20. Raven
Now that the weddings and festival are over, the guys have been in the studio almost nonstop.
They only have another week or so before their studio time runs out.
From my understanding, they’re close to finishing the album and have plans to release it in September, which means they’ll be touring around the country to promote it.
Things between Finn and I have never been better. We’re spending every chance we can together. Our schedules are a bit hectic, but like most busy couples, we’re making things work. We’ve even had countless talks about me joining them on tour.
Unfortunately, I can’t afford a trip like that. I’m in need of permanent employment and should stick around so I can make ends meet. For now, I’m grabbing every shift I can, but I wish I could find enough freelance jobs to make it my full-time gig.
As it is, I’m up before dawn, working on graphics every spare chance I can around my shifts at Pop’s and spending time with Finn. The tips are great, but I’ve been burning the candle at both ends, and I’m not sure how much longer I can keep this up.
Now, for instance, I only have an hour until my I’m due at Pop’s.
I’m working on a freelance design for Smashing Waves Records.
They’ve hired me for a test run at making graphics and logos for their new and existing clients.
I’ve been designing all day, but I still need to put the finishing touches to a logo for Ruby Frax so I can make my deadline.
With a few more tweaks, I’ll be done then I’ll send it off for approval.
If this goes well, I might be able to get steady work with them, alleviating my need for a second job.
Just as I hit send, a text chimes on my phone.
Finn: Hey, sweetness. How’s your day?
Before I can respond, a photo of a very sad Finn arrives with another quick text.
Finn: Any chance I can see you tonight? I miss you.
Grinning at his pathetic expression, I quickly tap out a response.
Me: Miss you, too. On my way to Pop’s. If you’re not already sick of their food, you know where to find me.
He’s been known to pop in during my shifts. He blames it on hating to cook. By the look in his eye as he watches me work, I’m certain I have everything to do with it. I don’t mind. I want to spend as much time with him as possible.
Finn: You’ve twisted my arm. Besides, I’ve got some exciting news to share. See you in a bit.
News? What news? I’m quickly learning his exciting news could be anything from he had a great sandwich today to they just picked up a major venue on the tour. He’s used the same phrase for both. I have no idea what his news could be.
Me: You’re gonna make me wait? Just tell me already.
Finn: Nope. You’ll find out when I get there.
Me: Gah… if you were gonna make me wait, it’s just mean teasing me about it.
Finn: That’s why you love me. (winky face emoji)
Me: I do love you, but I don’t have to like you right now…
Finn: Oh, I’ll make it up to you and have you liking me in no time.
Me: Sure sure. (face with raised eyebrow emoji)
Finn: Gotta run. See you soon.
It’s rather slow tonight. There’s a steady line of customers, but most are regulars coming in for tuna casserole. For most restaurants, it’s Taco Tuesday—for us here at Pop’s Hops, it’s Tuna Tuesday. Jo, the owner, makes a mean tuna casserole, and it’s my goal to get the recipe someday.
“Hey, Sweetheart,” Tonya says to me as she picks up her next order. “There’s a tall and tatted man looking for you.”
Tonya knows exactly who Finn is but likes to tease me when she can.
With a little more pep in my step, I pick up the order for my table and grin. “Thanks.”
As soon as I deliver my tray of food to customers waiting at an outside table, I scan the restaurant for Finn.
He’s not outside so I make my way into the bar.
Sure enough, he’s there sitting in a booth, texting on his phone.
He doesn’t see me so I take this moment to take him in.
He’s wearing a dark t-shirt that fits across his shoulders scrumptiously, leaving his ink on full display.
Putting down his phone, he looks around. The moment his eyes meet mine, he’s on his feet and closing the distance between us. Wrapping his arms around me, he holds me tight. “I’ve got the best news, Raven! Do you have a few minutes to talk?”
Looking around the room, I make eye contact with Tonya. “Mind if I take a short break?”
“Go for it. We’re slow. I’ve got your tables and will let you know if things change.”
Returning to Finn, I ask, “What’s going on?”
Shaking his head, he pulls me down to sit next to him in his booth. “I’ve been runnin’ around like a long-tailed cat in a room full of rockers, waitin’ to tell you this.”
Okay, his Southern twang is out. Surely, it’s big.
“Ruby Frax just got the chance to open for Riser on the first leg of their North American tour. Something happened with their opener, and they canceled at the last minute. I don’t know much about the details, but we’re in! We’re freaking opening for one of the biggest bands in America!”
Practically jumping into his lap, I squeeze him in the tightest of hugs. “I’m so happy for you. This is huge! Wait… what about the tour you’ve already scheduled?”
“Sloane’s working out the details, but it’s only twelve shows, so we should be able to do a little of both. It’ll be crazy but in the best way possible!”
His energy is infectious. I squeal and hug him once more. “I’m so happy for you guys! As soon as I get off, we’re gonna celebrate!”
He quickly tells me how they were all in the studio when Tara, their record label’s manager, came in with the news. He explains in detail how each guy reacted. They were so loud, a sound engineer from the studio next door even came to see what the commotion was about.
When his voice returns to normal speed, I finally interrupt and ask the biggest question on my mind, “So, when does it start?”
Finn’s expression goes from eager to morose in an instant. Heavily, he sighs and looks at his hand on the table in front of us. “That’s the rub. If we take this gig, we leave in three weeks.”
My heart stalls at this news. Three weeks? Holy shit, that’s soon.
