13. Raven
I’m sitting on a blanket in the sand at the bonfire with my family, roasting a marshmallow, when my body tingles with a sense of awareness. When I look toward the house, my heart thuds in my chest when I spot Finn and Jax approaching with drinks in each of their hands.
I knew it was a possibility that Finn would show tonight, but I wasn’t certain. I should’ve been the one to reach out since this isn’t a public appearance and only involves my family, but I wasn’t sure if I should ask him. So, I chickened out and let it go.
Gah, I’m being stupid. He’s one of Jax’s best friends.
Of course, I should’ve invited him. But I’ve been busy catching up with Mom, trying on dresses for a second wedding this week, and doing a freelance job for Smashing Waves Records. Time sort of slipped away today.
Not wanting to burn my marshmallow, I focus my attention on the flames in front of me, while I wait for them to join us. My eyes may be on the embers, but my head is solely focused on Finn.
Even from here, I can tell he looks exceptionally hot today. He’s wearing what I joke with myself as his rocker uniform. His black jeans, boots, and a hoodie make him look like a tasty treat I want to lick all over.
“Raven, are you okay?” Mom asks, breaking me out of my fantasy.
“Yeah, Mom. I’m good.”
“Oh…” She claps excitedly. “I see Jax and Finn are here. Is Ryker coming, too?”
“You know them?” I ask dumbfoundedly.
“Oh, yes. We met for dinner after I caught one of their shows outside of Richmond, Virginia. I love their music. I can’t wait to see them play officially as Ruby Frax.”
“I have yet to hear them live,” I admit. Though I can’t wait to watch them at the Seaside Music Festival in a few weeks.
“You’re in for a treat when you do.” Mom stands from her chair and hugs Jax when he approaches. “Congratulations, honey. I’m so happy for you and Sloane. I love you both so much.” Then as soon as she releases him, she turns to Finn and squeezes him tightly. “I’m happy to see you, too, Finn.”
“It’s great to see you again, Ms. Lancaster,” Finn says as she releases him.
“Oh, nonsense, call me Sarah. Please.” Then she points an accusing finger at Jax. “You, too, mister. We’ll be family in a matter of days, and I won’t hear of such formalities.”
“Okay. Okay.” Jax laughs. “I’ll call you Sarah. Sorry I wasn’t here when you arrived, but we had some time booked in the studio for our new album.”
“I can’t wait until I can listen for myself. I’m a huge fan of Jax Cartwright on his own.” She hip bumps him then adds, “Though I can’t wait to officially hear Ruby Frax.”
“Mom,” I admonish. “Let them sit and relax. They’ve been working all day and could use a break.”
Jax says something to her, but my attention is on Finn when he turns to me and asks, “Want a soda? Your dad and Mable said they’ll be out soon with more snacks.”
I smile, reaching for the Pepsi in his hand. “Thanks. I’m glad you could make it. I’m surprised Ryker isn’t with you.”
Finn shrugs as he settles on the blanket beside me. “He had other plans. Did the dress shopping go well?”
Rolling my eyes, I recall the events of the day, “You could say that. Sloane already picked out the dresses and had our sizes thanks to our last fittings with Lanie. We literally only had to show up to see if they fit. I’ve got your outfit hanging in my room if you want to try it on later.”
“Seriously? She already has our clothes, too?”
Clearly, he’s underestimated my sister.
“Did you forget we’re dealing with Sloane here? She probably had these picked out two seconds after Jax proposed. That girl’s a planner.”
“Yeah. I should’ve known better. I spent months with her on tour.” He chortles as he reaches for the graham cracker and chocolate I have placed beside me. Holding them out, he asks, “You ready for these?”
“Yes, please.”
Pulling my stick back, I let him slide the golden-brown marshmallow off with the graham cracker and chocolate. Once they’re off, he trades the stick in my hand for the s’more in his. “Here you go, sweetness.”
Leaning in, he kisses my cheek before handing over the s’more.
I’m not sure if he’s doing it for the crowd, or if that’s how he genuinely meant to greet me.
My pulse picks up, and I find myself leaning into him for much longer than necessary.
His lips feel warm against my cool skin, and I savor the smell of his cologne before he pulls away.
“Thanks,” I mutter, though I’m not entirely sure what I’m thanking him for, as my brain is currently in a Finn-induced fog.
“How was the rest of your day?” he asks as he places the marshmallow stick near the coals at the base of the fire.
