I hate that he’s right.
Moreso, I hate that we’re even having this conversation.
But I nod reluctantly in agreement, because Mia would want what’s best for him.
We stand there like a firing squad, barely breathing, phones in hand, ears tuned to every note—waiting for that final chord to ring out.
Praying it won’t be too late.
Chapter forty-four
"Please Don't Go" - Jack Avery
Grayson
“Goodnight Austin, Texas! You’ve been fucking unreal!”
I tear off my mics and monitors as I jog off stage. Fucking unreal is right. The crowd is still screaming my name, demanding an encore.
My heart is pounding, my body completely soaked in sweat. I haven’t allowed myself to look backstage all night. I didn’t wantto know if she had shown up until it was over. Our fans deserved all of me—and that’s exactly what I’d given.
But now the show is almost over, and I’m ready.
I know she’s going to be here. I can feel it.
I can’t wait to see her face. To run straight into her arms. To kiss every inch of her skin, tell her I love her and I’ll never,evermake the mistake of letting her go again.
Hell, I’m already planning to ask her to come out and crush one more song with me. Bookend the tour with the moment that got us here. Just like we were always meant to.
But the second I round the corner, every ounce of confidence I had evaporates.
She isn’t here.
No green eyes searching for mine.
No soft smile in the shadows.
No Mia.
Instead, I run straight into the wall of tension that is Jake, Rylee, and my sister, standing shoulder to shoulder like a barricade in the wings. They aren’t celebrating. They aren’t excited. They aren’t even smiling.
The look on their faces—
God.
It hits me like a punch to the gut.
My steps slow.
“Where is she?” I ask, my breath already catching in my throat.
Jake’s eyes dart to Johanna. Rylee blinks hard, trying to keep it together. Johanna’s arms are crossed, her eyes looking up at the ceiling the way they do when she’s trying to keep from crying.
I look between the three of them, waiting for someone to saysomething.
“Where is she?” I demand, louder now, my voice cracking.
Rylee steps forward, wanting to say something, but her face shatters before she can say anything.
