Colt closed the distance between them, and Ash braced himself for where the blow might land. When Colt grabbed the collar of his T-shirt, Ash gave himself a mental pat on the back for not yet having flinched.
“What the hellisthis?” Colt asked through gritted teeth.
Ash exhaled a shaky breath through his nose. “I broke her heart, man,” he replied, unable to mask the pain in his voice when he recalled the look of betrayal in Willow’s eyes. “I didn’t mean to,” he continued. “And I’m doing everything in my power to fix this whole situation even though I know I can’t win her back.” He shrugged. “Figured I’d start by getting the ass kicking I deserve, then move on taking back control of my professional life and my goddamn cell phone. Then… I don’t know. Maybe I can convince you to tell me where Willow is so I can at least tell her the truth I didn’t know four days ago, and then I promise never to bother her again. Ijust want her to be happy and to know despite my many, many,manymistakes…I’ve always loved her.”
Colt yanked at Ash’s collar, and Ash closed his eyes, readying himself for the blow. But a second later, Colt growled and shoved him backward, swearing under his breath. He ran a hand through his hair and threw his arms up. “How the hell am I supposed to deck you after that?”
Ash raised his brows. “Because I’m an asshole who signed away his life at nineteen and took ten more years to grow up and take it back?”
“Shit,” Colt replied. “You really do love her, don’t you?”
“More than anything,” Ash told him.
“Enough to just stand there and take a beating?”
Ash nodded. “I mean, I probably wouldn’t stay standing for long.”
Colt rolled his eyes, then scrubbed a hand across his face. “I’m only telling you this because Willow has been a wreck all week, and I don’t want her to have to perform like this next weekend.” He sighed. “She’s staying at my place.”
***
Ash barreled through the door as soon as Colt opened it. “Willow?” he called. “Wills?” He ran straight into the kitchen and living area, but it was empty. He ran up the stairs, throwing open doorsand calling her name, but every room and every closet was empty. When he made it downstairs, he found Colt standing in the kitchen with a sticky note in his hand.
“I found this on the fridge.” He handed the note to Ash.
You better not have touched him. Can’t stay in MV anymore.
Jenna taking me somewhere to crash until the festival.
She’ll fill you in. Thanks for being there for me.
See you at the show. Love you,—W.
“Okay. Call Jenna, man.” Ash’s heart was racing. “She’ll tell you where they’re going and we can go after them.”
“Don’t you get it?” Colt asked. “She knew I wouldn’t hit you…even though Ireallywanted to. And she obviously knew I’d crack and tell you she was here.” He clapped Ash on the shoulder and sighed. “She doesn’t want to be found, Murphy. I’m sorry.”
Chapter 29
Willow stood in the wings, guitar slung over her shoulder, and waited as the rest of the band finished their tuning and sound check. She closed her eyes and centered herself in the moment, reminding herself that while it wasn’t the promised duet, her label liked the rough version of the new song she’d sent them and promised she’d get to a studio to record it in the next couple of weeks after the festival. Her career hadn’t ended, and despite the mixed press she’d received after the leak, her agent told her that morning that her set at the festival was completely sold out.
She should be happy, right? Shewashappy, wasn’t she?
Oz, her drummer, started in on the beat to “This Time,” a crowd favorite, and the fans began to cheer. She waited a few measures, sucked in a deep breath, and then headed out onstage.
For the entirety of the song, Willow never sang alone. Every word, every chorus, and even the bridge…the fans were with her each step of the way. And right there in the front row was everyone she loved.
Colt and Jenna, Boone and Casey, Eli and Beth. Even the Hammonds, her parents, drove up to catch the set.
Everyoneshe loved. Except one.
This time I’ll pick myself up when I fall;
This time I’ll block your number before you call.
This time I’ll hold the needle and thread;
Jagged stitches ’cross my heart…cold sheets on your side of the bed.
