Free Bittersweet Symphony (The Damaged Souls series Book 2) by Belinda Boring Page A

simply want to help.”
    Mr. Chisholm’s features brightened, pride twinkling in his gray eyes. “Then the scholarship is being awarded to the right person. You’re a remarkable young woman, Ms. Sawyer. Your late husband would be extremely proud of you.”
    “I’m just being me,” I answered, trying not to burst into flames from all the compliments. My face felt like it was a thousand shades of embarrassed.
    “Well, keep doing that. I have a feeling you’re going to make a wonderful difference in the world with a heart like that.”
    “As long as it earns me an A in this class, I’ll be happy.” The moment I said it, I wanted to retrieve it. When he tipped his head back and burst into a hearty laugh, I relaxed. The professor had taken the comment the way I’d meant it—as a joke and not some way to wheedle myself into a grade I hadn’t earned yet.
    “We’ll see,” he countered, scooping up the assignment papers. “But first I should grade these. I hope you enjoy the rest of your afternoon, Caylee.”
    Mr. Chisholm was dismissing me.
    Offering my own goodbye and appreciation for the good news, I practically skipped from the room, bursting out from the large student building into the beautiful blue-skied day.
    Today couldn’t get any better if it tried!
    When my phone buzzed, alerting me to a new text message, I knew I’d spoken too soon.
    Please tell me you’re coming to rehearsal tonight. I miss you.
    Cooper.
    I stood corrected—the day could definitely get better and with a soft grin, I typed back.
    I’ll be there. I miss you too.
    With a few extra emojis, I hit send, a new spring in my step as I headed toward the library. I still had a few hours of study before it was time to drive over to Cooper’s parents place. It was tempting to call him immediately and tell him my exciting news, but instead I chose to wait.
    I wanted to share it with him in person. Rebecca would also want to organize something, maybe a party as a way to celebrate, and I was perfectly fine with that plan.
    I was walking on air, everything working out in my favor.
    Life was good.
    Finally.
    Gratefully.
     

 
    Chapter Seven
    Cooper
     
    “Shit, that might be your best yet, Coop,” Aidan praised, grinning from ear to ear as he silenced the still vibrating cymbal on his drum kit.
    We’d been rehearsing for the past two hours and the new song I’d written last night was coming along nicely. It usually didn’t take much before the melody took hold, claiming the song’s words, and creating magic.
    While I’d laid down the bare bones in the early hours of this morning, it wasn’t until meeting with the guys and adding in the different instruments that it became real.
    “Thanks,” I mumbled, concentrating on the chord I was trying to tweak. Something wasn’t quite right with the ending notes. Strumming my favorite pick over the strings, a more harmonious tone echoed and I nodded.
    Better.
    “Caylee should take a break from you more often,” Marty teased, his own guitar in his hands. I didn’t even bother entertaining his comment. I’d listened to more than my fair share of moaning and groaning from him whenever Rebecca was busy.
    Marty was like a little puppy when it came to Caylee’s roommate, regardless of how many times he denied it. It was actually a nice change of pace to see him being serious with someone—or as committed as he knew how to be. The guy was a major player. He put my efforts to shame.
    Not that I was out there—sowing my wild oats, as my father liked to describe it.
    While I wasn’t a horse, I’d definitely been an ass.
    Not anymore . . . at least not intentionally. I wanted it to work with Caylee, more than I was comfortable admitting, but there was no denying spending the night apart had been rough. I’d become accustomed to seeing her whenever I wanted—needed. I just hadn’t realized how important she’d become to me.
    The pulse of fear that always seemed to follow thoughts like that was