Chapter 18
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
"Iforgot how bad you are at this," I mumbled.
"What?" Tolliver said, speaking over the music before going right back to singing.
Loudly.
Off-key.
Pitchy for sure.
Tolliver was a bad singer. It was one of the first things I'd learned about him, but the reminder was startling. In the confines of the car, it was impossible to ignore or escape. I winced as he tried for a high note, missed, tried again. He must've seen my face because he threw me a look.
"What?" he asked again.
"Do you like this song?"
"Oh yeah, love it."
I nodded. "I wasn't sure. Because of how you and my cousins are butchering it."
Boos came from the backseat.
"That bad?" Tolliver asked.
"Sooo bad," I said.
He laughed out loud. "I know. I'm so horrible I could be on one of those reality shows if they ever had one for the worst singer."
"You'd get my vote," Lottie said, patting him on the shoulder.
"Thanks, Lottie."
"Welcome, Toll."
Viola shrugged. "I'd vote twice, once for me and once for you. You're more screechy, but I feel like I'm definitely louder which should count for something."
"Sounds fair. Thanks, Vi."
I rolled my eyes at their casual use of nicknames. We'd only been in the car about two hours, and they'd quickly become the best of friends. Their bonding seemed to stem from a shared love of Broadway tunes and teasing me every chance they got.
"You're both equally loud," I said. "But nothing beats Tolliver's totally tone-deaf enthusiasm. He's the worst of the worst."
"Ah Kent, you say the sweetest things."
I rolled my eyes.
"But seriously, it's Wicked. Not everyone can hit those notes."
"Then maybe we shouldn't try?" I suggested. "Just a thought."
Tolliver shook his head, still smiling.
"Freya, please," Lottie said with a gusty sigh. "Let the man live."
"Amen," Viola said before adding, "what should we tackle next? We've already done Frozen, Wicked, all of Chapell Roan's catalogue, and Hamilton—twice."
"Your version of The Schuyler Sisters will forever live rent-free in my head. Unfortunately," I said.
"Thanks for letting me be Peggy," Tolliver said.
"I mean, who could do it better?" Lottie said.
"Um, literally anyone?" I said, earning a few more scoffs. "Anyway, Lottie's Eliza wasn't so bad, but Vi's Angelica was truly horrifying."
"Shut up, Freya," Viola retorted, but she was laughing as she said it.
Tolliver sighed. "Hamilton is so good."
Nods all around on that one.
"Let's do Sound of Music!" Lottie said.
"Please, no," I said, "I love that soundtrack. I'll never be able to un-hear what's already gone down in this car. Don't ruin that for me too."
"So dramatic, Frey," Viola said. "Well, what do you want to do?"
"Can we listen for a while? I think it'll help me focus on the road."
And beat back the headache that was forming.
"I like that idea," Tolliver said.
"Okay, I'll DJ," Viola said, connecting her Bluetooth to the speakers.
For the first time in many miles, it was quiet—or at least quieter.
I sighed, pressing my fingers into my temple, then rested my hand back on the wheel.
"If you're tired," Tolliver offered, "someone else can drive."
"No, it's fine," I said.
"You've been driving a while."
"I've got at least another hour in me."
"Stubborn," Tolliver said.
"You know it," I replied.
I drove for a few more minutes, very aware of Tolliver watching me. Pain suddenly shot from behind my eye, and as I reached for my head again, the car next to me cut ahead of us, making me swerve and slam on breaks.
"Ass," I said.
"Jerk didn't even use his directional," Lottie put in.
"Right?"
"Okay," Viola said, "I think it's time to switch drivers."
"But—"
"No buts, Frey. You've driven the whole way so far. You need rest, and I love to drive."
Tolliver spoke up then. "You look like you could use a break, Kent."
"Thanks," I said dryly.
"Didn't mean it like that," he said. "You know I think you're beautiful."
Silence filled the car as my face flushed scarlet.
"Even when you glare at me like you are right now."
Before I could think of an appropriate response, Lottie stuck her head between the seats.
"Okay, I didn't want to say anything," she said quietly, "because I know we're on a tight schedule, but I really have to use the bathroom."
"Pull over at this exit," Viola said. "We'll fill up and swap places."
Nodding, I did as she said.
After we stopped, everyone got out of the car.
"I'm going inside," Tolliver said. "You need anything?"
"No, thank you." I waved him off, plopped into the backseat, and rested my head against the window. The coolness felt nice against my skin. I closed my eyes, trying to drink in the feeling.
Within minutes, my cousins and Tolliver piled back inside, and we were off again.
This time Viola was driving; Lottie sat up front with her; and Tolliver somehow ended up next to me.
I'd never thought my car was small. But with Tolliver's big body taking up much of the backseat, I started to reassess.
My head throbbed, and even the cool glass and his calming presence didn't soothe me.
