by K. A. Linde
“Oh my God! And Aaron and Sarah?”
“Yep!” he said, sounding smug.
“They said they couldn’t come down for the show this weekend!” I cried.
“Aaron got a hold of me to keep it a surprise.”
“That’s…that’s amazing. Let’s go say hi.”
I grabbed Grant’s arm and pulled him out through the excited crowd, heading straight to my parents, who stuck out like sore thumbs and looked uncomfortable as hell, even from a distance. My mother was in a square neck dress with a cardigan wrapped around her shoulders. My father was in a very expensive-looking Tom Ford suit. At least Aaron and his girlfriend, Sarah, were dressed more casually.
I threw my arms around Aaron. “I can’t believe you guys made it!”
Grant shook hands with Aaron when I moved to hug my mom and dad.
“Hey, man.”
Finally, I turned back to Sarah. She giggled and stretched her left hand out. On her ring finger was an enormous rock. My mouth dropped open for a second time, and then I was squealing and jumping up and down.
“You’re engaged? Oh my God, I’m so happy for you. I’m so excited. Tell me everything. How did it happen? Where did it happen?”
Grant wrapped an arm around me and squeezed. “Maybe give them a chance to answer your questions.”
“You’re right. Wow. Just…wow. Congratulations! Both of you.”
Sarah launched into all the details about the engagement, which had happened at a romantic dinner a couple of nights ago. They had been waiting to make an announcement because they wanted to tell me in person. Grant had been the catalyst behind keeping it a secret from me. And I was surprised and thrilled. It was good to see my brother settling down with Sarah and not gallivanting off with anyone else. It would definitely do him some good.
My parents were also pleased with the news, which was no surprise to me.
“It’s going to be so glamorous. A big Boston wedding!” my mother said. She looked down at the grimy barstool and upturned her nose. She carefully slid the pad of her index finger over the surface and then examined it. She shuddered. “Anyway, I’ve already had an engagement announcement drafted and sent to the newspaper. It’s going to be the event of the season.”
I laughed at my mother’s behavior but nodded. “It certainly is.”
The news seemed to ease the discomfort that had occurred with my family, and even though my parents looked stuffy and uncomfortable, they carried on a conversation with Grant without snubbing him. It seemed like enough progress to me.
Almost too soon, Grant was kissing the top of my head and whispering my ear, “Time to go backstage. I’ll see you after the show. I love you.”
“I love you, too,” I said.
My hand held on to his until he was too far away, and we had to let go. He gave me a mischievous smile before disappearing in the crowd.
“Jim, I’m going to need a drink.” With disdain, my mother’s eyes scanned the dive bar, but it was nice to at least see her here…trying.
“Of course, Diana.”
“Vodka martini. Grey Goose.” Then, she seemed to think better of it. “Do you think they even have Grey Goose?”
He shrugged his shoulders, and I tried to keep from laughing hysterically.
Only my mother.
“Well, I’m going to go to my normal spot. I’ll see you all after the show? We can get dinner or drinks? Talk about the wedding some more?”
“Yes, of course, dear,” my mother said. “We’ll go somewhere…a bit classier, I hope?”
“Sure, Mom.” I wrapped my arms around my father. “Thank you for giving him a chance.”
“We love you, baby girl. We trust you to make the right decisions…even if we don’t always agree with them.”
“Thank you,” I repeated before pulling away from my family and veering through the packed crowd.
I found the girls standing at the center of the pack, only about three rows back from the stage. Not speaking to each other, Shelby and Sydney were on opposite sides of Gabi and Cheyenne. Sydney didn’t seem bothered in the slightest. While she was around, Miller didn’t seem to realize how much Shelby cared for him. It was such a weird juggling act that no one had expected from Miller. He had turned into this accidental player, and I wasn’t looking forward to the fallout when it all blew up.
At least for now, McAvoy and Gabi were back on. I didn’t know how that was going to work out with the band going to L.A. for the summer, but Gabi seemed confident enough. She already had plans to visit. Cheyenne had sworn up and down that she and Vin weren’t serious, but I saw her eyes sparkle when he walked onstage. Another mystery—someone actually liked Vin. It baffled me.
My eyes cut to the left, and I saw Kristin standing in the audience with a guy at her side. She smiled at me and waved. We hadn’t hung out much since school ended because she had gone home for the summer, but it looked like she was back—at least for the night.
Then, it all came down to Grant and me.
He strutted onstage to an eruption of applause, cheers, and catcalls. He looked like a god in jeans and a button-up with the first two buttons undone and the sleeves rolled up. His hair was wild. His eyes were even wilder as they searched me out in the crowd.
Our gazes locked, and then I was lost.
He only had eyes for me.
The show was as incredible as ever, maybe even better.
I’d seen them twice on tour with The Drift, but being here at home had them in their element. Everyone knew the songs, and now, the band was even more comfortable in front of huge crowds. “White Hot” still made me blush. “Life Raft” still made me swoon. I was certain I would never stop swooning at the fact that Grant had written this amazing song just for me.
“We have one last song for you tonight,” Grant said into the microphone after they’d finished “Life Raft.”
