He was incredible at everything, and I honestly wasn’t sure how I’d gotten so lucky.
I chuckled. “No kidding.”
“He’s a keeper, sweetie,” she smiled approvingly.
And I hadn’t known how much I needed her approval until she’d given it. Michaelwasa keeper. He was amazing, and most of all, he wanted to keep me.
I laughed. “Don’t I know it?”
* * *
We spentlong hours at the new rehearsal studio Aidan had rented us for the month. It was conveniently located for everyone, and we could stay twenty-four seven if we wanted. This first big leg of the tour would determine if we added another leg across the country next fall.
Lyrics and melodies flowed through my veins now. I knew it was because I was truly happy for the first time in my life. Bridges and riffs came easily, waiting for me and Cole to mold it into the songs we wanted.
Everything in my life was coming together, except for the one loose end I needed to tie up.
Cooper.
I'd gone back and forth on how to handle it. And I’d chickened out a few times. But two days before my dads arrived, I sent him a text.
Me: Hey, Coop. It’s me, Adam. Could we meet for a beer sometime? I’d really like a chance to clear the air.
I hit send and waited. Staring at my phone, the dots started bouncing. They stopped, then started again.
Cooper: Hey, Adam. Uhhh. Just me and you?
I laughed. That would be a no.
Me: No, bring Foster too. I’ll be bringing my boyfriend with me.
Cooper: This is awkward, Adam. I’m not sure.
Me: It is. But that’s what I’d like to fix if you guys are free one night.
Me: I’m not upset. It’s just that we have the same agent and share a few friends. Not to mention Jesse. I don’t want either of us to feel like we need to leave every time we see each other.
Cooper didn’t reply right away, and I’d begun to think he wouldn’t. But I knew him. He was a peacemaker and wouldn’t miss the opportunity to smooth things out.
Cooper: Okay. Greg and I can be at Alejandro’s tonight at eight. We’re actually meeting everyone there. Will that work?
I smiled.
Me: Perfect. See you then.
Later that evening, Michael and I walked into Alejandro’s Bar with Dreamboat and Daredevil in tow. Jesse had invited them to come since he and Dom were going, just in case they were needed for crowd control now that the Pirates were in the playoffs.
“Hey, guys. Long time no see,” Ben said as he grinned at us. “What can I get you?”
“Two IPAs, please,” Michael replied, scanning the place fully in bodyguard mode. “Where’s Alejandro? You working the bar alone?”
He smiled. “No, Lauren is here. Alejandro’s here somewhere. Let me grab your beers.”
I looked around while we waited and spotted them in the reserved section.
“Are you nervous?” Michael asked, putting his hand on my hip.
“No, not nervous. Just anxious about putting all this uncomfortableness behind me. Everything is going so well, and I don’t want to fuck it up.”
