Because I wasn’t there when you needed me.
* * *
When he turned to Raine, he couldn’t help but change the last line: “I’m asking you to give me one more chance.”
Jesus, he couldn’t read her eyes. Even though they were filled with tears, he didn’t know what they signified.
As he sang through the chorus, he sang the second verse a little more slowly, almost speaking the words. And, near the end of the verse, he hoped she knew he meant it all.
* * *
I want to wipe away all those tears you’ve cried,
Because I was why you walked out that door.
* * *
From this day forward,
I’ll be by your side.
Not gonna be like before.
You won’t have to hide.
To the stretches of the universe
I’ll never be able to fix yesterday,
But I’ll be there for you today,
Tomorrow, any time you need.
* * *
As he struck the last chord, the audience lost it, cheering and shouting—and he knew that they had given their blessing to a reunion.
But he didn’t know if Raine felt that way.
Finally, he said to her and only her, “I’m here if you want me.” But although his voice had been low, the audience still heard it, doubling their previous enthusiastic applause.
Raine nodded, more tears streaking her face, and then she put her hand in his as she smiled through the tears.
Chapter 29
After leaving the stage, Raine led Quentin by the hand to her dressing room, pausing just long enough for a technician to take back the acoustic guitar. Although she absolutely wanted something real with this man, she wasn’t just going to run into his open arms.
They needed to talk.
Mal was in her dressing room with a bottle of champagne. As she walked in, he said, “We’ve got a lot to celebrate.” But his eyes widened when he spotted Quentin behind her.
“Maybe later. For now, I need a few moments of privacy.”
“With this piece of shit?”
“I’m a piece of shit?” Quentin’s voice was calm, but he got close to Mal, letting go of Raine’s hand. She could feel something change in him, an energy she’d never felt before. Even though Quentin was only an inch taller than Mal, he appeared to be huge in comparison. “You’re gonna get the hell out of here right now—and if you ever so much as lay another finger on Raine, I will kill you.”
Mal’s blue eyes widened and he visibly swallowed, his Adam’s apple bobbing as if it were quaking like an aspen leaf. “No need to be violent.” To Raine, he said, “I’ll be out in the hall. Just call if you need something.” And he walked out the door, taking the champagne with him.
