The neon signs of Atlanta blurred into streaks of fuchsia and gold as Jack leaned against the velvet booth of a corner lounge. The bass from the speakers was a low thrum in his chest, but his focus was entirely on the cold glow of his phone screen.

He thought about the last time they’d spoken—the way she’d laughed at his jokes before the fame got loud, before the tours and the guest lists. Now, every silence felt like a statement. He picked up the phone, thumbs hovering over the keypad. He wanted to demand her time, to tell her he was outside, to remind her who was calling.

Across the table, K. Camp was nursing a drink, watching the bubbles rise. He didn’t need to see the screen to know the vibe. “She’s playing the game, Jack,” Camp said, his voice smooth even over the trap beat. “You know how it goes. The minute you stop looking, that’s when it rings.”

“You’re late,” she said, a small smile tugging at her lips.

Suddenly, the screen came to life. No text—just a FaceTime request. Jack didn’t hesitate. He slid the green bar, the background noise of the club fading as her face filled the frame, messy hair and tired eyes, looking like the only real thing in a room full of smoke.