My eyes flick up to his?—
And then …
I pull them away.
A pressure builds in my chest, sharp and unbearable, but I keep looking forward.
A few more steps.
And then—he’s passed.
I exhale.
Relief and disappointment crash over me at the same time.
My steps continue, and I’m just about to turn the corner when?—
“Patty?”
I grip the corner of the wall, wanting to squeeze the brick until it crumbles. Wanting to run.
This isn’t how I expected to see him.
I’m not ready.
But I turn around anyway.
I wipe every emotion from my face, refusing to let myself slip into the old, eager fawning.
Not for an instant.
“Hey, Nash,” I say, staring directly into his dark brown eyes.
His eyes go wide.
His mouth opens.
Then, he looks at his entourage. “You guys go. I’m gonna chat with my old friend.”
They glance at each other, hesitating, but he sends them off with a wave. Then he walks over to me, his steps quieter now—more purposeful. His hand lands on my shoulder, his eyes searching my face like he’s not sure what he’ll find.
And then he pulls me into a hug. Pats my back.
“Let’s go catch up.”
I swallow hard.
“I’d like that,” I say.
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
LOU
“How are you feeling?”
The question comes from my dad. We’re in the green room—me, my family, the Janes, my band, and Patty’s family. They’re all here, all with special backstage passes that will let us enjoy the day together.
“Ready, I think? Connor hasn’t come out yet, but I’m comfortable with my part.”
