“We nailed it.” Eli collapsed on the bench once her car disappeared down the street.
“You nailed it. I nearly lost us the grant because my favorite dog is a sex offender.”
“Garbage is spirited. There’s a difference.” He turned to me, his expression shifting to serious. “So. Charlotte this weekend.”
“Yeah.”
“You’re really going.”
“I’m really going.”
“With Cole.”
“And Brynn. She’s coming.”
“Obviously. Someone needs to be the voice of reason.” He studied my face. “You’re falling for him.”
“I know. It’s fast. I know he’s leaving and all the reasons this is a terrible idea.” I sank onto the bench beside him, exhaustion hitting me like a wave. “But, Eli? I can’t remember the last time I felt like this. Like I matter. Like someone really sees me and doesn’t run.”
“He’d be an idiot to run.”
“You have to say that. You’re my best friend.”
“I’m saying it because it’s true.” His shoulder bumped mine. “You’re incredible. Any guy would be lucky to have you.”
“Even a twenty-four-year-old country singer?”
“Even him. I’m really happy for you.” He paused. “Just… promise me something?”
“What?”
“Don’t lose yourself in this. I’m not saying don’t go. I watched what happened with Marcus. How you made yourself smaller to fit into his life, and I never want to see you do that again.”
The name hit like a punch. My ex-husband. The man who’d convinced me to put my dreams on hold, to make our life together the priority, only to leave me for someone who didn’t have dreams that got in his way.
“This is different.”
“I know.” His voice softened. “Cole seems like a really good guy. Just remember that you don’t have to sacrifice everything.”
“I won’t.”
“Good.” He squeezed my shoulder. “Because you deserve someone who fits into your life without you having to dismantle it, and I think Cole might be that person. I just want you to remember you’re worth it.”
Friday afternoon, Cole picked us up in a tour bus that looked like it had seen better days.
“Home sweet home.” He gestured at the interior which sported narrow bunks, a small kitchen area, and a couch that had witnessed things. “It’s not glamorous, but it gets us where we need to go.”
“It’s perfect,” I lied.
Brynn climbed aboard, her heels clicking on the metal steps. She’d dressed up for this—fitted jeans, a leather jacket that probably cost more than my car payment. Her hair and makeup were flawless. “This is so much cooler than I expected. I thought tour buses would be gross.”
“Give it two days.” Decker emerged from the back, guitar in hand. He stopped when he saw Brynn, his eyes widening just slightly. “You must be Brynn.”
She froze. Just stopped moving entirely, her eyes going wide.
Decker recovered first, extending his hand. “Cole mentioned you were coming. Said you’re the one who’s been stalking us on Instagram.”
“I prefer ‘enthusiastically following.’” Brynn found her voice, shook his hand. “And you must be the brother.”
