Page 81

“Hey.” He smiles, hesitating for a bit and then wrapping me in a hug.

My entire body relaxes as his strong arms hold me close to his chest. I let my eyes fall closed, relishing this moment with him. Maybe it’ll all be okay.

“You ready?” I ask.

He nods and grins. “Looks like a good turnout. I can’t wait to sing. Will you come and listen by the stage? At least for some of the set?”

I chuckle. “I can hear you from over here. I know it’s not Nashburg, but Dasher Valley High has a decent sound system.”

He shrugs. “I know. But I want to be able to see you. I’ve missed singing for you.”

My heart melts. Before Gabe was famous, he used to play his new song ideas for me all the time. He’d ask me for my thoughts, and we’d go back and forth about lyrics. Some of my favorite time spent with him were late nights, listening to him strum his guitar—feeling the chords reverberate in my chest and letting his silky-smooth voice wash over me. I haven’t allowed myself to admit how much I missed being creative like that with him. I loved watching him work and got such a thrill out of being a small part of his process.

“Of course I’ll come over there, then.” I smile up a him. “You’re sweet, you know that?”

Jack pops his head behind the photo backdrop. “Gabe! There you are!”

I take a step back, but Gabe keeps his eyes locked on my face, like he’s memorizing the slope of my cheeks and the dimple in my chin.

“You ready?” Jack asks, his gaze bouncing between the two of us.

Gabe blinks and glances at Jack. “Born ready.” He strides forward but turns and looks at me before leaving the privacy of the photo backdrop. “Meet you over there?”

I smile at him. “Wouldn’t miss it.”

Jack hurries him forward, and I take a minute to center myself, even as I hear the screams go up from throughout the market as Gabe weaves his way to the stage.

I close my eyes, imagining the adorable, humble blush on Gabe’s cheeks as he greets his fans. I focus on that mental picture when I feel my pulse accelerate at the thought of sharing him with swarms of fans. Of what the high of performing for those fans could make him do. Of how hard he could push. Of what he could try. Of the disasters that could befall him.

Easy, Beth.

I step out from behind the photo booth, and Ivy is helping a young boy Mod Podge his picture with the football team’s star quarterback to an ornament.

“You good here if I head toward the stage?” I ask when she glances up at me.

“Definitely.” She studies me for a beat. “Are you good?”

I square my shoulders. I need to trust Gabe. I told him I’d give him a chance. I want to do that. I nod at her.

“Alright, then. Go see your man.” She winks.

I roll my eyes but smile as I cut through the crowds of shoppers. Gabe’s surprise concert did the trick. From the looks of things, day one of the High School Christmas Market is a smashing success.

“Test. Test.” Gabe’s voice echoes through the gym, and he’s met with high-pitched screams. “How’s everyone doin’?”

I slip into an open space, off to the side but near the stage.

“Thanks so much for coming out.” Gabe smiles at the crowd. He’s a natural and so, so smooth. “I’m thrilled to be back in Dasher Valley. There’s nothing better than being home for Christmas, am I right?”

The cheers in the gym are deafening.

“Alright.” Gabe strums a chord, and everyone quiets. “We’re going to kick things off with a classic. Sing along if you know the words.”

He starts playing “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.”

I find myself swaying along with the crowd, getting lost in the sound of Gabe’s voice. It’s gravelly and warm, and there’s a maturity to it that wasn’t there five years ago, when I found myself in a similar position on the quad. He catches my eye when he delivers the line about love light gleaming, and I can’t help but smile. This is real life. Gabe and me. He wants to be an us, and that’s a dreamier thought than snow or mistletoe or any present that could be waiting for me under the tree.

Chapter 25