AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Rick’s right. Ryder doesn’t give up that easily.
There’s a knock at the door, and Rick rushes to answer it. His face falls when Mick is on the other side.
“There’s our star,” Mick boasts when he sees me. “Are you ready for one final gig before you hit it big?”
“I am,” I say, beaming ear to ear. This is it. This is my chance, and there’s no one in the way to stop me.
Behind Mick stands Ryder, his face sullen. Something’s wrong.
“Ryder? What is it?” I rush past Mick.
“It’s Dorothy. She coded. They brought her back, but…”
My hand flies to my mouth. “No.”
“I have to go. I have to be with Amelia.” Ryder reaches for my cheek. “I love you, Ember. I’ll be back. I’m not done with us yet.”
“I’m coming with you,” I tell him, not even giving it a thought. My response is automatic. Amelia needs me, and that’s where I need to be.
“Absolutely not,” Mick’s voice booms behind me.
My head snaps in his direction. “Excuse me?”
“You have a show to put on,” Mick says.
“The show can wait,” I tell him.
His words are harsh. “I can’t.”
“What are you trying to say?”
“If you leave, you can kiss your contract goodbye. I already forgave one disappearing act; I won’t forgive two.”
“It’s okay, Ember. I’ll give Amelia your love.”
“No, I’ll give it to her myself.” Again, the response is automatic. Amelia needs me. I need to be there for her. Scratch that… I want to be there for her.
What in the world had I been thinking, leaving her? I glance at Ryder. Or him?
“Let’s go,” I tell Ryder.
“Are you sure about this, baby?”
My hand touches his cheek. “I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life.”
Hand in hand, we rush out of the bar and head home.
* * *
When we get to the hospital, Amelia is sitting on Charlie’s lap in the waiting room.
“Ember,” Amelia shouts, jumping off of Charlie’s lap and running to me. “Grandma’s dying.” She sobs against my stomach as I hold her tightly.
“I know, baby. I’m so sorry.”
“I don’t want her to go.”
My heart breaks, hearing the devastation in her voice.
