Page 86 of Carte

At the steps leading up to the wings, I turned, “You’ll be here?”

“Wouldn’t move even an inch,” he promised. “I got your back.”

He was right, I could do this.

I’ve crawled my way from way tougher shit. And Carter was out here somewhere, trying to find Cassie, making sure I was safe as I did my job, and trying to end it all. For me.

All so I could do what I loved to do.

Yes, they were all right.

I wouldn’t let her steal my voice.

I could and would do this.

I shook out my arms, and straightened my shoulders.

“Thank you,” I said softly, and looked at Tim.

I could see concern written all over him. It was obvious he was a little lost.

I reached out and took his hand, “I’ll be alright.”

He didn’t say anything, just nodded his head.

“HAR-LEY! HAR-LEY! HAR-LEY!” He looked up as the chants became louder and louder.

“Go, and show them what you’re made of.” He released my hand, and turned me to the steps.

“Harley, baby,” Finn slung his arm across my shoulders. “You ready to rock shit out?”

I looked up at him, and grinned.

God, he had no clue what was happening.

None of them did.

They weren’t close with Cassie, not that I knew of. But the knowledge that someone from our inner circle has turned on us, and did some crazy shit that made us change how we were would hit. And it would hit deep.

I made a mental reminder to be there for them any way they needed once they found out.

I didn't want to chance someone else from my core group to feel like I’ve let them down.

There wasn’t time to let anyone know what Cassie had done.

The show had to go on.

“I was born ready, Finnie,” I said the words I said to him before every show.

He gave me his goofy grime, before he released me, and as the lights went out, followed the path of low glow sticks positioned on the stage and took his place on the stage.

Drum sticks sounded beating down the count, and as the first note blared through the speakers, a roar burst from the crowd.

I smiled my big, stage smile, looked over my shoulder to Reid and Tim, and yelled, “Here we go.”

“Thank you,” I murmured breathlessly into the mic.

We just finished the sixth song, and already the sweat was making my hair stick to my lips and face.