I’ll be first to the finish, the first to embrace.
I need what you give me, I’m addicted,
You’re my drug.
Don’t ever go away, I’m dependent,
Need your love.
Still miles and miles apart we are,
But a bond so strong it doesn’t seem that far.
American girl, so timid to the touch,
Epitome of beauty, I wish she knew how much.
Her body is my poison, while her hands are my cure.
They sprout labels of magic, she’s the light, she is pure.
Still miles and miles apart we are,
But a bond so strong it doesn’t seem that far.
As Daisy drifted to sleep, her dreams belonged not to Mr. Bowie or Mr. Hendrix, but to the boy who had claimed her heart with every note.
Chapter Eight
WHILE MOST KIDS DREADED THEend of summer, Daisy had been counting down the days. Eighty-four long, restless nights—every one of them leading up to this: Jameson’s return.
He was finally back in the States. His summer had been swallowed by grief; his grandfather passed only weeks after they arrived in Surrey, leaving the Kingston family to shoulder the funeral, the packing, and the messy details of an estate. Jameson mentioned, almost offhandedly, that his grandfather had left the grandkids a “decent chunk” of cash, some of which the boys were already scheming to put toward new band equipment.
Even oceans away, TKC had performed. At a small pub in Surrey, Jameson told her proudly of how the locals had been just as impressed as the fans in San Mateo. Daisy, of course, wasn’t surprised.
The night before he returned, Anna insisted on a girls’ night.
“One last night with my best friend before the band boy swoops back in and steals all your time,” she teased, arms crossed as if daring Daisy to argue.
They ended up in Daisy’s bed, sprawled out with popcorn andGilmore Girlsreruns. Halfway through an episode, Anna blurted, “Do you think you and Jameson will have sex?”
Daisy bolted upright. “Why would you ask that?”
Anna shrugged, cool as ever, tossing popcorn into her mouth. “Because, I mean… have youseenyour boyfriend? He’s hot.”
Daisy sank back down, yanking the comforter to her chin like a shield. “I guess I’ve thought about it, but… I don’t think I’m ready.”
Anna rolled onto her side, facing her fully now. “You’re smart, Double D. Don’t do it until you’re a hundred percent sure. Trust me.”
Her voice dipped on the last two words, heavy with unspoken things. Daisy felt as if Anna was trying to warn her, so she couldn’t help but ask. “Did you and Ryan, you know…”
“Yeah.”
There was a pregnant pause.
“Do you regret it?”
“Hell yeah, I regret it. I thought it would be fun and bond us together or something. Instead, it was uncomfortable and awkward. And to be honest, I kind of felt pressure because he was older and because he was more ‘experienced.’” She air quoted the last word. “My point being, just wait until you’re ready. Jameson seems like a nice enough guy, who obviously is crazy about you. He will wait.”
