“What do you want me to say? I’m still waiting for a call back from Wednesday night.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Didn’t Nate tell you that I called, or were y’all too busy with the party?”
He comes around the bed and pulls me to him. “No, I didn’t get the message. I got pretty drunk on Wednesday trying to erase the pain of being left for a week with no notice from my fucking fiancé.”
“I planned to tell you, but when I got to your house, I saw the band was there and I didn’t want to talk to them.”
“Are you going to avoid the guys and Jay forever? They feel like shit already.”
I shrug, not wanting to waste my words on those traitors.
“Well, it’s going to be hard to ignore them tonight.”
“Won’t be hard for me; I won’t be around them.”
“Aren’t you coming to our last show?”
“Yeah, I’m coming; I wouldn’t miss it.” I’m going to The Steamroom for Sayge’s last show before their summer tour, but I have no plans to hang out backstage.
“Thanks, Sparkle. I need you there.” He kisses me gently and I let myself get swept away. When he lays me down on the bed and starts removing my clothes, I don’t protest. One week from today might be the end of my relationship with Declan and I want to soak up every last touch I can.
*****
True to my word, I go to the show, but do not step foot backstage beforehand. I dance with the girls up-front so Declan knows I’m there the whole time. When they end their second set, he jumps off the stage and attacks me. His mouth is all over mine and his arms lift me to him so he can carry me through the crowd. He stays with me during the whole break, making sure not to let anyone interrupt our alone time. When he goes back to finish the show, he deposits me directly in front of him. Ella smiles at us,
hoping this is the first step in him changing his mind.
Sayge performs two encores before finally closing their show. Declan thanks everyone and reminds them about Bonnaroo next Saturday. Instead of heading backstage to the band room, he sits on the edge of the stage and situates me between his thighs. I lean into him, beaming with pride.
“You were great tonight.”
“Thanks, it helped that you were right up-front the whole time. You ready to go, or do you want to hang out for awhile?”
“I’m ready to go home- your home.”
He laces our fingers together and drags me backstage before I can protest. The room’s crowded so I’m able to avoid the guys. I tell Abbi I’m spending the night at Declan’s and she gives me a hopeful smile. I feel awful keeping my summer plans from her. I decide to tell her and Ella tomorrow. I need to start packing anyway so I won’t be able to hide my plans much longer.
I’m almost out the door when I feel arms wrap around my middle and tugging me backwards. I don’t have to see him to know Nate’s hugging me. I stiffen and he notices.
“Please don’t be like this, Raven. Haven’t you avoided us long enough? You gotta know where we’re coming from.”
He sets me down. I turn and glare at him icily. I see Blake, Cooper, and Jay gathering around us. Declan’s across the room and as soon as his eyes meet mine, he knows I’m furious. He’s talking to the owner of the bar. I can tell he’s trying to wrap up the conversation.
“I have nothing to say to any of you. Tell Declan I’ll meet him at the truck.” I ignore their calls after me and walk out.
*****
“Declan, I need to tell you something.” I’m lying on his chest after a mini-sex marathon. I’m not sure how he’s going to handle the news. “I’ve been offered a summer job and I accepted.”
“I think that’s a great idea. When did you decide to do this?”
“My dad brought it up a few weeks ago. He has a friend that needs some help this summer. Once I found out I that I wouldn’t be touring with you, I took the position.”
He stiffens as he realizes that I planned my whole summer to be with him.
“You know I love you, right. I’m playing this stupid game in order to boost Sayge’s fan base.”