Chapter 10
T he wind is dying down, and the drizzle has finally let up.
We decide to make a stop at this lively Italian deli on the way back to the studio to pick up sandwiches, but just as we’re heading out the door, I hear a text come in on my phone.
I hand the food over to Micah and dig around in my purse as we walk.
It’s a group text that was sent to the two of us.
UNKNOWN: Big news, you two.
“Wait, who is this?” I ask, handing my phone over to him and reaching into the bag he’s holding to grab my sandwich.
“Oh, it’s Mallory. I gave her your number. Is that OK?”
“Yeah, for sure. What’s the news, I wonder?” I unwrap the end of my sandwich and take a big, juicy bite.
Another text comes in, and he reads it aloud for me. “OK, she says, ‘You’re not going to believe this but—’” He stops in his tracks. “Wow. ”
I turn back to face him, and his eyes are enormous.
“Whrat?” I ask through my mouthful of sandwich.
“Kace.” He’s staring right at me and grinning from ear to ear.
I finally manage to swallow my food. “Micah—what is it?”
“Mallory says the label guys have been asking to see me play live before the tour. Apparently there was a last-minute cancellation and she was able to snag the opening spot for a huge show.”
“Whoa, that’s fabulous. But doesn’t that mean you’re gonna have to find a permanent drummer even sooner now?”
“No. The show is tonight . It’s gonna be you on drums.”
“Wait. What?”
He’s nodding slowly as it dawns on me.
“You mean we’re gonna play a live show together? Tonight?”
His smile is a mile wide, and his eyes are sparkling.
But I can’t play live anymore.
Or maybe…I can?
I get goose bumps all over.
“Oh my God. This is so exciting.” We’re going to have a chance to play onstage together again. And I know we can do it. The songs already sound so good, even after just a couple of days of practice.
Except, wait. What day is today?
“Oh, noooo.” I cover my mouth with my hand. “Micah, I can’t. I told June I’d see The Lost Souls with her tonight.”
“Mm-hmm. I know.” He’s still smiling.
What is he getting at?
“No, I promised June I’d be there.”
“Ohh, you’re gonna be there all right,” he says. “Guess who we’re opening for?”
That’s when it dawns on me.
Oh my God oh my God oh my God!
We’re opening for The Lost Souls.