As I joined Tolliver, he said, "So, you met Ryker Cordova."
"Mmm."
"Was it everything you thought it would be?"
"Yeah," I said, "it was better actually."
"Good," he said. "That's good."
His voice was carefree, but Tolliver's smile was missing some of its usual spark.
"You okay?" I asked.
"Yeah, 'course. Let's go watch the concert."
CHAPTER TWENTY
It was the best night ever.
Aurora looked so confident on stage. There was no hesitancy, no fear. I didn't know if she realized it or not, but Felix's eyes were on her more than they were the crowd. Yes, HERS was the star of the show—the guys were good, and unlike in the hallway, I noticed Ryker managed to perfectly nail his twirl/toss with the sticks. But for me—and Felix obviously agreed—Aurora shined even more. She was clearly living her best life.
I was glad we made the trip.
If only to see her flourishing.
"That was the best concert ever," I said.
Viola laughed. "Yeah, you mentioned that."
"Like a hundred times," Scarlett added, but she looked and sounded ecstatic.
"Well, did you see her?" I shook my head. "She was brilliant."
"She was," Lottie said. "I can't believe our Ror was up there just flying."
"Her playing sounded amazing," Viola said.
Scarlett nodded. "It really added something to the band's sound."
"Best concert ever," I said again, and they laughed.
Glancing over, I nudged Tolliver with my arm.
"What did you think, Stone?"
"It was great," he said. When four sets of eyes landed on him, waiting for more, Tolliver smiled. "The only thing that could've made it better would be seeing you guys up there too."
As we got to our hotel room and walked inside, I tightened my grip on my violin case.
"Here we are," Scarlett said, scanning the room. "Um, I didn't plan on five people. Sorry."
I saw what she meant.
There were the standard two double beds.
But where did that leave...?
"I'll sleep on the couch," Tolliver said.
