“In just over a couple of weeks, we’ll be on the road,” Sage announces as he walks up to me. He’s carrying a beer, and he has a dopey smile on his face, which probably means he’s high. “Seriously, Lyric, why don’t you look more excited?”

“I’m excited,” I assure him, turning and resting my elbows on the railing. “I’m just thinking about some stuff. That’s all.”

Sage takes a swig of his beer then leans against the railing, staring at our new guitarist who’s flirting with a woman twice his age. “Yeah, right. You’re so full of shit. I know it’s because Ayden’s not here.”

Not wanting to talk about Ayden not being part of the band anymore, I point at the beer in his hand. “Dude, you know you can’t drink that in front of my dad. He’s chill, but not that chill.”

“I’ll put it down if he comes over,” he says, taking another sip. Then he turns to me, appearing hesitant. “You know everything’s going to be okay, right? We didn’t sound as bad as I thought we would.”

“I know we didn’t. In fact, with a little more practice, I think we’re going to be able to rock it.”

“Good, because I’m worried about you. You’ve been distant lately.” He picks at the label on the beer bottle. “I’m worried you might change your mind at the last second and not go on this tour. And I know something’s going on with Ayden. You guys are always acting strange, and I saw him talking to a police officer at school the other day.”

“Sage, I’m not going to change my mind about the tour. I might be bummed Ayden isn’t coming, but this has been my dream since I was like five years old and my dad taught me how to play the guitar.” I shift my weight and tuck a few strands of my hair behind my ear, trying to figure out what to tell him about Ayden. “As for Ayden, you’ll have to ask him what’s going on. It’s not my story to tell.”

“Yeah, I guess I get that.” He backs up toward the dance floor. “I’m going to go celebrate the beginning of what is going to be a fucking awesome journey. You should join me.”

“I will in just a bit,” I promise him. “I could use a fun distraction.”

He grins then whirls around and dives into the mob.

I start to head for the bar to get a drink of water when my phone vibrates from my pocket. I fish it out and inch to the side of the room where it’s a bit less grind-up-on-each-other so I can read the message.

Ayden: Yep. She was awake. Sorry I missed the band play. I just got so caught up in talking to Sadie. And I really didn’t want to leave.

Me: Don’t apologize. U should be there with her.

Ayden: Well, I’m not there right now. The nurse kicked us out because visiting hours were over and Sadie needed to rest.

Me: R U home? I’ll head there if you are.

“Actually, I’m here.” Ayden’s voice sails over my shoulder.

A huge smile plasters across my face as I spin around and loop my arms around him. “Tell me how it went. I want to hear everything.”

“I will, but let’s go sit down,” he says, brushing his lips across my cheek.

When I pull back, he places a hand on the small of my back and steers me toward the bar. We take a seat near the end where there are fewer people and the music isn’t so loud. While Ayden asks the bartender for two cups of water, I seize the opportunity to study him, trying to determine if he looks upset or not. He actually looks pretty content, so I’m hoping the visit with his sister went well.

“I’m going to tell you what happened,” he says, as if he reads my mind. “But there’s something else I need to tell you first.”

I pick up the glass of water the bartender sets down in front of me. “Should I be worried?”

He shakes his head, brushing a few strands of his dark hair out of his eyes. “This is actually a good thing.”

“Okay.” The silence is maddening as I wait for him to explain. “Ayden, please, pretty please with a cherry on top, tell me what’s going on. The anticipation and build up is killing me.”

He chuckles, so enjoying the slow torture he’s putting me through. “Fine, but only because you pretty pleased.” His fingers wrap around the glass of water, and he takes a sip before he says, “I’m going on the tour. Well, as long as you guys will take me back.”

“Of course we’ll take you back! I’ve never been so happy in my life!” I shout then roll my eyes at myself. “Well, okay, that might be a tad bit dramatic, but whatever. I’m super excited!”