“Thank you,” she says sincerely. “I’m sorry to duck out.”
“You’re fine,” Gary says. “We’ll see you soon.”
I kiss her softly on the lips before she goes, hoping it sends awe’ve got thismessage. “I’ll see you at home,” I whisper.
When she’s gone, Gary clears his throat. “Josh, Mark and Chip have an offer—for both of you.”
“Why don’t we find someplace to get something to eat?” Chip suggests. “Talk real numbers.”
* * *
It’safter midnightwhen I slip into bed next to Melanie. At first, I think she’s asleep, but when I slip my arm around her, she shifts, molding into me.
“I’m so proud of you,” I whisper, pressing a kiss to the top of her head.
She yawns. “What did they say?”
I grin, wide and uncontrollable. “They want us. Three albums. Full promo. A tour if we want to.”
Melanie turns over, facing me, cupping my jaw. She kisses me slowly, tired, but full of something that feels like wonder. “That’s incredible.”
I hesitate, the last part caught in my throat.
“We’ll have to…” I stop and swallow. I know the next thing I say will make or break the decision for us. “They want us to move to Nashville.”
Melanie stares at me for a beat and when she speaks, her voice is soft and faraway.
“Oh.”
45
MELANIE
Itoss and turn all night. I don’t think Josh is sleeping much either, but I don’t say a word. Only one thing runs through my mind. Nashville. My dream that I’d tucked away, far in the back of my heart and mind when I lost everything all those years ago. And now, I’m here, lying next to Josh, the world at my fingertips, and I’m petrified.
What about my dad?
I suppose I didn’t really think it would come to this. I had no idea the concert would turn out the way it did. I had no idea people would showupthe way they did. It probably has everything to do with the TikTok video. But nonetheless, the concert was probably the best night of my life. For the first time, maybe ever, I feel like I know where I belong.
Only now that it’s close enough for me to reach out and grab, I don’t know if I can. I slip out of bed, just after dawn.
Josh reaches for me in his sleep. “Where are you going?” he grumbles.
“Just for a walk,” I whisper. “Go back to sleep.”
He’s snoring again a moment later. I watch him from the doorway; his face is peaceful and boyish in sleep. Memories of his words last night echo in my mind:they want us to move to Nashville.
I pull on a hoodie and carry my shoes to the front door, being careful not to wake him. The morning air is cool, everything slicked with dew, still touched by night. Everything is quiet, as if the town is holding its breath before the day begins. I walk aimlessly, no destination in mind.
Cape May is different at this hour. No noise, no tourists. Just the soft call of a seagull in the distance. I pass by the bakery on Washington Street, still dark, but with the smell of bread rising. I pass by the coffee shop, open for the earliest risers. A bike leans against the side of The Ugly Mug, the place itself looking like it’s sleeping off the busy Saturday night.
Each familiar corner tugs at my heart.
This town raised me as much as my own parents. It’s the place where I learned to stand on my own two feet amidst heartache and loss. It’s the town where my childhood friends became family. How am I supposed to leave it all behind?
You can. And you will. If it comes to that.My dad’s words repeat in my brain like a highlight reel.
The thought of actually doing it fills me with a feeling of panic and possibility.
