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The realization hits me hard, and I have to admit, it hurts. You truly never realize how low you’ve been until you’ve left the valley and you are looking back. Suddenly, a tear rolls down my face, followed by another and another. Normally, I would be so embarrassed to be standing downtown crying, but not tonight. Tonight, the tears feel like the exact cleansing my soul has needed for so long and I’m going to let them fall. Besides, there’s no better place for them to fall than at home.
“You alright?” a voice breaks through my thoughts and brings me back to reality.
I turn and see Andrew standing next to me, with concern in his eyes.
I smile and wipe my face with the back of my hand. “Just having a moment. I’m fine, thanks.”
He nods and turns his head to the stage, but doesn’t move from where he’s standing. His presence soothes me more than I’m expecting, and I like it. He’s not forcing me to talk, he’s not touching me. He’s just being nearby, and it’s enough.
The next song starts and I steal a quick glance at him. He’s singing along, just like I am. Our eyes meet and we both smile.
“Are you a Jordan Johnson fan too?” I lean forward and shout into his shoulder.
“Super fan, actually.” He answers with a wink. “This is my tenth show, I think. I’ve lost count.”
“We’ll have to compare notes sometime. I bet we’ve been to some of the same shows.” How crazy is it to think that we’ve probably crossed paths at concerts and had no clue?
“Looking forward to it.” He says with a smirk before turning his head back to the stage.
I smile to myself. This guy may not be too bad after all. I blush, realizing that I might actually like him a little. It’s been so long since I had a crush on someone, I almost forgot what it feels like.
When the concert ends, and the crowd clears, I scan the crowd, looking for Avery.
I turn to Andrew. “Have you seen Avery Thompson?” I look around nervously. “Last I saw, she was two-stepping with some cowboy, but it’s been a while. She and I are supposed to walk home together.”
He shakes his head. “No, but I’ll help you look for her.” He offers.
I gladly accept his help. There are still so many people on the street, slowly making their way out of the concert gates.
Andrew and I take off through the crowd while I hold my phone to my ear. I try to call Avery twice, but both calls go unanswered. Suddenly, the crowd on the sidewalk clears and I spot her, leaning against the wall near Drip. There’s a man in front of her, leaning towards her with his hand braced against the building next to her head. At first, I think maybe she’s in a make-out session with the hot cowboy, and I almost turn the other way to give her a few minutes. Unfortunately, I’m wrong and it doesn’t take my eyes long to adjust and see that she is talking to Cory.
I grab Andrew’s bicep to stop him and I feel a tiny pulse of electricity run through my body when our skin connects. He turns to face me.
I nod my head in Avery’s direction. “There she is. She’s talking to her ex.”
He frowns. “It doesn’t look like it’s going well.” He says with a mutter.
“I promise you it is not. He’s a complete tool bag, and I wish he would stay away from her.” I shake my head. “He’s incredibly controlling and has hit her before.”
“Well, let’s go interrupt them, then.” He says, grabbing my hand, pulling me toward Drip. For a second, I freeze. Our hands fit together perfectly. It feels natural and safe, and I don’t want to let go. But also, I’m scared to death at how much I’m enjoying this.
As we approach Avery and Cory, I can hear that they are arguing.
“You’re a terrible mother.” Cory says, pointing a finger in her face. “You should be at home with my daughter instead of running around town dressed like a whore. It’s not like you ever let me see her. You should let me have her if you aren’t going to bother to take care of her.”
“Cory, you don’t even try to see her. Your mom keeps her during your visitation time. Please, just leave me alone. I am allowed to have a life,” Avery says, trying to move out from under him, but he grabs her arm and holds her in place.
“Take me to see her right now.” He demands. The vein on his forehead looks like it’s about to explode.
“Dude, let her go,” Andrew yells, pushing his way towards them and putting a firm hand on his shoulder.
Cory turns to look at us. “Fuck off,” he says to Andrew before turning his attention back to Avery.
Andrew takes a deep breath and I’m afraid that he might hit Cory, just as a Fawn Creek police officer rushes between them and grabs Cory by the back of his shirt.
“Are you going to leave her alone, or am I going to take your ass to jail, Cory?” The officer growls at him.
Cory throws his hands up and steps back. “Shit, I’m going, okay?” He yells while he backs away. “I was just trying to talk to her.”
