“If you mean you’ve jumped to the wrong conclusion then, yes. But that’s totally understandable.” Zac seemed quite pleased with himself. “Megan and I may not know how to sing, but we know how to take your mind off something. Do you feel better?”
Willow shook off her last feelings of doom. “I do. And the best part is that I don’t need a bucket anymore.”
Zac grimaced. “My job is done.”
When another burst of applause came from the audience, Willow only cringed a little bit.
“I should go back to my seat.” Megan hugged Willow. “Have a great concert.”
“Thanks.”
After Megan left, Zac asked, “Do you want me to leave, too?”
That was the last thing Willow wanted. “No, stay. It’s good to have company.”
“While you’re singing, I’ll be sitting by the front of the stage on the right-hand side. If you need reassurance, just look my way.”
“I’ll remember.”
“Good.”
The curtain opened again and Ryan stepped into the changing room. “Hi, Zac. Are you looking forward to the concert?”
“I am. I’ll be even happier when Willow’s on the stage.”
Ryan studied Willow’s face. “I don’t need to ask how you’re feeling.”
“I’m better since Megan and Zac visited me.”
“That’s good.” Ryan pulled out a small gift bag. “I’ve got something that might make you feel even better. Sophie said this helps calm her nerves.”
Whatever was inside the bag wouldn’t be illegal. But with Sophie’s knowledge of natural supplements, herbs, and spices, anything could be lurking inside the canvas.
Willow opened the drawstring. Inside was a small sachet tied with pale purple ribbon. She lifted it to her nose and sighed.
“It’s lavender,” Ryan said. “It’s supposed to relax you when you’re stressed.”
For the first time since she’d arrived at the concert, Willow’s smile felt genuine. “Thank you. It’s perfect.”
“I’m glad you like it.” Ryan checked his watch. “We’ve got four minutes until the concert starts. I’ll be waiting beside the band.”
“I’ll be there soon.” Willow grabbed hold of Zac’s hand, not wanting him to leave her side. With her other hand she lifted the bag of lavender to her nose and took a long sniff.
“Is it helping?”
The amusement in Zac’s voice was even more calming than the lavender. “I think so. You were all thinking the same thing.”
“We were thinking about you.”
A lump formed in her throat. She knew her friends cared about her, but it was nice to hear it spoken out loud. “Sometimes, Zac Hilary, you say the sweetest things.”
He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close. “Enjoy the concert and try not to let your nerves get the better of you.”
Willow stared into his brown eyes. “I’ll look for you.”
He kissed her gently on the lips. “I’ll be there.”
Taking another deep breath, Willow stepped out of Zac’s embrace and straightened her shoulders.
