Gran doesn’t beg.
For the first time in my life, I am genuinely afraid.
“I’m on my way, Gran. I’ll see you soon,” I promise, even though I have no idea how long it’ll take. I end the call and shove more clothes into my bag, my hands shaking so badly I can barely zip it. “Fuuuck!” The word rips from my throat because I don’t know what else to say.
Effa wraps her arm around my waist and pulls herself against my side, stopping me mid-motion. “Kaden, stop… talk to me.”
My chest feels like it’s collapsing inward. I turn to face her, and the look in her eyes, wide, wet, terrified for me, almost undoes me completely.
“Kiera’s taken a turn,” I choke out. “I don’t fucking get it. She was supposed to be getting better. Not going downhill.”
Effa blinks rapidly, processing. “Wait… what?”
“Kiera’s getting worse, not better. Gran is in a bad way, and she’s asked me to come home. This is fucking serious, Effa. Gran wouldneverbeg me to come home unless…”
Oh God! I can’t finish that sentence.
I won’t.
She shakes her head firmly. “No, Kaden. Don’t think like that. Kiera will be fine. This is just a setback.Okay?Shewillpull through this. I can feel it.”
“I can’t take your positive vibes right now,” I snap, harsher than I intend. “Ihaveto go. I need to leave. Can you get Luke on the phone and ask him to ready the jet for me? If you can’t, that’s fine. I’ll get on the next flight out.”
Her bottom lip trembles, but she nods.
“Of course. Anything you need… I’m here for you, Kaden.” She swallows. “I’m coming with you.”
The words hit me, and I close my eyes briefly. “Shit… I’m sorry, baby. That came out all wrong. I’m so damn stressed right now. I shouldn’t take it out on you.” I lace my fingers through hers and force myself to breathe. “No. You need to stay here and make sure the tour goes without a hitch. You’ve already taken time out for your recovery. You can’t disappoint the fans again.”
“I really should be coming with you. Iwantto come with you.”
I shake my head, already feeling pulled in too many directions. “Please, Effa, don’t fight me on this. I don’t have the strength. I just need time with Kiera and Gran. I love you. Thathasn’t changed, that will never change, but I need to be with them for a few days. Okay?”
She nods slowly, though I can see the conflict in her eyes. “Sure, but I want you to call me. Every day. Without fail. I hate that I won’t be there for you.”
“You will be,” I insist. “But I need you to make sure the band finishes this leg of the tour strong. Then, when you break next week, you can come and be with us like you were supposed to for Christmas.”
“This is killing me, Kaden,” she whispers. “I’m so torn. I want to be there for you and your family… but if you need time with them, I understand. Just know the second you need me, I will be there in an instant.”
I pull her into my arms, pressing my forehead against hers. Her breath is warm against my lips, her body trembling slightly.
“Thank you,” I murmur. “That means everything.” My voice drops. “I can’t lose her, Effa. Not after everything she’s been through.”
Her hands tighten at my waist. “I know…”
And for the first time since the phone rang, I feel the full weight of what might be waiting for me at home.
EFFA
It didn’t look like strength in the traditional sense. It looked like clenched teeth, rigid shoulders, and movements that were too sharp to be calm. It looked like someone holding himself together by sheer willpower.
I helped him pack, folding shirts he had already shoved haphazardly into his bag, smoothing them out so that I could feel useful. We didn’t speak much during those final minutes. Words felt fragile, like they might shatter if we handled them wrong.
When he finally slung his bag over his shoulder and turned toward the door, I felt something inside me tug painfully. I kissed him goodbye, breathed him in, memorized the warmth of him, and then I watched him walk away.
I’ve already told Luke what’s going on. I had to. There was no other way to get authorization for the jet without explaining. Even saying the words once nearly broke me. Having to repeat them over and over would have been impossible.
Luke has called everyone together so I can tell them all at once about Kiera, rather than reliving it multiple times.