As if to call me a liar, Tolliver spoke softly.
"Hey, Kent, I got you this," he said.
I glanced back, saw what he held, and shook my head. "I'm not hungry."
"You need to eat. You haven't had anything in hours, and I think that's part of why you're feeling bad."
"Dr. Stone to the rescue," I snarked.
"Call me whatever you want. But please eat."
He held the food up, and I took a reluctant bite. My eyes widened as the delicious flavors hit my tongue. Glancing up at him, I chewed thoughtfully then swallowed.
"You found this in a gas station?" I asked.
"It's an egg, spinach, and tomato wrap," he said. "I got it from the place next door."
"It's good."
He waited until I took another bite before saying, "I guess the Gas-n-Go on Everwood might have some competition."
"Please, this is one food item, Stone. There's no comparison."
"Mmm."
He smiled as I took a third bite, and I paused, realizing I was literally eating out of his hand, letting him feed me. For goodness sakes. I sat back, taking the wrap with me, and said, "Thanks again."
Tolliver nodded. "There's water back here too."
Pulling out another wrap, he ate his with gusto. I drank my water and didn't argue when he held out two ibuprofen. The food had taken the edge off. My head felt a bit better, but it would take a while for the medicine to kick in.
"You can lean on me if you want," he said.
"Okay."
It was probably because I felt poorly that I said yes. Probably.
"See? Was that so hard?" Tolliver said.
"I hope you know I blame your singing for this."
"As you should."
"Your jokes are getting better, Stone." I nudged him with my elbow. "How was the hockey camp?"
"Tournament," he corrected. "It was hard. Fun. Challenging. A definite push, but I liked it—for the most part. They confiscated my phone early on."
"They did?" I asked.
"Yeah, after I texted you. That's why I couldn't respond."
Seeing my face, he frowned.
"You thought I ghosted you?"
"You wouldn't be the first person to do that," I said.
"Freya, no. They wouldn't give it back until the last day. Some of the guys had major withdrawals. I would've been texting you every day if I could."
"Might've gotten annoying," I joked, but inside, I was soaring.
"I would've made sure of it," he said then shook his head. "Anyway, having Hudson there made it better for me."
"How so?"
"I don't think I realized, but being on the ice with my family is one of the reasons I love hockey."
I glanced up at him. "I could've told you that, and I only went to one scrimmage."
"So far," he said.
I shrugged.
"What about your violin? I saw it in the trunk."
"I'm easing back into it, but"—I felt my lips stretch into a genuine smile—"playing is as glorious as I remember. Being able to make music was something I took for granted. I think I love it even more now. My violin is a part of me, you know?"
Tolliver nodded.
"I brought it just...because."
"Hmm, how's your head?" he asked.
"Still pounding," I said.
"It should feel better soon. Why don't you try to nap?"
"I'm not tired."
Tolliver met my eyes and smiled as a yawn escaped my lips. "Okay, but if you fall asleep I won't judge."
I scoffed. "I can't sleep in the car."
"Whatever you say, Kent."
As another yawn broke free, I settled further into Tolliver's side, breathing him in.
"Also," I murmured, "I'm not completely sure I trust Vi's driving."
A laugh sounded from the front, but my eyes were closed.
I was already dreaming.
* * *
In the dream, Viola and Lottie were there. Vi was sitting on a cloud in the center of a litter of puppies. They were all different, black labs, pugs, Frenchies, golden retrievers, and ones with mixed heritage. The puppy in her arms looked at Viola adoringly as she petted its fluffy coat.
Beside her, Lottie had a cloud too—except beneath that was a pile of books. The stack swayed but never seemed in danger of falling. Lottie sat cross-legged at the top with several more book stacks around her. Actually, upon closer inspection, they made a kind of throne of books.
Even in my dream state, I couldn't help but smile, thinking she would love that.
In front of them, standing on his own cloud, was Tolliver.
He seemed completely at ease.
His hockey jersey and sweatpants looked comfortable, and he held a hockey stick in his hand.
"So," Viola said, "you and Freya."
Tolliver smiled. "Yeah?"
"She seems happy."
"I hope so."
Lottie tilted her head. "What are your intentions?"
"What do you mean?" he asked.
"For our girl. You seem nice, Toll, but we have to look out for her. You understand that, right?"
Tolliver nodded. "Well, I intend on doing everything I can to keep her happy."
"Good answer," Viola said.
"Great answer," Lottie replied.
"But does he mean it?"
"I think he does, Vi. Look at that face."
Tolliver's earnest expression was enough to win even the hardest of hearts.
I should know.
I'd tried to resist him all summer. But since seeing those impossibly blue eyes staring intently into mine, I'd been a goner.
Viola hummed in thought. "Freya loves violin."
"I know," Tolliver said. "She has more talent in her pinky finger than I have in my whole body."
