Donny beams. “That’s my girl. Always making peace.”
Effa shrugs. “Life’s too short to waste it on tension.” She digs into her pie like nothing monumental just happened, moaning dramatically over the sweetness, and we all laugh.
For a moment, it feels easy.
Normal.
Then Lettie asks about the tour, and Effa hesitates before answering. She wants to go back sooner than the doctor suggested… November or December.
My jaw tightens.
Donny voices exactly what I’m thinking. “Don’t rush it.”
Effa listens, really listens. “We’ll reassess in a few weeks,” she says finally, and I relax slightly.
Then she drops something new.
“I’ve been thinking,” she says, more measured now. “Not just a foundation. Something bigger. Something that stays in the music world.”
My brow furrows. “Bigger how?”
“A Safe Stage Initiative.” The words come steadier as she says them, like she’s already rehearsed this in her head. “A touring-based program. We partner with venues. Implement anti-drugging protocols. Train bar staff and security to recognise the signs of drink spiking before it escalates.”
She pauses, watching my reaction.
“We create designated safe spaces backstage or onsite. Somewhere victims can go immediately. And we bring in on-call counselors. Real support. Not just someone handing out water and pretending it’s handled.”
We all go quiet.
“It keeps it connected to us,” she adds. “To music. To touring. To where it actually happens.”
There’s fire behind her eyes now.
“And if I’m going to speak publicly, if I’m going to put my name on something… I want it to matter. I want venues to be held accountable for it. Even if they don’t like the attention.”
I stare at her.
Of course, she would turn this into something bigger than herself.
“That’s incredible,” I say honestly, pulling her closer. “You’d be perfect for that.”
Her eyes search mine. “You think so?”
“I know so.”
I kiss her softly with pride swelling in my chest.
She’s extraordinary.
There’s a reason she’s called Effervescent.
She doesn’t just survive things…
She transforms them.
The whole table buzzes with excitement about the idea, with plans and possibilities. And while they talk, my phone vibrates in my pocket, and I don’t need to look to know who it is.
Vex.
