I nod, watching as they exit the stage. They definitely aren’t lacking in the looks department or talent.
“I bet that man can do some magic with those fingers.”
“Ellie!”
She laughs. “Oh, don’t act like you haven’t thought about it!”
“I haven’t!”
She levels me with an unconvinced look. Okay, maybe I’ve thought about it once or twice.
“Did you text Penn?” she asks.
I shake my head. I wanted to surprise him. I had this crazy idea he’d see me in the crowd, but we couldn’t get close enough, even with Ellie trying to shove through people.
“Let’s go. I saw the vendor parking lot when we arrived. That’s probably where they’re heading.” Ellie grabs my hand and drags me toward the entrance.
“Do you think that song was about someone specific?” I wonder aloud.
“Probably. Breakups make for great writing material, I’m sure.”
“Aren’t you worried he’ll write one about you, too?” I tease.
She frowns, then laughs. “No, but you should be.”
“What do you mean? Why would Travis write a song about me?”
She stops walking and faces me. “Penn writes their songs.Allof them.”
My jaw drops. How did I not know that? In all my research, I didn’t even think to check. I assumed it was Travis because he’s the singer. Now I realize how silly that is. “Really?”
“Really, really.” She links her arm with mine again, continuing our trek. “We should’ve grabbed some hot chocolate, but I’m not waiting in that line,” she says, but I’m barely listening.
My mind is spinning.Penn writes the songs.The ones about love and second chances, pain and heartache. What do they mean? Did someone break his heart? Does he miss her and want her back? I shake my head, trying to rid my brain of the intrusive thoughts. That song could be from a million years ago. Might even be made up. I’m sure not everything he writes about is real, right?
“There they are!” Ellie squeals.
The guys are ahead of us, moving toward the parking lot. I falter, suddenly unsure. About what, I don’t know. Ellie leads me until we’re right behind the guys.
“Well, hello, boys,” she coos.
They all turn around. Travis’s eyes light up when he spotsher, and he grins, holding his arms out. She abandons me and jumps into him, laughing as he spins her around. Well, that’s cute, and certainly seems like more than friendly affection, but what do I know?
Liam waves at me, and I return the gesture, while Tanner ignores us and continues to their van.
I slowly turn my head in Penn’s direction, sensing his gaze on me. His eyes narrow, brow furrowing deep. I mirror his expression, and he smirks, setting his guitar case on the pavement and stepping in front of me.
“I didn’t know you were coming.”
Well, it’s not like he invited me. I told myself it was because he knew I was visiting family, but a teeny part of me wondered if it was because he’d invited someone else. Someone like that bleach blonde from the bar, maybe.
“Yet here I am.”
He studies me, his head cocked sideways, smirk fully intact. “You came back early.”
I shrug, turning away for a moment, unable to handle the intensity of his gaze. “I wanted to see the fireworks.”
His head jerks back. “That right?”
