Page 128 of Down Beat

“He said he needs me.”

“I think he does.”

“But?” I look to him, hoping for just one little olive branch. One fucking break.

“But he needs to respect what he has. He’s so damn absorbed in himself that he can’t piece together how you fit into it all.”

He can see it too. “What do you think I should do?”

He leans back in the chair, hands back in his hoodie pocket. “What does your gut tell you to do?”

I shrug. Fuck—I’m so confused. “He said Wallace told him I either need to pay my way or go home.”

“Sounds about right.” He shrugs.

“It’s fair, I know.”

“But?”

“Rey said he’d pay to keep me here.”

“And you declined.” His eyes narrow as though trying to work me out.

“I told him I’m not Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman.” I smirk a little at how funny it sounds repeated.

He chuckles. “Bet he loved that.”

“He was offended I saw it that way. Called me all manner of things under the sun and then stormed into his room, throwing his belt around and that.”

He sighs. “You want me to talk to him?”

“No. I just.…” I look toward Kris and sigh. “Why am I here?”

“Only you know that for sure.” He flattens his lips. “Rey knows why he thinks you’re here, but what are you doing this for?”

I narrow my eyes on him. “You think this is a waste of my time?”

Kris shakes his head. “No. At least, not if your goal is to make Rey happy. But is that all you want from knowing him?”

I frown.

“I’m saying”—he leans forward—“don’t you think that a healthy relationship is one where the feelings are mutual?”

I’m lost. “If you’re implying I don’t care about him—”

“I’m implying he doesn’t give a fuck about killing your career, Tabitha, if it means that he gets what he wants, which is you. You need to decide what’s more important, which one you can live without, because Rey and other people’s interests? They don’t co-exist.”

Jesus. He’s sure as hell not holding back.

I take a moment to absorb what he’s said before rising slowly from the seat. “Thank you for talking through it with me.”

“I didn’t do much beside point out the obvious.”

“Maybe not. But it was what I needed, and I appreciate that.”

He watches me in silence as I make my way to the door.

“Thanks, Kris.”