“Hey,” he says, palming my jaw and forcing me to look at him. “I know it’s nearly six weeks earlier than planned. But we can’t pass up this opportunity.”
Shaking, I urge, “No. Of course not. That would be stupid. Of course, you’re going on this tour with Riser.”
Now it’s my turn to stare at my hands in my lap.
“Raven. Look at me.” When I finally meet his eyes, they’re gentle and full of love. “This is NOT me leaving you. This is me doing my job and me coming back.”
Then why does it suddenly feel otherwise?
“I know.” I sniffle, trying like hell to hold back tears as my biggest fear comes true. This is huge for him. I should be excited. But I’ll miss him like crazy.
This is why I shouldn’t have fallen for him.
Gah… I need to buck up and not be a doubtful Debby. He’s coming back. My focus should be on him, not me.
This is one of the biggest days of his life, and I won’t be the one to ruin it.
“You know, Raven,” he says, squeezing my hand. “I’ve asked you to come with me. The offer still stands.”
“Would I love to go? Yes! But you and I both know I’m not making enough freelancing to stop working at Pop’s.
Living with my sister and Ryan in Nana’s house saves me money.
I can’t just travel the country without having a job that pays well enough to get things I’ll eventually need… like insurance and shit like that.”
“Raven… what would you exactly be paying for on tour? Correct me if I’m wrong, but where I sleep, you will. Where I eat, you’re right there with me. You’re legally allowed to be on your dad’s insurance for a few more years, so that excuse is invalid, too.”
“Finn,” I plead. “We’ve talked about this. I won’t be that person who relies on someone else financially. I spent years going to school, and I’m determined to make it on my own.”
“I’m not asking you to do otherwise. I’m simply pointing out… I’ve got food and shelter covered. Your sister doesn’t seem to have a problem traveling with Jax. Just think… You won’t have to miss either of them.”
“Now you’re just not playing fair,” I grumble. “I literally just graduated mere months ago, I’m not about to shack up with you, so I can have food and shelter… come on, Finn. I love you. But I also need to know I can make it on my own.”
Kissing the tip of my nose, he says, “And that’s what I love about you.”
“Raven!” Tonya hollers and points to a couple just entering.
“And that’s my cue to go back to work,” I sigh heavily.
As I stand to go, he reaches for my hand. “Promise me this conversation isn’t over.”
“I promise.”
The next morning was hell leaving Finn in bed. After I closed the bar last night, he managed to turn my mood around, and we found the best way to celebrate his touring with Riser in bed until just a few hours ago.
It’s later than usual when I trudge into the kitchen for my morning cup of coffee.
While I wait for it to brew, I pop onto my laptop to check some emails and get started with some design work I have due later this week.
I know I won’t have much time with everyone coming over for lunch later to celebrate the guys’ tour, so I need to get moving if I want to make progress.
When I open my email, I’m not surprised to see one from Tara at the record label.
The subject says Big News . Thinking that it’s in reference to the upcoming tour, I skip over it and go to the one I’ve been waiting to hear back from so I can finish this design today.
After reading through the specs on what the bridal store needs for the design they’ve hired me for, I feel confident I can knock out this project in a few hours.
When my coffee’s ready, I quickly grab one of the largest mugs in the cupboard and fill it. I need caffeine and lots of it if I’m going to finish this project, spend time with my family, and work later tonight.
So I can stay focused on my project in hand, I quickly click on the email from Tara to make sure she doesn’t need anything. The moment I start reading, I nearly spit coffee over my computer.
Hey Raven,
I’ll have all the details later, but I want to be the first to congratulate you!
After showing the other execs your recent work for us, they were beyond thrilled with your designs.
You capture the essence of our brand, and we’d like nothing more than for your company to continue working for Smashing Waves Records but on a permanent basis.
I’m still waiting for something official from HR but couldn’t wait to share this news.
Before you ask, I want to assure you, you’ll still be able to work from home and attend to your other clients. However, we may need you to hop into more calls or travel to meet the needs of our bands when needed.
I’ll be in touch with you about the specifics once I get a contract for you to look at.
Tara
I have to read through it twice to fully comprehend the message. When it finally sinks in, I jump off my stool with joy. “Holy shit! I did it!”
Sprinting upstairs, I fling open my bedroom door.
Finn is sound asleep, lying on his stomach. His muscular arms wrap around the pillow, and the blankets rest at his hips. He doesn’t even move as I bound across the floor.
“Finn… wake up!” I shout, crawling up the bed. Before he can turn over, I’m bear hugging the crap out of him from behind. “You’re never gonna believe what happened!”
“You’ve drank too much coffee, and now you’re higher than a kite?” he groggily asks, spinning around to face me.
“I freaking did it! I just landed my dream job! And the best part is, I can work from home… meaning I can work from literally anywhere. If the offer still stands… it means I can go with you!”
Pulling me close, he squeezes the breath out of me. “Where is it?”
“You’re never gonna believe it… I’m working for Smashing Waves Records. I don’t know the specifics as HR is sending something over soon. But they said it will be more of an ongoing basis, and I can still have other clients!”
“Ohmigod, Raven! That’s incredible.” Reaching for my face, he pulls me down and kisses me hard. It’s filled with so much energy and love, I lose all track of time.
Eventually, he breaks our kiss to look me in the eye. “For the record, Raven, if I have my way, you’ll never have to worry about me leaving you again.”
My heart floods with so many emotions, it nearly bursts out of my chest.
“I’m gonna hold you to it, Finn McGowen, because I love you!”