With a little more pep in my step, I pick up the order for my table and grin. “Thanks.”
As soon as I deliver my tray of food to customers waiting at an outside table, I scan the restaurant for Finn. He’s not outside so I make my way into the bar. Sure enough, he’s there sitting in a booth, texting on his phone. He doesn’t see me so I take this moment to take him in. He’s wearing a dark t-shirt that fits across his shoulders scrumptiously, leaving his ink on full display.
Putting down his phone, he looks around. The moment his eyes meet mine, he’s on his feet and closing the distance between us. Wrapping his arms around me, he holds me tight. “I’ve got the best news, Raven! Do you have a few minutes to talk?”
Looking around the room, I make eye contact with Tonya. “Mind if I take a short break?”
“Go for it. We’re slow. I’ve got your tables and will let you know if things change.”
Returning to Finn, I ask, “What’s going on?”
Shaking his head, he pulls me down to sit next to him in his booth. “I’ve been runnin’ around like a long-tailed cat in a room full of rockers, waitin’ to tell you this.”
Okay, his Southern twang is out. Surely, it’s big.
“Ruby Frax just got the chance to open for Riser on the first leg of their North American tour. Something happened with their opener, and they canceled at the last minute. I don’t know much about the details, but we’re in! We’re freaking opening for one of the biggest bands in America!”
Practically jumping into his lap, I squeeze him in the tightest of hugs. “I’m so happy for you. This is huge! Wait… what about the tour you’ve already scheduled?”
“Sloane’s working out the details, but it’s only twelve shows, so we should be able to do a little of both. It’ll be crazy but in the best way possible!”
His energy is infectious. I squeal and hug him once more. “I’m so happy for you guys! As soon as I get off, we’re gonna celebrate!”
He quickly tells me how they were all in the studio when Tara, their record label’s manager, came in with the news. He explains in detail how each guy reacted. They were so loud, a sound engineer from the studio next door even came to see what the commotion was about.
When his voice returns to normal speed, I finally interrupt and ask the biggest question on my mind, “So, when does it start?”
Finn’s expression goes from eager to morose in an instant. Heavily, he sighs and looks at his hand on the table in front of us. “That’s the rub. If we take this gig, we leave in three weeks.”
My heart stalls at this news. Three weeks? Holy shit, that’s soon.
“Hey,” he says, palming my jaw and forcing me to look at him. “I know it’s nearly six weeks earlier than planned. But we can’t pass up this opportunity.”
Shaking, I urge, “No. Of course not. That would be stupid. Of course, you’re going on this tour with Riser.”
Now it’s my turn to stare at my hands in my lap.
“Raven. Look at me.” When I finally meet his eyes, they’re gentle and full of love. “This isNOTme leaving you. This is me doing my job and me coming back.”
Then why does it suddenly feel otherwise?
“I know.” I sniffle, trying like hell to hold back tears as my biggest fear comes true. This is huge for him. I should be excited. But I’ll miss him like crazy.
This is why I shouldn’t have fallen for him.
Gah… I need to buck up and not be a doubtful Debby. He’s coming back. My focus should be on him, not me.
This is one of the biggest days of his life, and I won’t be the one to ruin it.
“You know, Raven,” he says, squeezing my hand. “I’ve asked you to come with me. The offer still stands.”
“Would I love to go? Yes! But you and I both know I’m not making enough freelancing to stop working at Pop’s. Living with my sister and Ryan in Nana’s house saves me money. I can’t just travel the country without having a job that pays well enough to get things I’ll eventually need… like insurance and shit like that.”
“Raven… what would you exactly be paying for on tour? Correct me if I’m wrong, but where I sleep, you will. Where I eat, you’re right there with me. You’re legally allowed to be on your dad’s insurance for a few more years, so that excuse is invalid, too.”
“Finn,” I plead. “We’ve talked about this. I won’t be that person who relies on someone else financially. I spent years going to school, and I’m determined to make it on my own.”
“I’m not asking you to do otherwise. I’m simply pointing out… I’ve got food and shelter covered. Your sister doesn’t seem to have a problem traveling with Jax. Just think… You won’t have to miss either of them.”
