Page 110 of Rock Me

"Yeah."

"No." I frown.

"But..."

"Shhh. You can have it all. All my money. I'm serious. Or we can give it all away and live in a shack in Barbados and eat with our hands and swim naked in the surf for the rest of our lives. It's just money. Anything else?" I brush the hair from her face, and she smiles, a little more relaxed. I’m glad, I don’t want this to be something she regrets. Ever.

The chapel door opens. "It's time for you guys."

"Now or never, Emmie,” I stand, holding out my hand to her.

She grins and jumps up from her seat, “Now!” She runs to the chapel door, turning around and shouting at me, "Hurry up, man. You're going to make me late for my own wedding."

I grin and chase after her down the aisle, coming to a skidding stop when we reach the end.

The officiant lifts his book and I reach for her hand. We’re in this together.

Out of nowhere, there's a loud slamming of a door, and the sound of voices yelling, "STOP!" The three of us turn back. But I don’t need to. I would know those voices anywhere.

The question is, what are they doing here?

“What the fuck?” I shout, as I see my bandmates, Dennis, and Anca come running into the chapel and up the aisle.

“Stop, you can’t do this.” Sebastian pants, out of breath and comes up to stand in front of me. "You can't marry her, Jez."

“Who are…?” she turns to me, her eyes filled with as much confusion as I feel.

"They're... my friends, Noémie, although what they're doing here, I don't know. How did you even know I was here?"

"Jez, come on." He rolls his eyes.

Because Dennis knows everything.

"This is none of your business." I reach for Noémie’s hand again, turning back to the officiant.

"I'm sorry, but it is, man.” Sebastian turns saying to Noémie, “Tell him.”

Her brow furrows, perplexed. "What?"

"Tell him. Tell him everything." Sebastian demands.

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"Tell him... why, why you were in the hospital!"

"You don't have to, babe," I move, pushing myself between them, protecting her. Her fingers dig into my back, she's scared. Confused. I don't blame her.

"No, she has to. You have to know!” Sebastian shouts, his face turning a deep red.

"I...” She starts, but doesn’t seem to know how to continue.

I spin around, gripping her shoulders with my hands. "Ignore them."

"No. You can't ignore us.” Dennis finally steps out from the group. He looks as serious as he ever has. “You both need to know what's going on!"

She pats my hands, and nods. "It's okay, Jez. I don't mind. I was in the hospital because I had a brain injury."

"Why! Tell him why!" Sebastian shouts and I glare at him.