never say those words to another person.
It starts to rain. Not hard, just a drizzle. I’m glad, because the sun shouldn’t shine when two young innocent people are put in the earth. As they lower the caskets into the ground, a song is played. It’s Abby’s favorite. Liam recorded it a few months ago during rehearsal. We’re singing. She’s singing. Although it guts me to hear her, I know I’ll always have this piece of her.
When the caskets go down far enough, and I can no longer see them, I stand up and move closer to keep that connection for as long as possible. When they reach the bottom and get covered, that’s it. It’s all over.
The song ends.
Hot tears stream down my face as I watch my world slip away. Only two words bounce around in my head.
What now?
Chapter Forty-three
Bria
The last twenty-four hours have been torture. Not only has Crew’s horrible story been haunting me, but someone recorded Reckless Alibi last night, and I can’t stop watching some girl named Tiffani sing with the man I love.
“You’re not going to let someone else live your life, are you?” Brett says.
He’s looking over my shoulder. I wonder how long he’s been standing there.
I put down my phone. “She’s good.”
“Not as good as you.”
“She’s pretty, too.”
Brett stands me up and puts his hands on my shoulders. “If you need me to stand here and fluff your ego by saying you’re everything she’s not, I will. Because I’m the big brother, and that’s what we do. But that’s not going to solve your problem. You love being a part of Reckless Alibi, so go be a part of it. Get back with Crew, don’t get back with him—either way, you know it’s where you belong.”
I sit. “It’s complicated. If I go back, he’ll think it’s for him.”
“Make sure he knows it’s because you love the band.”
I press my lips together and sigh. “I love him.”
He smiles sadly. “I know you do, but one thing’s for sure: you guys are not going to figure this out if he’s onstage with someone else.”
I look at the time. “I might be too late.”
“For what?”
“We’re playing in Jersey tonight.”
“What time do you have to be there?”
“Nine. I’d have to go home for clothes. I’ll never make it.”
“Get something out of Emma’s closet. I’ll pull the car around.”
“You’re going to drive me? What about Leo and Evie? Emma’s out with friends, so you have to be here.”
“I’ll text Bonnie across the street. Evie can watch Leo until she gets here.”
My heart beats wildly. “Are you sure?”
“I haven’t been to a show in a while. It’ll be fun.”
I bounce out of my chair, suddenly excited about going. I kiss him on the cheek and run upstairs.
~ ~ ~
Brett pulls up to the venue. “Wow, big place. You get out here, and I’ll find a place to park.”
“Thanks.”
“Anytime. Good luck.”
I hop out and go through the front door. Wow is right. This place is bigger than the nice club we played in the city. The first floor has a large bar in back, a big dance floor in front of the stage, and what must be a hundred high-top tables in-between. I crane my neck to see the second floor, where there’s another bar, more tables, and private VIP viewing areas along both sides.
There’s a lot of people here. Bodies mash together, dancing to the piped-in music. I weave my way through them. As I near the stage, I see Bruce setting up our equipment. There are two microphone stands.
I tense. The replacement singer is here. The whole drive over, I was worried about getting here in time. I completely forgot how awkward it would be if I barged in moments before the band took the stage. A sick feeling washes over me. What if they like her? What if they like her more than me?
I’m frozen, contemplating my choices.
“Brianna?” someone calls. It’s Jeremy. He looks confused. “Does anyone know you’re here?”
I shake my head.
He tries not to laugh. I don’t know what’s so funny.
He escorts me past a security guard, down a short hallway, and into a room. “Look what the cat dragged in.”
Six pairs of eyes turn towards us. The first person I see is Crew. A smile lights up his face when he sees me. Liam, Garrett, and Brad share fist bumps.
I expect Tiffani to pout and be mad. She does just the opposite—strides over and holds out her hand. “Bria, I’m Tiffani. It’s an honor