Chapter 86
“ H ello.” I answer the phone immediately. Recognizing the number Harmony gave me, my heart thunders.
“Bo,” Peace says.
“Are you okay?” That’s the most important question. “I’ve been so worried about you,” I admit. Truthfully, I’m dying without her. But her health and state of mind are paramount.
“I’m better after listening to your message,” she confides, and my lips curve for the first time in fucking days. “And I love you too.”
Hope blasts away every trace of darkness inside of me.
“You got my message.” Lame. My reply to her life-altering declaration is so lame. But she caught me off guard. “You’re an incredible and beautiful woman, Peace Jinkins. You brought hope and light into my miserable life the moment I met you. I love that you like to read. I love that you are smart, sweet, and so incredibly sexy. I love everything about you. I love you without limits or conditions. I know that’s what love is because you showed me. I love you with all my body, heart, and soul.”
Better, Jackson.
“I love you,” I add. “So much.”
“Oh, Bo.” She sighs. “I thought. Well, truthfully, I was afraid too. If I hadn’t been too scared to tell you how I feel, we wouldn’t be where we are now.”
“That’s on me, babe, not you. I’m sorry. Sorry I was careless with my words and you.”
“Don’t do it again,” she says sternly.
“I won’t.” I lower my voice. “Promise. I got the message when you told me to fuck myself.”
“I can be badass. Don’t cross me.”
“You’re totally badass,” he agrees. “In your own unique, awe-inspiring Peace Jinkins way.”
“Glad you think so.”
“I know so,” I confirm.
“My dad and mom basically said the same thing.”
“That’s a new development,” I observe. “So things have improved with them?”
“Yeah, Harmony says her almost drowning and me being in the hospital was a big wake-up call for them.”
“She’s probably right.” In my bunk, I adjust my head on the pillow that still smells like her. Talking to her, I take my first real breath in days, but my heart continues to ache. I miss her so badly; I’d skip a performance to go to her if I wasn’t certain it would harm the band. “How’s she doing in rehab?”
“Better than I expected. But fair warning, I’d keep sharp objects away from her the next time you see her,” she warns. “She might be holding onto some resentment against you.”
“I’ll keep that in mind. But what about you? Can you forgive me?” I ask. “Can you give me a chance to get right what I got wrong?”
Peace
“Yes,” I reply after only a short consideration. Harmony’s near-death experience was a wake-up call for me too. So is everything Bo and I have been through. He’s giving me a choice, and I choose to believe in him, to believe in us. That’s where love really starts. Having faith in yourself and in someone else. “What did you have in mind?” I ask.
“For us?” He breathes out like a wish on a birthday cake with sparkling candles. “Everything.”
“That’s very broad.” I want everything for us too, but we need to start at the base of the mountain. Be sure we’re secure before we start to climb. “Can you narrow it down for me?”
“Me and you together from here on out.”
“That sounds good.” It sounds wonderful.
“Living together in something a little larger than a tour bus.”
Whoa. My chest flutters. All I ever wanted was him. Having him day and night is a wish come true.
“Me and you and the band?” I ask, trying to envision it.
“No, just me and you,” he replies. “I want you to move in with me.”
“Where?” I like—no, I love this, love the idea of going to sleep in his arms and waking up in them. It will be a big bonus not to hit my head on the bunk ceiling every morning.
“You still working for Black Cat this summer?”
“I hope so.” I bite down on my lip. “No one has told me I’m not.”
“I was thinking about Vancouver. The band is due up there after this tour. We’re supposed to record a new album. But speaking of Black Cat. I should tell you Melinda paid me a visit after you left.”
“Why? What did she say?” I twist my hands together.
“She told me I needed to be a better friend to you.”
“Oh.”
“She’s right. I intend to be. My plan is to love you every moment of every day. But being a good friend also includes encouraging you like you encourage me. You’re a talented vocalist, Peace. She knows it. I know it. I think deep down you know it too. That’s in addition to being a gifted songwriter.”
“I’m all right. But singing in front of an audience isn’t for me. We talked about this before.”
“I just want you to agree to consider it,” he cajoles. “Don’t run from something you’re good at, and maybe enjoy more than you’re willing to admit just because you’re scared.”
“I do like singing with you,” I allow. I like it a lot.
“I think she wants you to record solo. But I’d duet with you. I’d do anything for you.”
“I’ll give it a try…” I trail off as an idea occurs to me. “If you agree to do something for me in return.”
“Anything. But what did you have in mind?”
“Nothing illegal,” I say in a teasing tone. But having started on a better path with my family, I want to help Bo find a better path with his too.