Even though she’s doing well, really well, I hate the thought of not being nearby. Sure, we have medics on call at all times, andthey are capable. They handled her injections while I was stuck in the hospital, but knowing someone can help her isn’t the same as being the one who does.
I can’t be everywhere.
No matter how much I want to be.
I’m finishing up the lighting adjustments for tonight’s show when my cell vibrates in my hand. Glancing down, I see a text from Gran, and that alone makes my brows furrow.
Kiera texts me constantly. Gran? Hardly ever. She prefers calling, and if she wants something, she rings. Simple as that.
A small flicker of unease tightens my chest.
Tank is shutting down the stage lights, moving efficiently as the last of the crowd filters out into the night air. I nudge him lightly with my elbow.
“You good for a sec?” I ask.
He nods without looking up.
I turn slightly away, angling my body so Tank can’t see my screen, and open the message. The timestamp reads 8:47 p.m.
It’s now well past midnight.
I wince.
Gran:Kaden, I know you’re busy with the tour, but I think if you can get a chance to come home early you probably should. We’d love to spend some quality family time together, and Christmas is such a special time of year. I know Kiera would love to see you right now. If you can, please come home. Love Gran xxx
I read it once.
Then again.
Then a third time.
The wording is careful.
Too careful.
Furrowing my brows, I tilt my head slightly, scanning for something between the lines. There’s no outright panic, no dramatic statement, but there is something beneath it. A weight that wasn’t there before.
I check the time again—too late to call. Too late to get a straight answer without waking Gran and possibly scaring her for nothing, so I rub my chin, drawing in a slow breath that pulls uncomfortably at my ribs.
Tank slaps my back lightly, peering over my shoulder. “What’s got you going all quiet?”
I swallow and lower my phone before he can read anything. “No, nothing. Just Gran asking when I’ll be home.”
He grins. “Bet you’re looking forward to seeing Kiera?” He wraps a cord around his elbow and hand.
There’s an uneasy shift in my gut that refuses to settle.
“Yeah.” The word doesn’t carry the conviction it should.
He watches me as I start walking away. “Hey, where are you going?”
“Sorry, I gotta go talk to Effa.”
He chuckles. “Yeah, yeah… getting out of cleanup duties to see your lover. Sheesh, Mercs. I need to break my nose and ribs too.”
I don’t bother responding and head straight for the green room.
If Effa’s anywhere, she’ll be there winding down from the show. When I round the corner and step inside, I find her exactly where I expect, curled on the sofa, guzzling berry water like she just ran a marathon.
