The band stopped, eliciting a cheer from the audience before a man’s voice echoed across the field, announcing the name of the next band, Forever Young. A group of girls about my age walked on stage to the sound of whoops and whistles and started playing a poppy punk song. The lead singer wore a short black and white pleated tartan skirt and a button up collared tee hovered above her exposed midriff.
Suzan’s outfit was just as revealing, her purple crop tee showing off her belly button. Rachel and I had both opted for singlets, mine being black and hers being green, and Suzan had convinced us we all needed to wear short denim shorts. When I’d said I’d prefer wearing a pair of jeans, she’d insisted I had long lean legs and I should show them off. She’d also loaned me a pair of black Sketchers to complete my outfit and had straightened my hair so it trailed over my shoulders.
More people made their way to the stage and I could help but nod my head to the catchy song the girls were singing. We found a spot on the grassy hill overlooking the stage and I sat, tugging at my shorts.
“Would you stop that,” said Rachel. “You have great legs. Own it.”
She tugged at her own shorts and I lifted my eyebrows.
“What? You have great legs. I have pasty pale ones that haven’t seen the sun since I was five.”
“Your legs look great,” I said. “And after today they’ll be glistening brown.”
“Or bright red,” she groaned.
“No, I’m pretty sure I’m the one with skin that burns.” Suzan leaned back to soak up the rays.
My phone pinged and I pulled it from my pocket, expecting to find a message from Dylan but finding one from Mike instead.
You here? We’re on after the next band.
He hadn’t texted since our talk on the bus.
I replied: Just found a spot to sit. We’ll be front and centre when you play. Break a leg.
Hope Not: He typed back.
“Here’re the boys.” Suzan waved Sam, Dylan and Ethan over.
All three of the boys wore a dark coloured band t-shirt and a pair of denim shorts much longer than ours. Dylan ran his hand over his dark shaggy hair and gave me a crooked smirk when his brown eyes met mine.
He said hello to Rachel and Suzan and sat beside me on the grass so close his leg rested against mine, making my heart rate kick up a notch.
“Hey, you look great.” He eyes ran over my legs.
I ignored the urge to tug on the hem of my shorts. “Thanks, so do you.”
He leaned forward and gave me a brief kiss, giving me a smile as he rested back on his hands, one arm behind me.
“I can’t believe you two are all official,” said Suzan. She’d only said it about one hundred times since he’d asked me to be his girlfriend. “Are we ever going to be official?” she asked Sam.
“Aren’t we already?” He flicked his long hair from his face.
“You’ve never asked me,” she said.
“We aren’t all romantic like Dylan,” he replied. “I just assumed we were a thing. I’ve been telling people you’re my girlfriend.”
“You have?” she asked, eyes wide.
He nodded and she threw herself at him, wrapping him in a hug.
Rachel shook her head, but her cheeks heated as she locked eyes with Ethan who’d sat beside her.
The girl band who’d been playing ended and the MC entered the stage announcing a band called the Black Ravens.
“We should go down and get a good spot to support Mike. He’s on after these guys,” I told them.
“Because he’s so supportive of you?” asked Dylan.
We all stood brushing off our bums and headed to the crowd near the stage as the Black Ravens started playing indie rock.
“He said sorry,” I said. “He’s the reason we’re all here.”
“I still think he has a thing for you.” Dylan slid his warm hand into mine.
“He has a girlfriend,” I argued.
“Actually, that’s not true,” interjected Suzan.
“What?” I asked.
Dylan’s fingers tightened for a moment.
“Mike broke it off with Charity,” she said.
“You’re kidding?” said Ethan. “She was so hot.”
Rachel hit him in the chest. “There’s more to relationships than how hot someone is.”
“I didn’t mean that, I just…”
Rachel raised her eyebrows at him and he decided not to finish his sentence.
“I was shocked too,” said Suzan. “They did argue a lot but she really liked him. Thank goodness touch season is over and we don’t have to be around that awkward energy.”
“Maybe it was just a touch season fling?” suggested Sam.
As the others speculated why Mike would’ve broken it off with Charity, I wondered why he hadn’t told me. I guessed with everything that’d happened, he’d decided it was best not to talk to me about her. Maybe our friendship had changed and he wouldn’t tell me things anymore. My chest ached at the thought.
“You okay?” asked Dylan.
“Yeah, I’m more than okay,” I told him.
We reached the crowd gathered around the stage and swayed to the alternative tune the band played, Dylan behind me and hands on my waist as we eased our way through the audience closer to the stage’s edge.
After two more songs we cheered as the Black Ravens made their way off stage and we pushed forward until we were right at the front as the emcee announced, “next we have the Bilstone Boys.”
Suzan looked at me with a cocked eyebrow and I shrugged. They definitely needed to work on their name.
We squealed and whooped as three guys then Mike walked on stage, setting up their instruments. Mike wore a black Metallica shirt and black skinny jeans. He locked eyes with me and gave me a slight nod as he settled into his place, guitar in hand on the left side of the stage.
