Surface-level. Safe.
Both of us pretending that night didn’t happen, even though it’s set the tone for every interaction since.
I shove my phone back into my pocket and gaze at Boone’s Airstream in the distance.
At first, I thought he didn’t live in the giant mansion because he was mid-renovation, but I’ve been coming here for over a month and have yet to hear any construction noise or see another soul on the property. I’m starting to wonder what his story is. But after what just happened, I’mdefinitelynot asking.
My phone buzzes.
My heart leaps. I can’t help it.
Mia:
Sooooo… Hannah kinda signed you up for an open mic. Cool? Right? Yeah.
I stare at the message.
Mia:
She also kinda invited everyone to come watch you perform.
Is Miles on that list? Jesus, that’d be awkward.
I haven’t told anyone about what happened. Because saying it out loud makes it real, and I’m not ready for that yet.
And I was raised not to share your business, especially if there’s even a hint of struggle. My mama used to say, “Keep it between you and God.” I used to think it was southern manners. Now I think it was pride, too. And I got both.
An open mic night isn’t exactly the place to work through… whateverthisis. Come watch me play all these songs I’ve written about you…
But performing could be nice. A taste of my old life. And I can stick to covers—nothing new, nothing personal. Slip back into my old skin. Yeah. This could be good for me.
Me:
Okay, sounds fun!
Mia:
Was worried you wouldn’t be into it
Sunday, Feb 8th
That’s the day Miles gets home from this road trip, and the week after he leaves for 4 Nations.
“You gonna come finish this song?”
I turn to find Boone in the doorway, hands tucked into his Carhartt.
“Coming.”
Inside, I head to the booth. Boone cues up the track.
“Bridge,” he instructs. “Don’t think. Just feel.”
I close my eyes. Take a breath. Let the anger fall away, and allow myself to feel what’s underneath it.
The wanting. The missing. The way Miles looked at me that night—like I was everything he needed and everything he couldn’t have.
When I open my eyes, Boone’s nodding slowly.
