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The salesman came back now that we’d picked something off the wall. He had a big grin on his face. “That’s a gorgeous one, but are you sure you wouldn’t want something that plugs in? It still has that acoustic feel, but you can...”
Riven held up a hand. “I’m not interested in all the bells and whistles. I want this one.”
The man must have known better than to fight Riven because he just chuckled and nodded. “I understand. Sometimes you just know what you want.”
Riven didn’t fight as the man led him toward some tuners and extra strings. I knew he was going to try to pay for it, but I already had my card in my pocket. My focus was still on them as I ambled over to the huge display of guitar picks.
“Holy hell, that’s a lot of choices,” Riven said as he caught back up to me. There were so many different ones that I wasn’t sure how to begin helping him find a few.
“I’ll help. Just tell me which kind to get. I’m clueless,” I admitted. He pointed to a particular row, and I simply grabbed one of each until I had a handful and then grabbed a small case for them that was on display next to the shelf.
Riven started to open his mouth, but I shut him up by leaning up on my tiptoes, curling my fingers in his shirt, and yanking him down for a kiss. This one wasn’t simply a peck, it was a thank you. One that said, ‘Thank you for letting me in and for showing me how to let others in.’ It was a promise of more to come.
“It’s another nice night, and I think you should play your guitar by the campfire,” I demanded, grabbing his hand and leading him back up to the counter where the salesman was waiting with his guitar and other equipment. I handed my card over before anyone could even say a word.
It wasn’t until I had paid, ignoring Riven’s grumbles at the price, and we were walking out with a brand new guitar in its case, that he finally stopped me.
“I see what you’re doing here,” he said. I swallowed hard, expecting him to get angry that I’d taken it this far. Instead, he just took a breath and met my gaze before kissing me back like I did before.
“Thank you.”
ChapterTwenty
Shaye
Dear Everett,
Remember those movie nights at the park? There’s one tonight so I’m dragging the whole pack with me to see it. It won’t be the same without you and our crazy voice-overs we did.
I’ll have to remind Lake about those. He hasn’t been as carefree since we reunited but I’m seeing some of that light come back to him. His smiles come a little easier and so do mine.
You knew what you were doing with this adventure and we’re taking our time with it. This is our reset before facing the world again.
We couldn’t have gotten this far without you, Ev. Thank you.
Love,
Shaye
“This is going to be so lame,” Riven muttered as we unloaded our bags from the back of Drew’s SUV. The guys hurried and grabbed everything they could, leaving me with only the blanket. I held it close as we started walking down the path toward the park.
“If I sit with you, will that make it better?” I asked, batting my eyelashes.
“Hell no, he got to spend time at the music store with you yesterday. It’s totally my turn,” Drew argued.
“She read to you at the library,” Lake countered. “Mine.”
“Actually, you got to pick out Mia with her,” Micah said as he held my pup in his hands. “Definitely my turn, don’t you think so, Mia?” Mia licked his nose in agreement, and I shook my head.
“I’m just going to sit down, and the rest of you can fight over who gets to sit next to me,” I said as I headed down the path.
People were already filing into the park. The giant screen was set up at the base of the hill so no matter where we sat, we’d have a good view.
Knowing the guys, I snagged a spot far enough back we wouldn’t have to deal with crazy townies or children running around.
There was a concession stand set up to the side and a line was already forming. I could smell the popcorn and my stomach rumbled.
“Snacks!” Lake called out, spotting it right away. “I’m starving.”
