one look and gathered me in his arms. I cried against his shoulder, and he just held me on the floor without saying anything. That guitar had become an extension of my body after so many hours playing it, and a part of me had been destroyed with it. And with only minutes before our next performance, we were screwed.

“Kyle, what am I going to do? The song—”

“It’s okay. We’ll get you another guitar.”

“Where?” I gave a bitter laugh. “Who would let me use their guitar?” The only person I’d feel comfortable asking was Sean, except that was out of the question now.

“Maybe the show has one you can use?”

“It won’t be the same, I won’t know the guitar, and we’ve barely practiced this song as it is, and oh god, we’re doomed. We’re going home now, I know it.”

Jared and Hector showed up, and Kyle and the roadie explained what had happened while I tried to pull myself together. Lacey must have done this. She’d stolen my glasses and leaked the photo, and now she’d broken my guitar, too. I knew she hated me for some inexplicable reason, but I still couldn’t imagine she’d stoop so low. But I couldn’t think of anyone else who would do this either.

While the guys argued about what to do, I rose to my feet, set my guitar back in its case, and stormed off. After a quick search, I found Lacey in makeup, wearing a poofy red dress and cowboy boots. One look at my face and the guy touching up her lipstick split. Lacey, to her credit, stood her ground.

“Why did you do it?” I asked, hands clenched at my sides.

“Pardon?” she asked.

“You broke my guitar. How could you?”

Her big blue eyes widened a fraction. “Your guitar is broken?”

“Don’t play innocent. I know you did it!”

“Honey, I would never lay a hand on another girl’s guitar. Not in a million years. I’d sooner steal your wallet or kiss your man.”

“Is that what this is about? That time Jared turned you down in the elevator?”