“I think the important part of any relationship is that you can’t be two halves of a whole. You have to be whole all on your own,” Jen said. “Of course, that doesn’t sound as romantic.”
My mom spoke up. “You know, I think I have to disagree with that last part. I think there’s something really beautiful about not needing someone else to feel complete. It says you can survive without them, but you choose to spend your life together anyway because you love them so much.”
Jen beamed and gazed down at Ravi, her eyes filled with love. “Aw, babe. Look. Weareromantic.”
“Your mom is right,” Kia said. “Honestly, that’s one of the reasons I haven’t gotten into another relationship. I haven’t met anyone I want to choose.”
Ravi held up a finger. “Not yet, anyway.”
Kia shrugged. “Maybe I will, maybe I won’t. But either way, I’m gonna be okay.” She reached for my hand. “And so are you.”
Our moment was interrupted by the intro music to theTonight with Warren Wrightshow as images from the terrible press about Luca flashed across the screen. I couldn’t even hear the voice-over through the sound of my heart thumping in my ears.
Kia squeezed my fingers, and my mom put an arm around me.
I held my breath as Warren’s solemn face appeared, and I realized he was in the living room of the hobbit house.
“Welcome toTonight with Warren Wright,” he said. “We have a special version of our program for you this evening as I chat live with the performing artist everyone’s talking about, Luca Sterling, right here in his own home. In this exclusive hour-long show, we’re going to be taking a look at the rumors surrounding his musical comeback since his days as lead guitarist of the acclaimed rock band, Midnight in Dallas.”
“Breathe,” my mother whispered, rubbing my shoulder.
“We’ll be talking about the Tate McCreedy controversy and accusations that Sterling is using mental health as a marketing ploy to engage new listeners.” The camera widened to show Luca sitting on the couch. “We’ll be diving deep into the rocker’s past as music’s resident wild child, and we’ll even have a surprise message from someone in the superstar’s past that will have everyone talking.”
The rest of Warren’s words faded away as I saw the expression on Luca’s face. His eyes widened slightly, and his jaw tightened. Whatever thissurprisewas, he definitely didn’t know about it.
“What kind of surprise?” my mom mumbled.
“I don’t know.” My mind whirled with the possibilities of who it could be. I doubted it was someone like Mr. Fink or Aunt Gladys, because I felt sure they’d have told Luca if it was them or someone they knew. Anyone even remotely close to him knew a surprise like that could throw him off his game.
I pulled my phone out of my pocket and texted Grace.
Any idea who this surprise person is?
Her reply came only seconds later.
No clue, but Luca looks scared. ?? Jo’s trying to see if she can find out something.
“Shit,” I muttered. “Grace said they don’t know what this is about either.”
I shoved my fingers through my hair and took in a shaky breath as the program went to commercial.
“I should’ve been there,” I said, my voice a hoarse whisper. “I didn’t even send him a text to let him know I was thinking about him, that I was in his corner.”
“Well, what are you waiting for?” Kia asked.
“I can’t text him now,” I cried. “He’s on national television.”
“No, you can’t text him.” Kia rose to her feet and held out a hand to me. “But it’s not too late to show up. If we leave now, we can be there by the middle of the interview. And whatever this surprise is, you know they’re gonna save it for the end.”
I took her hand and jumped up. “You’re right.”
My mom, Jen, and Ravi all stood.
“You guys don’t have to go with me,” I said.
“We’re going,” Kia insisted. “We want to be there for you.”
“And Luca’s important to you, which means he’s important to us,” Jen added.
