I shake away the image of Micah. I should get excited about my date tomorrow. River is really sweet. I could really grow to like him a lot. I need to focus on him and stop obsessing over Micah.
My phone buzzes, and my heart leaps. I’m hoping it’s Micah. Maybe he couldn’t sleep either. Maybe he’s thinking about me the way I’m thinking about him.
I grab my phone and see Micah’s name on the screen. My pulse quickens.
Hey. I know it’s late, but I couldn’t sleep. I keep thinking abouttoday and how you helped me get through that crowd. You were amazing, Cricket. I don’t know what I would have done without you. You always know exactly what to say and do to make me feel safe. Thank you for being the best friend a guy could ask for. I’m really lucky to have you in my life.
My heart soars and breaks at the same time. He’s thinking about me. He appreciates me.
The best friend a guy could ask for.
I stare at the text until my eyes blur with tears. This is why I need to date River. Because I need to stop liking someone who will never see me as anything more than his faithful sidekick.
I type back through my tears.
You don’t have to thank me. I’ll always be here for you. That’s what friends are for. Sweet dreams.
I hit send and immediately want to take it back. I want to tell him how I really feel. I want to ask him why he kissed my cheeks. I want to know if there’s any part of him that might see me as more than his best friend.
But I don’t. Because losing Micah’s friendship would be worse than never having his love.
I pull his jacket up to my face and breathe in his scent, letting myself cry quietly. Tomorrow, I’ll go on a date with River Stone and pretend my heart isn’t completely owned by the boy next door who will never love me back.
But tonight, I’ll let myself dream about what it would be like if that last text had been Micah asking me on a date instead of thanking me for being such a good friend.
CHAPTER 9
Cricket Jenkins
Tuesday, November 24
Micah pacesmy basement family room while I try to manage his social media on my computer. It’s insane how many messages he’s gotten. He’s really blown up now that his identity has leaked. And his latest video is trending on YouTube. It has over forty million views now.
Even though all the fans went home, a few bloggers have been hanging out on his sidewalk, trying to get photos. Micah had to sneak over here from the beach wearing a hoodie and sunglasses.
I copy and paste the official response I came up with to his socials. Basically it says, “Yes, I’m Midnight Velocity. I will have new content coming out soon. While I can’t respond to everyone, I thank you all for your support.”
Next, I wade through all the emails that came to him overnight. I see one from Sterling Records, and I freeze. There’s another one from Apex Entertainment. And yetanother from Atlantic Coast Records. All of the major record companies are emailing him. I scan the contents of the emails.
“Micah,” I whisper. “You’ve done it.”
He stops pacing and comes to me. “What? What did I do?”
“You’ve got all the major record labels after you.”
His eyes grow wide. “I do?”
“This is it. You have your pick. They all want to Zoom with you.” I can hardly breathe.
I look at him and see the color drain from his face. He looks like he’s going to pass out.
I jump up from my chair. “Micah. Sit down.” I guide him to the couch.
“I don’t feel so good,” he says quietly.
“Take in a deep breath.” I sit beside him on the couch, watching as he follows my breathing pattern. His hands are shaking, and I reach over to take them in mine. I ignore all the electric pulses. Micah needs me.
“Better?” I ask softly.
