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“What is it?”
“I know you didn’t want us to bring up Birdie, obviously I’ve already failed at that,” she laughs to herself. “But I need to say something.” She squeezes my hand. “When I visited her in Louisiana, she was heartbroken.”
“Wren—”
“No Liam, please let me talk,” her voice is strong. “Birdie is a badass and one of the strongest people I know—but she’s hurting. I know that you think staying away from her is for her own good but you and I both know that’s complete and utter bullshit.”
I hear Ben cough, not expecting Wren to be so straightforward with me. To be honest I’m a little surprised too.
“You’re being selfish, Liam,” she continues. “What you both went through in Nashville is terrible, but it’s not your fault. Those sick people who call themselves her family are the ones at fault. Your and Birdie’s happiness shouldn’t suffer because of their actions.
“Now, I’ve watched you two dance around each other for far too long. It’s time for you to get your act together and go after her. I wanted to give you more time, but I can’t watch you destroy yourself in the process. Not this time.”
Silence fills the table, and I’m at a loss for words. A part of me knows she's right but—
Wren moves, placing a square badge on the table in front of me. “I had Eric make you a backstage pass for tonight. Birdie’s doing a special late-night show in about twenty-minutes. If you leave now, you can make it.”
My eyes bounce between my two friends. Ben is watching me carefully, all the while holding Wren’s hand. They belong together, and I can’t help but feel a little jealous of them.
Ben clears his throat, breaking me from my thoughts. “You can have what we have, Liam. In fact, you already do. Just stop being an idiot and go get the woman you love. Take the badge and go.”
My heart begins to race as I look down at the badge one more time. “What if it’s too late?”
Wren leans forward, a genuine smile on her lips. “As I told Birdie. Relationships are hard, but not many people are lucky enough to meet the love of their life at fifteen years old.”
Wren turns her lovesick gaze to Ben, who has the same look.
Fuck. I’ve been such an idiot.
Without a second thought I grab the pass and head for the door. As I leave, I’m pretty sure I hear my two friends clapping like a bunch of idiots.
thirty-eight
Birdie
Isitinmydressing room with a glass of Kentucky Bourbon. I let the liquid burn my throat and light a warmth in my stomach that’s otherwise not there.
The show tonight was fun. I agreed to do it to support Kevin. He lived in New York City for many years, so when he asked if I’d perform at his favorite music club with him as a little acoustic duo, I couldn’t say no. Gia loved the idea too. She said it gave me lots of much needed good attention.
I glance at my phone to see if I have any texts from Wren, even though I know I won’t. She was supposed to attend tonight, but then out of the blue she came to my hotel room flashing a giant diamond ring and screaming at the top of her lungs. I smile a stupid grin at the memory.
After she came to visit me in Louisiana, I jumped into action regarding Ben’s gym in Parker. I wanted my best friend to have her happy ending, and I’m glad I could help make it happen. Ben is going to do all the work with another investor I have from my network, but I trust him to do right by me. I know it will be a success, just like his gym here in New York.
My phone rings and I see I have an email from my travel agent. After tonight I’m taking a vacation. Tomorrow evening I’ll be on a plane to Santorini. The blue Aegean Sea is calling my name. I’ll face the world and all my problems when I get home.
A knock on the door startles me from my daydream.
“Come in!” I yell, thinking it’s Kevin. I open my email to have a look at what my agenda is, hoping I have nothing I need to do while I’m there.
“Didn’t I tell you to always look through the peephole?”
I nearly jump off the couch when I hear his voice. I turn to him, my hands shaking as I look into the chocolate eyes I’ve missed so much. They’re full of mirth, but I can also see he’s upset. In hindsight I should’ve at least asked who was behind the door. I wasn’t thinking.
“What are you doing here? I ask, my voice quiet.
Liam’s eyes trail down my body. I’m wearing a pair of jeans and a red tank top. Nothing special, but his eyes eat me up just the same.
He licks his lips. “I need to talk to you”