“One more?” Cheyenne asked. “They’ve played everything I know.”
I shrugged. “I don’t know. Maybe something new?”
Intrigued, we both looked back up at the stage.
“I’ve been working on this song for a long time. It was missing something for so long, but now, I think it’s perfect. So, you get this exclusive, Leaguers. This one is ‘Take Me with You.’”
Everyone quieted as the intro music filtered through the speakers. It was a heady melody with a soft sound like “Life Raft.”
Then, Grant sang his beautiful lyrics with his hypnotic voice,
I’m an arrow,
Aiming straight for your heart.
Pierce the skin, take you in.
It’s tearing me apart.
Love-struck, dumbstruck,
Can’t think without you close.
Can’t even dream.
Give me another dose.
So, baby, I’ll take you with me
Wherever I go.
Just promise you’ll take me with you
Wherever you go.
I’ll take you with me
Wherever I go.
If you take me with you
Wherever you go.
The words hit me hard as if he were actually shooting an arrow at me. Grant had obviously written songs about us before, but every time it happened, it felt so deeply personal, like he was exposing so much about us to the world.
I could remember lying in bed, stretching my arm out to him, as I’d tried to get him to stay, and he’d told me just that, “I take you with me wherever I go.”
My heart constricted as the lyrics sank in.
No matter where we were or what we were doing, I would always hold his heart…and he would always hold mine.
The split second between the end of our new song and the burst of applause that followed was like a slice of heaven. It was that moment where I was looking at Ari and only Ari…when I saw that she really understood. She knew what the song meant—that it was for us…that when I’d record this album or go back out on tour or wherever the fuck this crazy road would take me, she
would still be there through it all.
I crooked my finger at her as the crowd roared its approval. Just like that first time, her friends pushed her forward through the mob, up the stairs, and into my arms. Then, I kissed her as if it was the last thing I was ever going to do.
The cheers rose up louder, and Ari giggled against my lips. She was embarrassed, but I was lost to her.
I straightened after our kiss, waved at the audience, and then followed the guys offstage. They were already bumping fists and congratulating each other on another successful performance. It was a bit surreal to be on such a small stage again, but it was better simply because of the kick-ass audience at home.
“I can’t believe you wrote that for me,” Ari whispered.
“Who said it was for you?”
She gave me a don’t-mess-with-me look, and I laughed.
“You’re right. I wrote it for you. What can I say? You inspire me.”
“I bet she fucking does!” Vin yelled from across the room.
“Hey, asshole! Butt out of our fucking conversation!” I yelled back.
“I can’t help it when you leave me so wide open.”
“Bet you’ve never heard that before.”
Miller and McAvoy cracked up.
“Come on,” McAvoy said, punching Vin on the arm. “Let’s go find the girls. Give them some privacy.”
They were exiting when Miller stopped abruptly in the doorway. “Uh, Grant? There’s someone here for you.”
He warily looked over at us. And that was when I saw my dad walking through the backstage entrance. I’d told the guys what had happened with my dad. I’d completely fessed up to everything even though Miller had already known from the tour, but McAvoy and Vin hadn’t. It was a load off my chest. But I hadn’t even told Ari that I’d invited my dad to the show.
While I had invited him, for some reason, I hadn’t exactly expected him to show. Maybe a part of me was trying to keep myself from being let down.
“It’s okay, Miller. You guys can go.”
Miller nodded his head and then ushered the other guys out of the backstage area. I stared at the distance between my father and me. I was uncertain how to bridge the gap…if I even wanted to.
So, he had showed. So what?
“I get what you mean now,” my father said finally.
“About what?” I asked.
Ari squeezed my hand for reassurance.
“Music being your therapy. You…you were incredible.”
“Oh.”
“Thank you,” Ari said. “He meant, thank you. And he is incredible.”
His eyes flickered to Ari, and they crinkled at the corners when he smiled. “Good to see you again, Ari.”
“You, too, Mr. McDermott.”
“I hope you still plan to keep up your end of the deal,” he said, addressing me again. “After that, I think I’m starting to understand you more, and I’d love for you to understand me like that.”
I swallowed back the rising panic at the thought of going to therapy with my dad. It was just fucking talking, right? I could handle it at least once, and if it fucking sucked, then I’d never have to do it again.
“Yeah, I’ll go,” I finally said.
“Great,” he said, genuinely happy. “I just…wanted to come backstage and say congratulations. I see why your band was picked up. You’re all very talented. I’m looking forward to seeing more of y’all in the future.”
“Thanks,” I murmured.
“I wish I could stay, but I think it’s time for me to get back to the house. I hope the two of you have a good night. Feel free to contact me anytime, Grant.”
“Sure.”
“Have a nice night,” Ari said softly.
“Good night.”
“You, too.” I nodded my head at him, and then he turned and walked out the door.
“I can’t believe he came to the show!” Ari gasped when he was gone.
“Well,” I said, scratching the back of my head, “I invited him.”
She playfully smacked me on the arm. “You did? Why didn’t you tell me?”
I shrugged. “Didn’t think he’d actually show.”
