We pick up where we left off, like we've never said goodbye
Reuniting with my first love, it's like I'm finally alive.
It was a great song, and a great way to end the set. Diego felt the waves of applause come up from the crowd, still as large as it had been an hour earlier when they rang in the new year. A song of hope and love, the perfect promise for a new year.
What would this year bring for him?
Finally, the lights came on and the band started breaking down the stage as everyone finished their drinks and headed home. Diego’s friends waved at him as before they left, and Nolan held his hand up to his ear and mouthed, “Call me tomorrow.”
Diana hung around longer, and once they got the drum set broken down, he jumped off the stage and accepted a bottle of water from her. “What did you think?” he asked before he tugged on a strand of her long hair.
She shrugged, then broke out into a wide smile, then tugged on a strand of his long hair. “It was great.” She pointed at two women standing near the bar. “Mari and Liz thought your song was great… and so did I.” She reached up to kiss his cheek.
Then the smile faded. “You got a text message.”
Diego’s heart tightened. Brody had reached out. It only made sense tonight, when all things were possible, when you could make a wish and have it come true.
But it wasn’t Brody.
Audra: Happy new year! We had an amazing concert tonight.
She attached a picture of Jonah standing by the fireplace holding his guitar, mouth open in song. Diego’s heart burst open. How could he miss those boys so much after only knowing them for a few weeks? But here he was, blinking back the moisture in his eyes at the sight of Jonah.
Diana’s eyes hadn’t left his face. “It’s a cute picture,” he said, tucking the phone in his pocket.
She nodded. “Are you okay?”
“Always, Sister.”
“I know you’re the older brother, but I worry about you, Diego.” Her bright brown eyes filled with an intense light, and she clasped his hands. “Choose love, brother. You’re always there for other people and never for yourself. What happened to us isn’t your fault, and you’ve never focused on your own happiness. Promise me this year you’ll love yourself first.” She glanced at the band. “Success isn’t the same as happiness, and you deserve both.”
Her words caught him off guard, but the way she looked at him—her words came straight from her heart. “I promise.” Diego gave her another hug. Then he waved at her friends as she joined them, the small group laughing as they all headed out the front door.
He looked at Audra’s text message. She’d sent it at half-past twelve and now it was just after one in the morning. Was it too late to text back?
Diego: Thanks for the pic. He looks great up there.
Diego: How is everyone?
Audra must have been up because she answered quickly.
Audra: We’re all good. Brody was released from the hospital a few days ago, but he’s taking it easy because of court on Tuesday.
Diego’s eyes widened. Hospital? Brody had been hospitalized and hadn’t told him? Was it a seizure or something else?
And clearly Audra thought Brody had told Diego all of this or she wouldn’t be sharing.
Or would she?
Diego: I’m glad to hear he’s out.
Audra: It was scary for a few days but things look better. We’re all helping him with driving.
Audra: Luckily the boys are out of school.
Diego: Thanks for letting me know he’s okay. Happy new year!
Audra: You too. We miss you.
