“You can get gigs, and I’ll get a waitressing job or something.”
“I love you.” His eyes glisten with unshed tears as his lips brush against mine. “It’s tempting to run. Don’t think I didn’t think of that first, because I did, but I won’t derail your future, Syd. You’re too talented an artist to throw it all away. I want you to go to NYU.”
“That’s probably a moot point now, anyway.” I trail my fingers back and forth across the nape of his neck. “Father won’t pay for college when I leave with you at eighteen.”
“You’ll get a scholarship, and maybe I’ll have had a lucky break by then.”
“I can’t do this,” I sob, flinging my arms around his neck and suctioning myself to his body. “I can’t live without seeing you. It’s going to kill me.”
“I know, babe. Believe me, I know. It’s killing me too.” He presses a fierce kiss to my lips. “But we can do this. We’re strong enough to get through it. Just think we’ll be together forever as soon as we’re old enough to make our own decisions.”
“I’m scared.” I rest my brow against his, peering deep into his eyes. “I’m scared you’ll forget all about me and find someone else.”
“That won’t happen, babe.” He holds me tight, almost crushing me to him. “You and me were written in the stars. Our mums predicted it. You are the only girl for me, Sydney. Please don’t ever doubt that.” He eases back a little, staring me straight in the eyes. “This is going to be hard, but don’t lose sight of what we mean to one another.” Lifting my wrist, he presses his lips to my soft skin and delicious tremors dance up my arm. “You are my forever girl. It’s you and me for eternity.” Delving into his pocket, he removes something silver and drops it onto my palm.
Tears prick my eyes as I pick it up with gentle fingers. It’s a Tiffany locket in the shape of a heart.
“Open it,” he says, removing something from his other pocket.
I pry the locket open, and my heart swells inside my chest. “I love that picture of us,” I say over my sniffles as I smile at the photo taken a few months ago at a sweet-sixteen party. We have our arms locked around one another, and we’re wearing matching lovesick grins.
“Me too. I got one framed, and it will be going on my nightstand so your beautiful face is the last thing I see every night and the first thing I open my eyes to every day.”
“I love it.” I fling my arms around his neck again. “I love you so much, J.”
“I love you too, babe, and I’m going to ensure everyone knows it.” He eases out of our embrace, and I watch as he straps a leather wristband on his left wrist. A silver panel on top of the leather bracelet is engraved with Sydney ?? Jared and my heart melts.
A knock on the door claims our attention. “Jared, it’s time,” Jade says. “You need to leave before Sydney’s protection detail starts asking questions.”
“Just one minute,” Jared calls out, pulling me to my feet as he stands.
“I don’t want to say goodbye,” I cry, circling my arms around him and resting my head on his chest.
“Then we won’t. This isn’t goodbye. This is just an obstacle on our path to forever.”
I smile through my tears. “Spoken like a true songwriter.” I know Jared has written tons of songs because I have helped with some and he played some other songs for me first before showing them to the guys. “I know this is doubly hard for you because you have to leave the band.” I straighten up and cup his cheek. “I’m sorry for being so self-absorbed. I know this is worse for you.” He is leaving everything and everyone he knows and loves behind. It’s going to be a massive adjustment for him, and I need to pull my big-girl panties up and stop making it harder.
“It’s not a competition. It won’t be easy for me or you, but I trust in us.”
I nod, stretching up to kiss him.
Jared tightens his arms around my back as he dips me low and kisses the living daylights out of me. “Let that keep you going until I can kiss you again,” he says when we come up for air.
“I love you,” I say as Jade opens the door.
“Not as much as I love you.” Jared lifts me off the ground in a bear hug. “Stay strong, beautiful.”
“I’ll try.” I’m fighting tears again when he puts my feet back on the ground.
“We’ll talk or text every day, and as soon as I can manage it, I’ll come visit.”
“Promise?”
“I promise.”
With one final kiss, we separate. Wrapping my arms around my waist, I hug myself and shiver as a chill tiptoes the length of my spine. Tears roll down my cheeks as I watch my love walk away.
Jared turns around in the doorway. Tears pool in his eyes, and his voice is choked with emotion when he says, “No matter what happens, always remember how much I love you.” He blows me a kiss, and then he is gone, taking a large chunk of my heart with him.
