I always knew she was beautiful, but on some level I treated it like a universal law, like gravity. I moved through the world, constantly aware of her, often without ever thinking about it. But the night before, as she fearlessly commanded the stage without giving it a second thought, I couldn’t stop staring at her. I watched, helpless against her pull.
“I can’t believe it. What did he say?” I asked as I studied her, this girl who never gave up on me.
“He saw potential,” she said, finally stepping away, teeth sinking into her bottom lip.
My optimism waned at her expression. I tilted my head to catch her gaze as I coaxed. “Just tell me, Ave. It’s the two of us.”
“He wanted me to come back.” She slumped in my arms, shoulders curling in.
“He thinks you have potential.” Of course he wanted her back. He’d be stupid not to.
“I told him I’d do it if you guys could have another slot, that we’re a package deal.”
“Fuck.” I felt like I’d let her down. I was building up the band so much, and she was helping with the songs and getting gigs. Meanwhile, we couldn’t fucking perform. And I hadn’t even asked ifshewanted to. “Just do it yourself. You don’t need us dragging you down.”
“What are you talking about?” She reeled back, glaring at me. “I wouldn’t have been up there without you. I don’twantto be up there if you’re not there too. Take this chance.”
“It’s not a chance. It’s pity.”
“It’s something. Take it.” Her eyes blazed, flecks of gold burning bright. “I’m not being nice, I’m being selfish. Because I don’t want to do this unless I’m doing it with you. So, whether you like it or not, I’ll drag your ass there if I have to. We’re doing it together.”
Together, that’s how I always wanted it to be too.
We went back the next week, and by some miracle, didn’t fuck it up.
11
Wesley
January 2025
Ipace the length of my dressing room. With thirty minutes left before the concert, if Avery was going to come, she’d be here by now. Did I mistake what she said? No. I remember it clearly. She said she’d come back and meet me before the show. Then the guys gave me shit the way they used to. Well, everyone but Luca, though after that first rehearsal, things have been better. Mostly because we avoid each other all together.
Maybe something happened. Or Atlanta’s notorious traffic caused a delay.
Footsteps approach and pause at the door. I straighten, tugging at the hem of my distressed shirt.
“I was starting to think you weren’t going to show,” I say as the door creaks open.
“Sorry, I didn’t know you were waiting on these. They were just delivered,” the confused assistant says, holding out a vase with a bouquet.
“Do you know who they’re from?”
He shakes his head. “No, but there’s a note we checked before letting it through. No name, but sounds like someone you used to work with sending their congratulations.”
“Thanks.”
I take the vase from him and duck back inside. Should I text Avery? Or would that be too much. She’s been keeping her distance, but after last night I’m not sure what the rules are.
Setting the flowers down, I take a moment to inspect the gift. There’s something about it that’s off. Not just the fact that most executives display their names loud and proud.
The floor seems to drop out from under me as I recognize the flower dominating the arrangement. A pink trumpet-shaped bloom with six distinct petals. My fingers tremble as I pluck the note free.
Sorry I couldn’t make it. Will watch the concert from LA. Thankful for the nice checks that keep coming because of it.
Even though it isn’t signed, I know who they’re from. My old manager and girlfriend Maddie always liked sending me lilies before performances. God. It’s been so long, but even now, every muscle in my body tenses at the reminder that, even though I’ve moved on to a new life, she still owns a part of my past. The part of my life I loved the most until she ruined it.
“We need to head to the stage.” Garrett’s low timbre shocks me back into the moment. I have no idea how long he’s been standing there.
