And evenDebbiereminded me.
And nearly every Whispering Keyster had let me know, too.
And at that moment, I finally understood what Rafe had meant when he said we’d figure it out “one thing at a time.” Not just that we’d have a conversation and make big decisions about all the things—though that, too—but that we’d keep talking, keep re-evaluating, and keep reminding each other about what was important. That the best way to protect each other’s hearts wasn’t to make decisions for each other, but to listen.
And to trust.
And to be on the same team.
Gage:But Jayd might not know you feel that way, hence the texts.
DonCorleone of Whispering Key:Oh. Well, Gloria and I send our love, Jayd! We’re not angry, son! We just want our boys happy, and that means you. Knock ‘em dead.
Jonquil:How lovely!
Fenn:Wow.Who even are you right now, Uncle Rafe?
DonCorleone of Whispering Key:Of course, if Jayd wanted to mention Whispering Key while he was doing his concert, and maybe say it had the prettiest beaches in the world, that wouldn’t go amiss!
Gage:Dad!
Beale:God, Dad, really?
Fenn:Aaaand he’s back, folks.
I lifted the collar of my T-shirt to wipe my eyes, caught between tears and laughter, but feeling lighter and freer than I had in a long time. I knew what I wanted. I knew what I wasn’t going to compromise on.
Littlejohn: FYI:We’re watching the replay of Iron Pipes on Pay-Per-View next week at my place! I’m making vegan spaghetti pie. Everyone’s invited.
Toby:Let’s move the party planning over to the Party Planning Chat.We love you, Jayd! Break a leg!
Beale:And we’re not upset! Not even a little.
Littlejohn:Nope! Ain’t your fault Quincy Berger told Rafe this morning that he and the rest of the Cheez-Bergers will be sitting shiva for Quincy’s mom this week! Rafe’ll figure out a new act.
LorennaM:Sure he will!
Jonquil:Yes! IDEK!! (Does that mean I agree?)
DonCorleone of Whispering Key:He’s already found a new act! A Jayd Rollins cover band that won the Cass County Fair for the last five years! I knew Rafe wouldn’t let us down.
My jaw dropped. I only knew ofoneJayd Rollins cover band, and I was pretty sure Big Rafe meant they’d wonfourof the last five years.
Damn it, Rafe hadn’t told me the Cheez-Bergers canceled! But then again, I hadn’t talked to him all day. Maybe because he’d been a little busy trying to coordinateChetflying in to save the Key.
To sing my songs.
In front of my friends.
As a favor to my boyfriend.
I ground my teeth together. Yeah, I wasn’t too thrilled about that.
But Rafe hadn’t been too busy to coordinate a fan club intervention for me, though. Which told me all I needed to know about my boyfriend’s priorities…
And helped me finally,finallysolidify my own.
Now I just needed to go and break the news to Debbie.
