Chapter 25
Seventeen Years Old
I’m nervous as I walk out on stage. I’ve practiced this song more times than I can count, but not in front of this many people.
I peek out into the stands, trying to find my parents. Ethan is in Columbia, attending his first year at the University of South Carolina. This is the first performance he won’t be at, and the thought makes me sad. There are too many people, and I can’t see where my parents are sitting.
I’m singing a solo in a regional competition with other high school students. I chose Castle on a Cloud from Les Misérables. It’s one of my favorite songs, and I know I’m ready.
When it’s my turn, I stand in the middle of the stage, waiting for them to open the curtains. When they finally do, I take a deep breath and hit every note.
When the song is over, I know I did my best. I don’t know if it’s good enough to win one of the soloist awards, but I won’t let that get me down.
Once the curtain closes, I walk off the stage and hurry to find my parents as the event sponsors set up for the next performance.
It takes a couple of minutes to check in with my high school choir director; my parents stand off to the side, waiting for me. They’re beaming at me as they wait for me to finish up with the choir director.
I feel the sting of unshed tears as I see the figure towering over Mom’s shoulder: Ethan.
I rush over to them with a huge grin plastered on my face. “Ethan! You made it!” I hug him, and he squeezes me tight with one arm.
“Of course I did. I couldn’t miss my baby sister’s performance.” He steps back and hands me a bouquet of pink tulips, my favorite.
“For me?”
He shakes his head. “You were amazing, kid. I knew you could sing, but damn. You really did great.” His smile warms my heart.
“Thanks. I’m so glad you were here for it.”
“Me too.”
***
Present Day
Sam and I spent no more than a few hours together on Christmas. He almost didn’t show up at all.
His boss demanded that he stay and work through the holiday on a last-minute project for one of the firm’s top clients.
He took a redeye and landed in Charleston in the early hours on Christmas Day, only to hop on another redeye back to Chicago that night.
I knew he was angry about the situation, but we did our best to make the most of it.
After exchanging gifts, he fell asleep while we watched a movie in the loft. I wanted to talk to him but didn’t have the heart to wake him. Instead, I helped him get comfortable with his head in my lap and ran my hands through his hair as we watched Christmas movies.
“I refuse to work for an organization that thinks so little of my personal time,” he complained to me the next day, his voice gruff with exhaustion from traveling and spending the day working.
“It’s one thing to significantly lower my ability to take a vacation.
But over fucking Christmas?! Kat, I have to get out of here.
I just don’t know if I should find a different firm to work for or just bite the bullet and open my own. ”
“I know you’re upset. Just don’t make any rash decisions while your emotions are running high.”
His voice lowers. “It’s not exactly a rash decision, Kat. I’ve been thinking about this for a while. Everything was fine until they replaced my boss. Now, I just think my timeline has shifted up.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean that the way it came out.” I pace in my room, feeling anxious for him.
“I know. I’m just frustrated and feel a little stuck right now. I miss being in Charleston. I miss my dad. I wanted to spend time with you, and I’m mad that I slept the entire time.”
“I wanted to spend time with you, too, but I’m not upset that you slept. It was enough for me that you were there.”
He sighs, and I picture him dragging his hand through his hair. “I’m nervous about transitioning out of this job. What if I fail?”
“What if you don’t? Sam, you’ve shared some of your designs with me, and they’re incredible. You are incredible. And whether you choose to join another firm or start your own, I’m confident that you’ll succeed. Don’t stay in a toxic job.”
He’s quiet for a moment before speaking again, “Thanks. I—thanks, Kat.”
Over the past month, Sam and I have fallen into a comfortable routine of texting in the morning and talking on the phone in the evenings. He hasn’t made any solid plans for his future. Of course, I want him close to me. But I won’t pressure him.
I can’t believe I went so long without him in my life. I can’t take that time back, but I’m glad to have the chance to move forward with this friendship.