Kayla, Gabe, and Rilen
Kayla James, only weeks away from her piano audition for Julliard, keeps to schedules and practices her piano ten hours a day. She won’t let anyone or anything distract her. Or so she says. As Kayla takes time away from Rilen, her music-prodigy, binge-drinking ex, hoping her ultimatum will set him on the right path, her own journey through a dark alley one night leads her into the spray-painted hands of Graffiti Guy Gabe.
Gabe’s outlook on life, and how art influences it, lures Kayla out of her comfort zone—and long hours at the piano—on some stealthy spray-painting missions, which aren’t very legal. As Kayla grows closer to the mysterious artist who keeps her on her toes, Rilen meets every one of her demands fulfilling her ultimatum. She should take Rilen back, right? He is pretty luminous when he throws that charm around.
On the eve of her Julliard audition, scaling rooftops and fire escapes with Gabe, a fall shatters Kayla’s audition chance. She may never play the piano again. But it might not be Gabe’s illegal activities or Rilen’s drinking that gets in the way of her dreams. Her own determination may be the most harmful thing of all.
© 2025 Murphy Ellis
“Oooo,” he taunted. One corner of his mouth lifted in a smile. “Swanky clothes and proper English too. Nice to meet you, Ms. Ritz Carlton.”
Her eyes crinkled. “What’s your problem, Ritz cracker? Do I know you?”