The lead singer’s voice was raspy and edgy, complementing the band’s rock vibe perfectly as they played, Mike jamming out on his guitar. The crowd danced and swayed to the music, and they played two songs before the lead singer spoke into the microphone.
“For our final song we’re going to switch it up a bit. Our guitarist, Mike, has a special number he’s prepared for you all.”
Mike swallowed hard and gave his band mate a nod as he grabbed a stool and placed it in front of the microphone stand, adjusting it to the right height. He slung the guitar into his lap and strummed. As he opened his mouth to sing, his earthy eyes found mine.
Shared secrets on a long drive.
Your smile makes me feel alive.
Watching as you change and grow.
If only I could let you know.
Those moments I didn’t make a move.
Don’t know what I was trying to prove.
Can’t express all you mean to me.
It’s you who makes it hard to breathe.
His warm, lilting voice had me entranced as he broke into the chorus.
But now it’s too late and I missed my chance,
It’ll never be the same watching you from a distance.
Because now you’re gooone, from me.
He repeated the lyrics for a second time, the pain in his words making my heart ache for him. It reminded me of the friendship we’d had, the flutters in my stomach I’d get at his touch, and the warmth in my cheeks each time he looked at me. Although the song was about Charity and the relationship they’d had, the sound of his voice and the lyrics he sang had the feelings I’d fought so hard to ignore creeping back. But he’d chosen Charity, not that he ever knew I was a choice. But a guy who wanted a beautiful blonde bombshell like Charity wouldn’t ever want a simple country girl like me. And I had Dylan, sweet, kind Dylan who was now my boyfriend. I grabbed Dylan’s hands from my waist and hugged them tighter around me.
“Now, that was a tear jerker.” The emcee faked wiping tears from his eyes. “Thank you Bilstone Boys.”
Girls behind us screamed, and the crowd cheered as the band
members waved. Mike still had sadness in his eyes as he looked at me before leaving the stage with his band mates.
“He was awesome,” said Rachel. “You never said he could sing like that.”
“I didn’t know,” said Suzan hand on chest. “I’m just as shocked as you.”
We weaved our way out of the crowd as the next band was announced. Part of me wished I hadn’t heard the song as I battled with the feelings it brought back up inside me.
“He must’ve been nervous.” Dylan slid his hand into mine. “He looked at you the whole time like he didn’t want to know the whole crowd was watching.”
My throat tightened, and I tried to keep my voice even as I said, “it couldn’t have been easy singing a song about Charity now they aren’t together.”
“I’m sorry I get so jealous,” he said. “Obviously you’re good friends and I trust you.”
His words made my chest ache.
“I need a drink,” said Rachel, and I was thankful for her interruption.
“I’ll get you one,” said Ethan.
“I’ll come with you,” offered Dylan. “Do you want something?”
“I’ll have what you’re having,” I said.
He gave me a firm kiss on the lips.
Sam and Suzan talked before Sam joined the boys and they walked off toward the vendors atop the hill.
“I have to pee,” said Suzan.
“Ew. Overshare,” replied Rachel. “But, I do too.”
“I’ll stay and wait for the boys to get back with our drinks.” I needed space, a second to shake off the weirdness ricocheting through my body.
“We won’t be long,” said Rachel.
“Have you ever been to the girl’s bathroom at these types of things? We could be hours.” Suzan linked Rachel’s arm with hers.
“See you in an hour,” I said as they walked away, the joke coming out flat.
Turning to watch the band now on stage, I spotted Mike walking up the hill and my body went rigid, my heart stopping for a moment. I needed space, not this. Releasing a breath, I plastered a smile on my face as he joined me.
“Hey,” he said.
“Hey, that was amazing,” I replied.
“Why, thank you.” He gave a slight bow.
The ease of our conversation relaxed my throat. “I knew you played the guitar, but you never mentioned you could sing like that. Your voice is incredible.”
“I was a nervous wreck.” He looked tat his shoes and ran his fingers through his hair. “I think I’ll leave the singing to our lead singer, Ruben in the future. But that song was special and he insisted I sing it myself.”
“Well, it was awesome,” I said.
“Did Suzan tell you about Charity and I?” he asked.
I swallowed hard. “I’m sorry it didn’t work out.”
“Don’t be sorry. We weren’t right for each other. I’m not sure why it took us so long to work it out.” His chocolate eyes found mine and warmth ran through my body.
“Thank goodness touch seasons over. That would’ve been awkward,” I said. “It couldn’t have been easy to sing that song now you aren’t together.”
“It actually made it easier to sing,” he confessed. “I started writing it while we were together and I realised it wasn’t about her at all. It’s part of why I broke it off with her. I realised it was about someone else.”
“Someone else?” I asked, hating the hope blooming in my mind.
“Lucy, I…”
“Lucy.” My heart dropped into my stomach as Dylan, Sam, and Ethan arrived with our drinks. “I got you a cola slushy.”
“Thanks,” I said, as he kissed me on the cheek and passed it to me.
I took a sip, both hands on the cold cup.
“Great set Mike,” said Dylan.
