I’m hoping to leave her with my mom only long enough to see Luc and convince him I want to stay.No matter what.And hope it’s not too late.She promises me she’ll keep her safe and smother her in snuggles.
“Go,” she whispers, brushing my hair like I’m five again.“Find your heart.”
Briand I walk into the venue with pit wristbands.One of the crew, bless his soul, slips us inside before the rest of the crowd can enter, making sure we score dead-center barricade spots in front of the stage.
My heart is trying to exit my body through my throat.Bri hands me the sign we worked on in the hotel room.It’s a huge poster board, the red permanent marker still smelling faintly sharp.I clutch onto the rolled sign like a life line.What I wrote will either bring Luc and I back together, or break us apart for good.My fingers shake around the cardboard.“What if he doesn’t-”
“Stop.”Bri grins.“He will.”
“Will it be weird for you to see Dean?”My question a bit hesitant, not sure I should even bring the subject up, but it’s eventual that they will see each other.“You know, after hooking up with him.”
“God, no!”She laughs out loud, and I think at my obvious embarrassment.“I got exactly what I wanted from that man; an amazing memory.I don’t need anything else from him.”
“You sure?”I raise a brow.“He’s pretty good looking, and nice, most of the time.”
“Positive.”No hesitation in her response.“It was fun, but it was one and done.That’s how he operates.”
“Yeah, that’s definitely what I’ve noticed.”I murmur, cheeks flaring again, glad we at least have this problem covered.
Time drags as we wait for the arena to fill with people, and then for the opening band to come on.They’re not the same band that played in San Francisco and Portland.We’re in Seattle, and apparently, they must change up the band based on the city they’re in.
Maybe it’s a good thing though.Less of a chance for anyone to recognize me and tell Luc I’m here.They finish their set, the lights popping on, the bright light a stark contrast to the darkness we were in just a second ago.
Bri and I both squint at each other, as she reminds me, unnecessarily I might add, what’s about to happen.“It’s almost time.”
“Yep.”I bob my head up and down.I’m beyond nervous.
“You look really cute, if that helps.”She tosses out, smiling at me.What I’m wearing isn’t an accident.I chose it on purpose.To hopefully remind Luc of the night we met.Even though I don’t remember it.I know he does.
The lights drop.The crowd roars.My pulse races and I hold my breath as I wait for the band to step on stage.I know their set list.I know which song Luc will open up with.So, I know he’ll have a few seconds to look out into the crowd before he sings.
What I don’t know, is what he’ll do when he does.
Chapter 28
Luc
All I Want
Kodaline
The lights hit,the crowd roars, and the adrenaline kicks like it always does.It’s hot, electric, familiar.My pulse syncs to the drums.My lungs expand with that primal rush that tells me I'm home.
But tonight, something feels… off.Like my bones know a truth my head hasn’t caught up to yet.The first chord of Dean’s riff strums out.I step up to the mic, opening my eyes as I lift my head, and then I see why.
Front and Center.Right in front of me.Right under the lights.It’sher.My Lily.Her hair loose, eyes wide, breath shaking.She wearing the little red skirt and white tank top she had on the very first night we met.Her arms are raised high, holding a sign like she built it out of hope and terror and every heartbeat we ever shared.
LUC, I LOVE YOU
My worldstops.The arena noise distorts then muffles like someone shoved my head underwater.My fingers freeze on the mic.My throat closes around the lyrics before they can leave.
For a heartbeat, I think I’m hallucinating.Is this grief?Am I dreaming her existence the way I did every night she was gone?But then she blinks fast, terrified and brave all at once.
And it hits me.She came back.She came for me.My chest fractures, pressure and relief slamming together so hard I swear my knees might give.
Dean follows my gaze.He sees her, sees the sign, and lets out a low, “Holy shit.”
Sadie doesn't take her eyes off Lily.Arms crossed, sporting a soft smirk like she knew this would happen.
