“Can you run down to the office? See if they have extra boxes lying around? We need to be packed up bytomorrow.”
“Packed?” My confusion scrunches my face with afrown.
“You didn’t think I’d be the next drummer for Three Ugly Guys and live in this shit hole?” He laughs, distracted once again by whatever’s on his phonescreen.
“Oh, I guess not.” The words slip from my lips and my gut sinks with apprehension. I don’t understand why we’re leaving tomorrow. It takes weeks, sometimes months, to find and secure a new apartment. Though I guess the money will be a help in rushing the processalong.
Coy laughs, gathering the stack of papers and sticking them back inside the folder. “I guess with all the excitement I forgot to tell you.” He hops off the couch and wraps my waist in his arms. He smiles, the big one that lights up his entire face, and it takes no effort to return the gesture. “I’m moving in with theband!”
“Wait. What?” I can’t even disguise my shock. My heart hammers against my ribcage so fast and so hard that surely Coy must feel my fear. Him in the band is one thing, but to live with them? I’ll losehim.
“Jess, don’t give me that face. It’ll be fine. I’m sure the place is a fucking mansion. They’ll loveyou.”
Hold up.What?“I’m comingtoo?”
He laughs, hard this time, and shakes his head. “Of course. What the fuck, Jess? Stop being weird. Of course I’m bringing you along with me. Who else would take care of you?” For the first time since we got home I can finally breathe. My body melts into his as he tugs me closer and drops a kiss into my hair. “God, can you imagine? You’d never make it in this town without me. What kind of monster do you think I am? I’m not leaving you behind. You’re coming withme.”
My eyes fill with so much emotion I have to pinch them closed to keep the tears at bay. It’s all too much. The intense relief at not being left behind. At being wanted. Being remembered and looked out for, even with this grand opportunity in the forefront. If I believed in the sentiment, I might call it love. “Thank you.” The words leave my lips awhisper.
I make a promise to myself. Right here in our cheap one-bedroom. Whatever happens I will not let him down. I’ll do whatever it takes to support Coy. To give back to him in gratitude the way he’s looked out for me. I owe him my life. I owe himeverything.
I won’t let him down. Ican’t.
