I try to smile, but it falters. I really should be the supportive friend, but I’m not feeling very supportive of her and River. “Where are you going?”
She grins at me as she heads toward the stairs. “Depends on how his audition went. I’m not sure yet if he gets to pick the place or I do.”
“If you pick, where are you going?” I call to her.
“The gallery and then out to eat at The Salty Claw.” She disappears up the stairs, and I take in a deep breath.
This is fine. She’s only going out with River again. It’s nobig deal. She deserves this. He makes her happy. I saw that clearly last night when they almost kissed.
Guilt floods through me. I interrupted their kiss. I don’t even know why I did that. It was a horrible thing to do. I’m a terrible friend.
I go into the guest bedroom, where I’ve been leaving my guitar even though I moved back home. I’m keeping my recording equipment in Cricket’s basement because it’s quieter. As I look around, I realize I can get my own place soon. I’ll have the money as soon as I sign the contract.
I grab my music notebook so I can finish my song while Cricket is out with Mr. Gorgeous. It’s totally fine she’s going out with him instead of celebrating with me. It’s only the biggest thing that’s ever happened to me.
I close my eyes and shake my head, tossing my notebook down. I should spend the evening reading Cricket’s chapters instead of writing my music. That way, when she comes home, I can talk to her about her writing. She would like that.
CHAPTER 13
Cricket Jenkins
Wednesday, November 25
I getinto River’s rental car, and he shuts the door for me. It’s cooler this evening, so I’m wearing a sweater with a midi skirt and ankle boots I purchased last winter but hadn’t worn yet.
River slides into the driver’s seat and grins at me. “You look great. Where to?”
I pull my seat belt on. “The audition went well?”
“Yes. I have a good feeling about this one. I think I’ll get the part.” He rubs his hands together.
“That’s fantastic! I’m so happy for you.” I point up the street. “Go up three blocks then turn left.”
He starts the car. “Where are we headed?”
“To the gallery. I thought it would be fun to see some local art before dinner.”
“Nice. And where do you want to do dinner?”
“How do you feel about seafood? I was thinking we could go to our local crab shack, The Salty Claw.”
“Seafood sounds perfect. I love trying local places.”
We drive through downtown, and River asks me more questions about Willow Shade. He’s genuinely interested in the island’s history, which I find sweet. But as we’re talking, I can’t help but think about how excited Micah was this morning after we decided on Atlantic Coast Records.
“Oh, you should know,” I say, thrilled to share the news, “Micah got offered a contract with a major record label today. Can you believe that?”
River’s eyebrows shoot up. “Wow, that’s incredible. He must be over the moon.”
“He is. I’m so proud of him.” I smooth down the fabric of my skirt. “I’ve been telling him for years that he’s talented enough to make it big, and now it’s actually happening.”
“You’re a good friend.”
“Micah deserves this. He’s worked so hard, and his music is just… it’s amazing. He writes all his own songs, plays all the instruments, does his own production. He’s incredibly gifted.”
River glances at me with an unreadable expression. “He’s lucky to have someone who believes in him so much.”
The way he says it makes me think I’m talking about Micah too much, and I pinch my lips together. I don’t want to ruin our date by talking about another man. We pull up to the gallery, and River comes around to open my door. As we walk inside, I slide my arm through his.
