“You should be so lucky.” Ethan grins. Leaning across the table toward me, he whispers, “I have impeccable taste,” like it’s a secret.

“I’m flattered.” I smile and crinkle my nose, trying extra hard to be charming even though my neck is stiff and my eyes hurt. It is always in my best interest to have people remember me fondly.

“You should be flattered.” Ethan turns back to Robert. “She’s amazing. I’m not even joking.”

“Are you actually looking for a job?” Robert asks, hugging the chair back. He seems amused by Ethan’s exuberance.

“I usually spend the summer playing in Florida. Might head down early,” I say, like I haven’t just been there. Like I’m not running away.

“Who summers in Florida?” Ethan says. “April, no! Stay here.”

Robert laughs. “He met you, what, ten minutes ago?”

“Fifteen,” I say. “We walked over from the park.”

“He’s right,” Robert says, “I do need someone. Band for tomorrow canceled again.” He rubs his palms on the top of the chair. “No pressure, but I own the bar across the street too. If it works out, we could get you a regular dinner gig. And I need someone to run open mic. So maybe it could be worth it for you to stick around? See how tomorrow goes?” He smiles.

“You don’t even know me.” I smile back, keep his gaze too long. It’s dumb. I like them both more than I should.

“You don’t even know me, so we’re even.” There’s a little bit of South in his words. Not much, but it’s there. “I need someone. Ethan says you’re good, and he’s really picky. Play tomorrow. If you suck, or you hate it, we’ll go our separate ways. If it works, we’ll talk. How’s that?”

He’s a good salesman. He makes this all sound very practical. But I broke my rules with Ray. I broke my rules with Justin. I know better.

“Thanks, but there’s a room waiting for me in Florida,” I say. It’s close to truth. I could go back to bouncing between rentals. Get on the schedule at Ollie’s and play for kids on Manatee Beach. That broke down house will only feel haunted if I let it.

“You can stay with me,” Ethan says. “I have an extra room.”

I absolutely cannot picture Ethan snorting coke and attacking me. It’s an impossible thought. He wants me to like him too badly. But maybe my instincts are shit. Maybe that’s the thing I’ve learned about myself.

“You guys are really nice. I just can’t put anyone out that much.” I take another messy bite of salad. I need to shovel it in and get gone before they melt me.