“Honestly, it was busy. I got up early to do some designs for your record label. Then once Mom arrived, we’ve been on the go nonstop.”
A gust of wind blows through, making me shiver. Finn must notice because he pulls me close, effectively blocking the wind. “There. Is that better?” he asks as I settle against him.
“Yeah, thanks. What about you? Did you get much done in the studio?”
“Yeah, we finished a song and made some great progress on another. Just a few more tweaks, and that’ll be done as well. I think we’ve found another that we’ll perform live for the festival.”
“I can’t wait to see it. Do you know what you’re playing for Lanie’s wedding?”
His arm squeezes me tight as he whispers in my ear, “I’ve been sworn to secrecy. You’ll have to wait like everyone else to find out.”
“Seriously?” I ask in disbelief. “It’s not like I’m gonna tell anyone. Since when did Lanie get so secretive?”
“Since Sloane made us swear on our lives to keep the secret for Lanie. She’s scary when she’s mad, and I’m not about to cross her.”
“I get it.” I chuckle. But I’m usually never on the side where secrets are withheld. I’m not sure how I feel about this. “She’s a force to be reckoned with. Well, to be fair… we all are when we’re mad.”
“Good to know. Hmmmm… I think this is just about done,” he says as he pulls his delicious golden glob back from the fire. Within seconds, he has his own s’more assembled.
As he eats, we relax into one another, enjoying a casual conversation about random things throughout our day.
He tells me about a bridge that’s giving them trouble, and I tell him Mable’s antics of pointing out a guy Lizzy might be interested in.
I’m so lost in Finn, I don’t even notice Dad and Mable have arrived with the rest of my family out at the fire.
It takes Jax breaking out his guitar to pull my attention away from the handsome man behind me.
It's an unspoken code that he’ll only play cover songs, so he doesn’t draw any unwanted attention from any passersby on the beach. He starts out with Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud” in honor of Lanie and Ryan, as that’s their song. Then he moves onto “Wonderwall” by Oasis.
It gets interesting when Finn asks to borrow the guitar so Jax can take a break and eat the s’more Sloane cooked for him. At first, I thought he’d just play his favorites, but when he asks the crowd if there are any requests, Lizzy suggests “Our Song” by Taylor Swift.
Then we have our own version of karaoke, each of us taking turns to sing a song while Finn plays.
When it gets to me, I decide to test his skills and ask for one of my favorites growing up.
I’m certain he can’t play “Lose Yourself” by Eminem.
The next thing I know, I am standing in front of my family, belting out the words, channeling Marshall Mathers from one of my dad’s favorite movies— 8 Mile .
Somehow, I hit it hard and never miss a beat throughout the entire song. It’s been forever since I’ve sung along to this, but I’ll admit, I’m quite proud of myself for pulling it off.
The moment the song ends, Finn raises a brow and asks, “Can you sing this with me?”
Never being one to back down from a challenge, I simply nod and wait for the music. I love karaoke night and crush most songs.
When the beginning chords of “Shallow” by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper play, relief floods through me. I know this song and should be able to keep up.
What I’m not prepared for is how moving Finn’s voice is when he starts the opening lyrics. Sitting beside him, I’m in awe of how deep his words hit my soul. They take me to another universe where it’s just the two of us singing to one another, rather than to the crowd around us.
I’m thankful he cues me in to my part because I am so lost in his eyes, I almost forget to join him.
Taking a breath, I play my part and belt out Lady Gaga’s first verse with all my heart.
Having spent years in choir, I know I can carry a tune but locking eyes with Finn, I take this song to an entirely new level.
Blocking everything out and just feel the music flowing between us.
I sing through my solo verse, through the bridge, and into the chorus, harmonizing with Finn like I’ve never done before.
When the song ends, I just stare at Finn until my family interrupts my trance with cheers, whistles, and catcalls.
Wide eyed, Finn mutters, “Did you feel that? It was fucking phenomenal.”
All I can do is nod in agreement. I don’t know what just happened, but the connection I felt toward Finn while singing was out of this world. I’ve never sung with such emotion before in my life.
“Well, I certainly won’t be going next after that performance.
” Lizzy’s voice carries over the crowd, causing everyone to laugh and officially bursting the bubble between Finn and me.
I burst out laughing myself when she grumbles, “Living with freaking professionals… and I didn’t even know it.
How the heck do I even compete in this family?
I thought karaoke would be fun… but apparently, the pressure’s on. ”