AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“It’s coming on right now.” She hits the remote again and fast-forwards through the little bit of commercial that she can. “Just watch.”
I wait, bored as the commercials drone on. The eleven o’clock newscast says goodbye, only to launch into more commercials. I’m checking my phone, but there’s not much to see, since I’m avoiding social media like it’s the plague, and I set it on the chair, my eyes going wide when I see what’s coming on next.
When they list the special guests.
Tate’s name flashes on the screen, and I realize...
He never canceled his talk show appearance.
“I don’t know if I want to watch this,” I say.
“You should,” Mom says, and when I glance over at her, I notice there’s a strange look on her face. “Just... let’s see what happens.”
Nerves chew at my stomach, and I sit up straighter, bracing myself. The talk show host performs his usual monologue at first, and I’m over it almost immediately. I just want to get to Tate. I want to know what he’s going to perform. What he’s going to say. I’m sure he’s nervous. Afraid the host is going to ask hard-hitting questions, and after everything that just happened, I know those questions are going to be all about us.
The host rambles for a solid ten minutes, maybe longer, and when it goes to a commercial break, I’m halfway out of the chair, unable to take it anymore. “I’m going to bed.”
“But darling, you have to watch Tate’s performance.” Mom leaps to her feet, rushing toward me, her hands landing on my shoulders as if she’s going to push me back onto the chair. “It’s important.”
“Why? Are you trying to make me even sadder? He hasn’t contacted me since I left, Mom. Not once. Not a single call or text or anything. Which is making me realize that what happened between us when we were together meant nothing to him.” The tears are back—I am so sick of crying—and I blink hard, trying to stop them.
But it’s no use. They’re streaking down my cheeks, and I feel like I’m on the verge of a total mental breakdown.
“Oh, darling. You really love him, don’t you?” When I nod, she pulls me into a crushing hug, holding me tight. “Can you trust me? Just for a little bit?”
“Why do you want me to watch it? Do you know something I don’t?” I pull away from her, staring into her dark-brown eyes, which are so much like my own. “Tell me.”
Her head shakes slightly, her lips parting, and I wait in anticipation.
“I can’t tell you. Just know that you need to see this.” Her expression is somber, and with a reluctant nod, I settle back into the chair.
And I wait.
CHAPTER37
TATE
I feel like I’m going to throw up.
Tonight is more important than anything else I’ve ever done in my life. More important than any public appearance I made with Five Car Pileup. More important than the night I performed for Scarlett’s birthday party.
I’m going to reveal the truth tonight. And I’m going to sing—not the song they think I plan on singing either. Not even Roger or Simon know about that. I discussed it with the talk show host, and Jimmy’s good with it. Once I explained my situation and pleaded my case, he was totally down for it.
“This is probably gonna go viral, huh,” Jimmy said to me before the show started.
“I won’t complain if it does,” I told him. “I just hope I can follow through.”
“You’ve got this, man.” Jimmy clasped my shoulder and gave it a shake.
He’s probably not going to go easy on me, and I’m prepared for that. Somewhat. I’m waiting backstage, about to walk out on set, and when they announce my name and the crowd claps and cheers—I’m shocked—I head out, smiling and nodding, my heart sitting in my throat.
“So Tate, what have you been up to lately?” Jimmy asks, making the audience laugh.
I chuckle too, glancing out at the crowd, though I can’t make out any of their faces. The stage lights are too bright, and actually, I’m grateful for it.
“Not much,” is how I answer him. “You know, the usual.”
“You’re having a comeback moment.”
