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The truth of how real the excitement was hit when we were shown to our table. The air was electric with it. While the other patrons were happy about the show and getting to see the new band, but this table? Was lit.
Frankie’s guys? Rachel? Even Jeremy, the older gentleman who’d accompanied them, was leaning forward in anticipation. The house lights went down as Bound Hearts was introduced. Their band came out first followed by Frankie and Ian. We were all on our feet, whistling, clapping, and stamping our feet.
Frankie Curtis was a sweetheart. The very real shock on her face and the tears in her eyes were so visceral, I felt my own throat clogging. Ian and Frankie’s family cared so much, they were here to support them. They showed up.
I was so fucking happy to be a part of this. The music they playedrocked. They had the whole club on their feet by the end of the first set. I knew every single song they’d recorded. Loved them all, too.
After their first break, we got up and sang with them. It just added a whole new layer to the night, and Frankie’s hug was as warm and enthusiastic as she was. As the night wound down, we were going to take off and let them have the time together, but Jake insisted on going out with us and making sure we got into a car.
We’d been recognized. We’d probably hit social media, whatever. I made sure to get a selfie with Ian and Frankie so our peeps could run it, too. For now, it was a wild night and I was almost hoarse again.
At least this time it was from singing and not smoke inhalation.
The rest of the weekend passed in a fantastic blur of late-night room service, ice cream, binge shows, and laughter.
So much laughter.
When we finally got to sleep it was with sides that hurt. Even the train ride back to school was made with a lighter heart. We needed this weekend.
Outside of Bron, Jackie, and Pen, I’d pretty much ignored my phone all weekend. Aubrey and I split up when we were back to go to our rooms, and I hit play on my messages after I grabbed a quick shower and got ready for bed.
Jonas hadn’t been in, I didn’t think, when I got back. The first three messages were from RJ. The first was an apology for the incident at the pond. I wasn’t sure why he was apologizing.
The second was just him checking in to find out if I was angry with him. He was only in town for the weekend, but he’d be back in a couple of weeks. Oops. My bad. I did not see him this weekend.
The third was a little testier.
“I just figured out you were off campus for the weekend. I supposed I shouldn’t have just assumed you were waiting around for my call. Probably arrogant of me.”
“You think?” I muttered.
“Truth is, Blue, I’ve missed you and really wanted to talk to you the other day. I left a box for you in the mailroom. Message me when you get it. I’ll be back in a couple of weeks. Maybe we can start over? Chat soon.” A pause then. “Missed you, Blue. A hell of a lot.”
Then the call ended.
“You didn’t ask,” Jonas said from the doorway. “But he’s a creep.”
“Well, hello to you too.”
“You can do better than him.” The flat intonation made me snort.
“Like Lachlan? I think I’ll pass.”
“You can do better than him too.” He frowned. “Or that is what I would tell you if we were friends. You said we weren’t. Still…you can do better than them.” Backing up only a step, he paused again. “Welcome back.”
“Thanks,” I said before he retreated entirely. He nodded, then pulled my door shut.
If we were friends…
Food for thought, I guessed. Wasn’t sure we’d ever be friends.
Falling backward on the bed, I stared up at the ceiling. I was too tired to try and figure all of this out right now. Tomorrow’s problem then.
Nineteen
RAMSEY
“Heads up,” Harley said as she fell into step with me. I was glad to see her return to campus. After the fire, she’d taken a few weeks off to recover. So much lost in that damn fire. The black scar of it was visible every time we left the dorm and there was no missing the lingering smoke smell.