"I'm sure that's not true."
"It is."
"The point is you have to accept how much of her life revolves around music. This summer was kind of an anomaly. She wants to seriously pursue violin, and she needs someone who's behind her one hundred percent."
"I can be that person."
He paused.
"I want to be that person. If she'll let me."
Lottie sighed. "So romantic."
Viola nodded in agreement. "I think you might be good for her—besides the whole concussion thing."
Lottie gasped. "What? Who had a concussion?"
"Freya did. Because he can't play basketball."
"That...makes no sense."
"I'll explain later."
"Okay. But Toll, you really shouldn't go around giving girls concussions to get attention. There are better ways."
Tolliver sighed.
"Although," Lottie said, "I gave my boyfriend a bookcussion."
"Huh?"
"It was an accident. He interrupted me while I was reading," she said with a shrug.
"Well, this was an accident too. I'm still trying to make it up to Freya, hoping to gain her forgiveness."
I forgave him long ago, I thought but couldn't say.
For some reason, I wasn't even in my own dream.
Figures.
"Well, good luck," Viola said.
"Take care of our girl," Lottie added, "or we'll come after you."
"So threatening, Charlotte."
"Too much?"
"I absolutely approve."
"Thanks."
Tolliver laughed quietly. "Don't worry. I've got her."
* * *
When I woke, the car had stopped moving.
My head was still on Tolliver's shoulder, and the girls were nowhere to be seen.
"Are we here?" I asked groggily.
"Yeah," he said, "we pulled into the parking lot of the venue a few minutes ago."
"Where is everyone?"
"Outside." Tolliver nodded to where Viola and Lottie stood. "They got out to wait for Scarlett. You barely moved the whole way. Seems like you needed the rest."
I flushed, putting some distance between us. "Sorry."
"You can use me anytime."
I met his gaze.
"Also, you snore," he said.
"I do not," I retorted.
"A little bit."
"I don't believe you."
"It's more of a snuffle. Your cousins and I decided it's like a baby goat."
My eyes widened. "Do you know many goats?"
"No."
"I...don't even know what to say. You shouldn't listen to people sleep, Stone. It's creepy."
"Kind of hard when you're right next to my ear, Kent."
With an exasperated scoff, I got out of the car.
Tolliver followed and caught my arm in a gentle grip. "Hey, I forgot to ask, but will you get in trouble? With your dad?"
"Because you're here?" He nodded, and I shrugged. "Maybe. I don't think so."
"Well, make sure he knows it was my idea."
"Okay."
"Tell him I just got in the car."
"You did," I said, "but I could've asked you to get out, and I didn't."
"That's right," he said as if realizing this for the first time. "Why didn't you?"
"Could've been sleep deprivation."
"It could've."
"Or temporary insanity. I don't know, Stone. Don't read into it."
"I wasn't." Tolliver shrugged, ducking his head while a grin teased the edge of his lips. "Still, he should know it was my fault."
"I'll be sure to put all the blame on you," I said, smiling when I saw Scarlett park and get out of her car. "Hey Scar. How was your drive?"
Scarlett smiled at the three of us then shrugged. "Not too bad. You?"
Viola threw a thumb over her shoulder. "Freya slept most of the time."
"Hey, I drove that first stretch," I said.
"True, but for the rest, you were passed out."
"Sleeping like a baby goat," Lottie confirmed, and I shot her a glare.
Scarlett chuckled. "Okay, I'm not even going to ask. I'm just glad we're here to support Aurora in her time of need."
"Same," I said.
"What—oh." Scarlett's eyes moved up and past my shoulder, widening when they landed on who was standing there. I knew exactly what she saw. Tall, muscular frame, broad shoulders, dark hair, and blue eyes. "I thought this trip was girls only."
Tolliver gave an awkward wave. "Ah yeah, hey. I'm Tolliver. Sorry to bust up the party."
Silent conversations and loaded looks were exchanged.
"I'm just gonna"—he gestured vaguely behind him, holding up his phone—"go over here for a second, check in with my parents. Give you all a chance to talk about me."
"Sounds good," I said with a laugh.
Once he was gone, Scarlett raised a brow. "You brought your boyfriend?"
"He's not...I stopped for gas, and Tolliver was there. He said he was coming too. Everything went so fast."
"Uncle Thad isn't going to like this," she said.
"I know."
"Will you tell him?"
"Of course, I will—just maybe not until after the concert. I don't want to worry him more than he already is."
"Smart choice," she said.
"So, we're all clear on the mission?" I said.
As I glanced at each of them, they nodded.
"Ror needs us, so we're here to make sure she's okay."
"And kick ass if we need to," Scarlett put in.
"And for emotional support," Lottie said.
"And to kick ass if we need to," Viola repeated.
I smiled. "Let's go check on our girl."