“Thanks.” Mike shifted from foot to foot.
“Suzan didn’t mention you could sing like that,” said Sam.
“Like I said, I had no idea,” said Suzan as she and Rachel returned from the bathroom.
My shoulders sagged with relief at the sight of them.
“You were awesome, bro,” she said.
We all fell silent at her compliment. I’d never heard her say something nice about him.
“A bit pitchy, but awesome.” She punched his arm.
That was more like it.
“Did Lucy tell you her exciting news now you’re friends again?” she asked him.
“No?” He turned to me, eyes alight. “What’s the exciting news you neglected to share?”
My heart thundered and I opened my mouth, but no words came out.
“I asked her to be my girlfriend.” Dylan gripped my hand a little tighter.
“You should’ve seen it,” said Rachel. “It was disgustingly romantic.”
Mike’s eyes dulled, and I watched his throat bob as he ignored the teasing and looked to me. “Congratulations.”
“Thank you,” I said, much too quiet, still holding eye contact.
“We’re going to just chill and have our drinks. Want to join us?” offered Suzan.
His stare still hadn’t left mine, and I couldn’t decide if I wanted him to say yes or no.
He pulled his gaze from mine and looked over the group. “I better go hang out with the band until they announce the winners. Thanks for cheering me on guys.”
He didn’t look at me again as he walked away, retreating into the crowd.
Dylan sat beside me. “You okay?”
“You need to stop asking me that,” I told him.
“You just seem lost in thought,” he said.
“I’m just enjoying the day.”
“And the company?”
“Of course she’s enjoying the company.” Suzan wrapped her arms around me and squeezed. “She’s with us.”
We all sat on the hill, everyone talking and laughing while I stared into the crowd gathered around the stage. What was Mike about to tell me when Dylan arrived? My heart felt as though hands were squeezing it tight as I ran his words over and over in my mind. The song. The lyrics about the shared secrets and not making a move. The way he found it hard to breathe and missing his chance. Could it all be about me?
I looked at Dylan, who leaned in closer to me as though sensing my thoughts. I was overthinking it. There were plenty of girls the song could’ve been about. Maybe he was going to tell me who it was for and it had nothing to do with me at all. Even if he’d confessed feelings for me, what would I have done? Mike had made his choice, and I’d made mine. But if it was that simple, why did my whole body buzz with the thought he might actually like me?
To be continued…
About the Author
L J Higgins writes fiction with an intriguing twist. Stories that remind you to open your eyes, minds and hearts. Hailing from Queensland, Australia, she is a wife, and stay at home mother of two young children.
Always intrigued by dystopian and fantasy worlds, L J Higgins enjoys creating stories that explore relationships and self-discovery while making you question the world around you.
Visit her online at
www.ljhiggins.com
Or find her on
Facebook @ljhigginsbooks
Twitter & Instagram @lj_higgins
Acknowledgments
Just like Lucy and Olivia couldn’t overcome the challenges they face alone, there’s no way I could’ve written and published this book without the amazing family, friends, authors and readers who are constantly encouraging and supporting me.
With friends like Michelle Bryan, Michelle Lynn, and Melissa Craven I know I’ve always got someone to turn to if I need advice, support, motivation or just someone who understands what it’s like to be an author. I can’t thank them enough for the time they give me even though they live in another time zone.
Whenever I need to kick start a new book or get a lot of words down in a short amount of time, I know I can always ask Cassie Laelyn, DL Gallie, and Ally Parker to join me for a writing weekend. This year w
e spent a weekend at the beach and as always they were open to my writing rituals and inspirational quotes, and made me laugh so hard my stomach hurt.
My stories wouldn’t be half as easy to read without Melissa Craven’s awesome editing skills. She pushes me to continue learning the craft of writing and challenges me to be a better writer with each manuscript.
Once again Maria Spada has outdone herself, designing a beautiful cover for Circus in the Clouds. She works hard to bring my vision to life and nails it every time.
To my incredible ARC team, thank you for continuing to read my stories, giving me amazing feedback, and supporting every one of my releases. I appreciate you and the time you put into reading my books very much.
A massive shout out to those of you who read the words I write. I’m incredibly grateful you choose to read my books and the support you give me. And thank you to those of you who have posted a review, liked or commented on a post, shared something of mine on social media, or purchased one of my books. I appreciate you all very much.
My biggest supporters have been and always will be my amazing family and friends who listen to my idea’s that usually start with, ‘I was watching this documentary…’ and do all they can to support me and my books. I love you all and am so grateful to have you all in my life.
But, I’d be lost without my husband, Tim, and two kids, Tahlia and Logan. They always encourage me to pursue my dreams and are my biggest cheerleaders. I love them more than they could ever know.
A final note, for those of you who read Lucy and Olivia’s story. May you always know your worth and have the courage to speak your truth.
Books by L J Higgins
The Dreamer Trilogy:
Dawn of the Dreamer
Fall of the Dreamer
Rise of the Dreamer
On Delicate Wings
Circus in the Clouds (The Balloonist Chronicles Book 3) Page 21