Page 78 of Can’t Say No

CONNOR

“And please, for the love of all things holy, do not ask for an extension on your papers.” I let out an exasperated groan that matches the sound escaping my seniors. “Y’all picked your own book. The least you can do is get the report in on time without complaint.”

I glance at the clock just as the final bell rings out. The class erupts, a rowdy chatter following them out the door as if staying in my classroom any longer will cause them physical damage. And frankly, I feel similarly. The draw down the hall to the choir room is strong.

Now that I’ve had her, I want Delaney all the time, in every way. I am thoroughly addicted.

But another hit of her will have to wait. Between the stack of grading that’s been taunting me all day and all the prep work for Fall Fest this weekend, my afternoon is all tied up. I sink into my oversized desk chair, throw on my focus playlist, and get to work.

I’m lost in the monotony of grading, about a quarter of the way through the pile, when my phone buzzes.

Delaney’s name flashes on the screen. Of course, I answer the call.

“Hey, baby, I was just thinking about you.”

“Connor! I have good news and a little bit of bad news.”

Delaney squeals so loud I have to pull the phone away from my face. I can practically feel the excited energy buzzing through the call.

“Remi called and told me that a band bailed on The Valley Music Festival last minute, and they want ME to replace them! I’m flying out tonight! Connor! Can you believe it? Me, playing The Valley! I’m back, baby!”

My heart stutters to a stop.

My head has known this whole time that Delaney wasn’t here to stay, but somewhere along the way, my heart decided that our love was enough. That the simple life she’d created at Ridgecrest was enough.

That I was enough.

I clear my throat, doing all I can to look at this huge career opportunity for what it is, and not as a personal slight. “That’s great, baby. I’m not surprised you were top of the list. But you’ll be back Saturday night for Fall Fest right?”

The line goes quiet for a moment.

“No, that’s the bad news part. My set is Saturday night. But that’s because they’ve got me headlining! Isn’t that incredible?”

I scrub my hand over my face, anger creeping up my spine. “So you’re just blowing off the Fall Fest? What am I supposed to tell my dad? We were counting on the ticket sales. Now we’re gonna have to, what, refund everyone?”

I blow out a shaky breath, trying to think this through rationally, but I’m so damn hurt.

“And what about your students?” I press on. “Simon and the boys have been so amped to perform.”

The line is quiet again for a beat.

“I know. And trust me, I feel like shit for flaking on them. But I can’t miss performing at The Valley. Do you remember what happened with Monica few years back? She was all but irrelevant then, headlined The Valley, and look at her career now? That could be me, Connor! And I’ll write a check to the orchard so you can recoup the loss.”

I pinch the bridge of my nose, trying to gather my thoughts.

“It’s not about signing a check, Delaney. It’s about…” my words trail off.

It’s about me, it’s about us. It’s about the future I foolishly thought we were building.

“I’m happy for you, or at least I’m trying to be,” I tell her honestly. “But this is pretty shit timing.”

Delaney sighs. “Look, I’m sorry. I know this isn’t idea. But I can’t let this opportunity pass me by. Just come by the house and we’ll talk. I’m leaving in an hour.”

Delaney ends the call, and I’m left with my head spinning, frantically packing my bag so I can rush over and beg her to stay.

The whole drive over, I try to calm myself down, try to look at this situation rationally. This is a huge career opportunity for Delaney, and as her friend, her boyfriend, her whatever the hell we are now, I want to be happy for her. But I can’t quite find that happiness amid all the disappointment weighing me down.

Disappointment that she’s proving herself to be the selfish, flighty girl the tabloids make her out to be.