Holy shit.
I’ve won awards for my songs before, but Songwriter of the Year? That’s the dream I’ve carried forever. What lyricist wouldn’t crave that honor?
My smile falters as I realize this will be another victory I celebrate without Alek by my side.
A sharp sting at my nose warns of tears, so I grit my teeth and force them down.
No way am I letting him steal my joy at this. It’s too huge.
Needing to share this with someone who will understand my excitement, I put in a call to Everleigh and Titan. I conference them both in so I can tell them at the same time.
My nails tap a nervous rhythm on the countertop as I wait for them to pick up.
“Love bug? All good?” Titan answers.
“Yes,” I squeal.
His deep laugh is husky enough to have me tilting my head in consideration. It’s warm and familiar.
You could always take him with you.
A sly, petty corner of my mind teases me with an idea that’s almost too tempting to ignore.
The fact that Alek isn’t here to celebrate this huge milestone with me—because he couldn’t lethergo—fills me with a white-hot anger.
Since our breakup, I’ve cycled through nearly every emotion. Except this one.
It was inevitable, just another step on the road to healing.
And boy, am I furious with him.
So unbelievably angry.
Confrontation isn’t my style. I rarely see the point in it. My time is better spent elsewhere than on people or problems that don’t deserve it.
Alek has always been different.
“Earth to Vinnie,” Everleigh calls, pulling me from my thoughts.
“Sorry. Lost to my thoughts.”
“Want to tell us what’s going on, love bug?” Titan asks.
“Guess what?”
“Babe,” Ever says in exasperation.
“Okay. Okay. I got nominated for Songwriter of the Year,” I screech.
For a moment, the line is silent, then they erupt in whoops of joy. They trip over each other to congratulate me, and I can’t help but laugh at their playful sibling banter.
This is the kind of happiness I always longed to share with Alek throughout my career.
“Are you all coming with me?” I ask.
“You asking us to be your dates for this huge moment in your life, Vin?” Titan inquires.
I don’t even give myself time to think about it. “Of course I am. I’ll pay for the dress and tux.”