“I’m glad he did.”
“Oh, yeah? Why?”
“Because he obviously cares for you, Grant,” Ari said as if it were the most obvious thing. “It’s good to see you two interacting and making progress. It’s already better since you talked.”
“Yeah…it really is,” I admitted.
Ari threw her arms around my neck and held me close. “I’m so proud of you for doing this.”
I snaked my arm around her waist and breathed in her familiar scent. I kissed her neck once more. “You know, I have one more surprise for you.”
“You do? Don’t you think my parents and the song were enough?” she asked. But her eyes were alight, and she was excited about the possibility of another surprise.
“Never enough for you.”
“All right. Well?”
I took a step back, smirked at her, and then slowly unbuttoned the long-sleeved button-up I had on. Her cheeks instantly turned a rosy pink at the gesture.
“Don’t you think we should go to the back room if my surprise includes you getting naked?”
I laughed. “So, you want me naked, huh? Thinking about me fucking you?”
Now, her cheeks were bright red. “Grant!”
“So, yes?”
“Fine. Yes! Okay? Satisfied?”
I arched an eyebrow. “Not yet, Princess.” Then, I winked.
“You’re ridiculous.”
I stripped out of my shirt and tossed it on a nearby table. “As much as I want to continue giving you a strip tease backstage, this is my surprise.”
I held my left arm up and revealed the inside of my bicep. On the sensitive skin in that space, I’d had an arrow tattooed onto my flesh. All those months ago in the library, I had doodled it into my lyrics notebook while thinking about Ari. I’d been inspired by the lyrics I had written for Ari.
I’m an arrow, Aiming straight for your heart. Pierce the skin, take you in. It’s tearing me apart.
And I was inspired by Ari herself, of course.
Her fingers traced the design, her mouth agape. “Is this…is this for me?” she whispered.
“A way for me to always take you with me.”
Her gaze rose to mine, and then she smiled. “I want one.”
My eyes widened into saucers. “A tattoo?”
“Yes. I want to take you with me, too.”
“Are you sure? You know it’s permanent, right?” I joked.
“I’m well aware. I know it’s…crazy. But it feels right. Let’s go.”
I laughed at her enthusiasm. “I don’t think anyplace is open right now, Princess.”
She smiled, stretched onto the tips of her toes, and kissed me. “Then, tomorrow.”
“Okay,” I murmured against her mouth. “Anything you want.”
“Anything?”
I nodded, and then she dragged me to the back room.
We kicked the door closed behind us, and I couldn’t help reveling in this beautiful woman who had utterly stolen my heart. We’d been so worried about our parents and the tour and her school and every other thing that could get in the way. But it was clear to me that we hadn’t only survived. We had flourished.
And as she stripped me out of my clothing and brought her lips back to mine, I knew she was it.
There was no turning back.
“So…how much is this going to hurt?” I asked.
I was seated in the chair in the back room of the tattoo parlor, staring up at a man completely covered in tattoos from head to toe. I swallowed hard at the realization of what I was doing. It had taken me two weeks to actually find time to go, what with my parents here and then the new job.
Grant leaned back against the doorframe and smirked at me. He was loving this.
“It shouldn’t be too bad,” the guy said.
He was
opening a package of needles in front of me. My heart rate spiked. I wasn’t even afraid of needles.
Get it together!
He filled a small vial with black ink and then set it out next to the needles. Earlier, he had redrawn the arrow on Grant’s arm into a daintier, smaller version for me. I’d decided to put it in the same place on my arm as Grant’s. I didn’t want it to be particularly visible in a normal everyday atmosphere, and I also needed it somewhere easy to cover up when I got a job. Plus, I liked the thought of both of us having the tattoo in the same place.
My eyes cut to Grant, and he laughed.
“You’re going to be fine, Princess.”
“If it hurts, we can take a break,” the guy said reassuringly.
He adjusted my arm on the chair, placed the outline of the arrow on my skin, and got to work. I hissed at the first contact, but after a few minutes, adrenaline kicked in, and it didn’t hurt too badly.
I wasn’t sure how long I had been sitting there when the guy sat back and smiled. “All done.”
“What? Really?” I gasped.
I was shocked that it hadn’t actually taken that long. And now, it was over.
“Want to see?” he asked, producing a mirror.
He held it out in front of me, and I stared forward in shock. There, on my arm, was the cutest little arrow I’d ever seen. Grant’s design was incredible.
My mouth hung open. “Oh my God.”
“Is that a good oh my God?” Grant asked. He walked across the room and looked at it. He beamed down at me. “Ari, it looks fucking badass! Great job, man.”
He bumped fists with the tattoo artist.
“Thanks.”
“Hey, Princess. Say something. What are you thinking?”
I clamped my mouth shut when I realized it was still hanging open. “It’s perfect.”
Grant fished out his cell phone and took a picture of the tattoo before the tattoo artist slathered some ointment on it and wrapped it up to protect it. I listened to his careful instructions, Grant paid for it at the register, and then we left.
He took my right hand in his and brought it up to his lips. “How do you feel?”
“Relieved,” I admitted.
“Really?”