“I am. And if he gives you any grief about being my manager, I’ll set him straight. You’re the best thing that’s happened to my career.”
I manage a small smile. “You’re just saying that.”
“I’m saying it because it’s true. You believe in me when I don’t believe in myself. You see potential I can’t see. You make me brave.” He pauses, his expression growing more serious. “I’m lucky to have you.”
My heart does a little flip at his words. I don’t speak because I’m afraid of my voice giving my emotions away.
He smiles, that soft, genuine smile that makes my knees weak. “Come on. Let’s go get something to eat. I’m famished.”
As we head toward the table of food, I feel lighter somehow. My parents are still coming home early, and I still have to face my father’s disappointment. But knowing Micah believes in me, knowing he has faith in my dreams, makes everything seem a little less impossible.
And maybe, just maybe, I’ll find the courage to finish my novel after all.
CHAPTER 29
MicahBarrett
Saturday, December 5
When I get backto my hotel room, it’s almost midnight. I unlock our suite and walk in to find River sitting on the couch in front of the television. He clicks it off with the remote and turns to me. “Hey, sorry I left. That headache was a killer.”
“Are you feeling better?”
He nods. “Yeah, man. The ibuprofen took care of it. Did you have fun with Cricket?”
“Sure.”
River runs a hand through his hair. “She’s pretty special, isn’t she?”
Guilt constricts my chest as I look at him. He really does like Cricket. And I spent the evening dancing with her and wishing she was mine. I swallow, my throat tight. “Yeah. She’s special.”
“I’m glad she has you.”
I’m not sure what he means by that, but it makes me feel even more guilty because River is a nice guy. And I’m supposed to be just a friend, but I’m having thoughts about Cricket that are far from friendship-like.
I nod at him. “Of course. We’ve been friends for a long time.” I take a step toward my room. “Well, good night.”
“See you tomorrow.”
I go into my bedroom and plop down on the bed. My phone rings, and I pick it up. It’s Cricket. I quickly answer it.
“Hey,” I say, trying to keep my voice casual despite the way my heart picks up speed.
“Hey,” she says, her voice bright. “I hope I’m not calling too late. I couldn’t stop thinking about tonight.”
I close my eyes, letting her voice wash over me. “It’s not too late. River says his headache is better. Is Kiera still up?”
“No, she was asleep when I got in. Thank you for staying with me after River left. I know you probably wanted to go back to the hotel too.”
“No, I…” I pause, realizing I’m about to say something that would reveal too much. “I had a great time dancing with you.”
She laughs, and the sound makes my chest ache. “Remember when we were kids and your mom made us take those ballroom dancing lessons at the community center?”
Despite everything, I smile. “Yes. You were so mad because I kept stepping on your feet.”
“You were terrible! And I was wearing those new white shoes my grandmother bought me. By the end of the first lesson, they looked like they’d been through a war zone.”
“Hey, I got better,” I protest, settling back against my pillows. “Eventually.”
