20. Sadie
Sadie
I stand in front of the mirror in the safe house bedroom, smoothing my hands over the soft fabric of the dress I pulled from the back of the closet.
It’s a pretty one. Pale pink cotton that falls above my knees, with thin straps and a fitted waist that makes me feel like I’m someone who goes to concerts instead of someone who grades papers on Friday nights.
The fabric feels cool and light against my skin, the kind of dress that moves when I walk.
I turn slightly, watching the way it swishes around my legs, and smile at my reflection.
Tonight’s the Summer Nights Concert at High Tide Pavilion.
Gia Golding is performing. I love Gia's music. Her songs are the kind that make you feel seen, like she’s singing straight to the parts of you that you usually keep hidden.
I have all her music downloaded on my phone.
I never thought I’d get to see her live, especially not here, in the middle of everything that’s happened since I left home.
Jace is getting ready. I can hear him moving around, the husky sound of his voice as he hums something under his breath. The last few days have been a blur of phone calls and planning. His brothers will meet us at the concert.
I’m excited about the concert. Really excited.
But I’m also nervous. So nervous my stomach keeps twisting in knots.
Tonight we put the plan into motion. Tonight Gia Golding has a surprise, according to Melissa and Brooke when they texted earlier.
I don’t know what it is, but the idea of it adds another layer of energy to the already charged night.
I smooth the dress again and take a deep breath.
Jace appears in the doorway, leaning against the frame.
He’s wearing dark jeans and a button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up, his hair still a little messy in that way I’ve come to love.
His eyes travel over me and his expression shifts, the charming grin I used to roll my eyes at softening into something warmer.
"Wow," he says, his voice rough like gravel. "You look incredible, Wells."
I feel my cheeks heat and turn to face him fully. "It’s just a dress. Nothing special."
"It’s special because you’re wearing it," he says, pushing off the door frame and crossing the room.
He stops in front of me, his hands settling on my waist. The touch is familiar now, grounding.
"You look beautiful. The color brings out the blush in your cheeks. And the way it moves when you walk? I’m going to have a hard time keeping my hands to myself tonight. "
I laugh softly, the sound easing some of the nerves in my chest. "I might be okay with that."
He leans in and kisses me. It starts soft but it deepens quickly. His hands slide up my back, pulling me closer. I kiss him back, my fingers curling into his shirt.
"I love you," I say quietly. "More than I thought I would. More than I planned for."
His eyes meet mine, warm and steady. "I love you too, Sadie. Last night, the night before, every moment since we got back from my mother’s. I can’t stop thinking about you. About us. About how right this feels even when everything else is madness."
I smile and kiss him again, quick and soft. "We should go. The pavilion’s going to be busy."
He nods, but not before stealing one more kiss that leaves me smiling despite the nerves fluttering in my stomach.
We head out to the Jeep, the night air warm against my skin.
The drive to High Tide Pavilion is short but filled with the kind of easy conversation that’s become normal between us.
He tells me about the time his brothers tried to sneak into a concert when they were teenagers and got caught by security.
I tell him about the first time I heard Gia Golding on the radio and how her voice made me pull over to listen.
The pavilion comes into view, lights strung across the outdoor stage area, the sound of the crowd already carrying over the dunes.
It’s busy. Really busy. People everywhere, families with blankets and couples holding hands, the sound of food trucks mixing with the low thump of pre-show music.
The stage is lit up bright, speakers already humming.
Strings of lights crisscross overhead. I can hear laughter and chatter from every direction.
Jace takes my hand the second we step out of the Jeep, his fingers lacing through mine like it’s the most natural thing in the world.
He scans the crowd, his eyes sharp as he looks for his brothers and father.
Crewe texted that they’d be near the back left of the seating area, close enough to the stage to see but far enough back to talk without being overheard.
We haven’t even made it twenty feet when I hear familiar voices calling our names.
Melissa and Brooke. They spot us from near one of the food trucks and wave, already heading our way with bright smiles.
I glance at Jace and he squeezes my hand once, a silent reminder to stay calm.
We can’t look like we’re on a mission. We have to blend in.
"Sadie! Jace!" Melissa calls, pulling me into a quick hug when they reach us. Brooke does the same, her eyes sparkling. "You two look amazing. That dress is perfect on you, Sadie. And Jace, that shirt is doing things. How are you?"
"We’re good," I say, trying to sound casual even as my heart races. "Excited for the concert. Gia Golding is one of my favorites."
Brooke nods enthusiastically. "Same. And did you hear? There’s some surprise. Something big. The whole town is buzzing about it. I can’t wait."
I force a smile, trying to act excited even though my stomach is in knots. "That sounds amazing. I wonder what it is."
Melissa leans in a little, lowering her voice like she’s sharing a secret. "Rumor is it’s something personal. Something about her life or a new project. Either way, it’s going to be a night to remember. You two should come find us after. We’re set up near the front with some of the club crowd."
Jace smiles, all charm and ease. "We’ll try. Enjoy the show."
They wave and head off toward the seating area, still chatting excitedly.
I watch them go, my hand still in Jace's. The pavilion is even busier now, people moving in waves toward the stage. Music starts up from the speakers, a low thump that vibrates through the ground. I can feel the energy of the crowd, the anticipation. But under it all is the nervous flutter in my chest. We still haven’t found his brothers or Billy.
The plan’s in motion but nothing feels certain.
And I’m here, dressed up for a concert that’s really a cover for something much bigger, holding the hand of a man I’ve fallen for harder than I ever expected.
Jace tugs me gently toward the back left of the seating area, his eyes still scanning. "Almost there," he says quietly. "Crewe said they’d be near the big oak tree on the edge. Stay close."
I nod and let him lead, my free hand smoothing the dress again.
The fabric feels soft under my fingers. The lights overhead cast everything in a dreamy glow.
The ocean is visible beyond the pavilion, dark and endless.
I’m excited. I’m nervous. I really love Jace.
And tonight, everything changes. I hope we’re ready for whatever comes next.