He nodded slowly, a slight smile on his lips. “I get it. I’m not really into it anymore either. It’s expensive and I’d rather spend my money on doing my music.”

He’d sent me a video of a song he’d written, and I was surprised at his talent. His voice was deep and husky and kind of lush. The lyrics were smart too. “You’re really good, David. I know it’s hard to break in, but you have something important to say. One day, the world will listen.”

He jerked back, then narrowed his gaze. “You think?”

I shrugged. “I hope. It’s going to be a long road if music is your passion. That’s half the battle.” I thought of Ian’s words and a wave of pain hit me. He’d written me over the past two months, little postcards with a few words scrawled; crisp stationery with Michelangelo’s David stenciled on the front, his words in a looping scrawl that was elegant and neat; and plain notebook paper with a few lines of poetry he’d read. As much as hearing from him hurt, it also soothed me, knowing he was somewhere out there going after what he believed in, thinking of me.

David shifted his feet. “So, I know you’re crazy busy and all, but I wondered if you wanted to go out with me. Get something to eat. A movie. Or just hang and talk somewhere.”

I stared at him for a while, wondering how I felt. I didn’t know yet. But something had changed, and I was curious to find out who he really was, away from his group of friends, under the defensiveness I sensed prickling beneath.

“We can do that,” I said slowly. “Friday night?”

“Yeah, perfect. I’m glad you had a good time in Italy. We ended up cutting our trip short anyway—it was a disaster. Freda and Connor went crazy, and I ended up losing one of the gigs.”

I laughed, thinking of her flashing her boobs for the camera. “I figured. Gotta go. See you later.”

“Yeah, see ya.”

I headed home, a smile on my lips. I had no idea what would happen, but I was open to getting to know David better—on my terms. Mom had called and said Nonni was being released tomorrow, so I could finally stop worrying about her. And I was starting volunteer work at the food pantry. I had spoken with the director about my concerns over the food, and he’d given me a list of what they’d need for donations if I could find any willing sponsors.