Kayla, Gabe, and Rilen
Kayla James is only months away from her piano audition for Julliard. She practices ten hours a day and won’t let anyone or anything distract her. Or so she says. Gabe engages in criminal activity. Rilen binge drinks and puts loved ones in harm’s way. The choice between them shouldn’t be so hard.
As Kayla takes time away from Rilen, hoping her ultimatum will set him on the right path, her own path through an alley one night leads her right into the spray-painted hands of the Graffiti Guys. Kayla has followed their crimes as the news—and police—have tried to catch them in the act of creating beautiful works of art all over the city. And here they were creating a graffiti masterpiece on her building.
Graffiti Guy Gabe distracts Kayla by taking her on some stealthy spray-painting missions. Kayla grows closer to this mysterious boy while Rilen is sticking to her deal. He has met every one of Kayla’s demands, so she should honor her deal to get back together with him.
One night scaling rooftops and fire escapes with Gabe shatters her chances to play piano. Maybe even for forever. Distancing herself form Gabe, she trades one distraction for another; Kayla is swept back into her life with Rilen. She suffers through physical therapy with hopes that she will be able to play the piano again in time (and at the caliber she once had) for the audition for Julliard.
But it may not be Gabe’s illegal activities or Rilen’s drinking that harms her. 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 narrowed. “What’s your problem, Ritz cracker? Do I know you?”