Chapter 56 Lily
FIFTY-SIX
LILY
The limited quantity of tickets the team released for the acoustic set sold out in less than five minutes.
We couldn’t have hoped for a better turnout. The internet is buzzing with the news, and fans who weren’t able to snag tickets are still donating to support the cause.
By just observing Elijah today, after he attended sound check and his mandatory therapy, I can tell Elijah’s heart is overflowing with all the love pouring in from all the fans.
Fifty thousand dollars is the current donation amount.
Whatever number the fans get it up to, Elijah is going to double that with his own funds.
The energy today is mixed, both excitement and nerves. Excitement for tonight’s intimate concert, but nerves from the court. Which is taking place in LA, so the time change sucks.
“Are you still feeling good?” I take a seat on Elijah’s lap, and my arms wind around his sweaty neck.
He just finished up his vocal exercises and the meditation that’s a ritual before going onstage.
“I’m feeling fucking amazing.” Burying his face in my chest, he squeezes and rocks our bodies back and forth. “Is this a sign that life is only going to get better and better?”
Meeting his hopeful eyes, I melt. “This isn’t a sign; it’s your new normal.”
“My favorite part is that you’re in it.”
“Times Three, you’re up.” Fay pokes her head in the room, clapping her hands before disappearing.
Gripping the back of his neck, I passionately bring his lips to mine.
The dance of our mouths stops time. It shakes the earth and mocks an earthquake only we can feel.
Pulling back and giving him one last lingering kiss, I yank myself off his lap before I’m tempted to keep him to myself.
Skipping away, I look over my shoulder when I don’t feel him behind me.
Finding him right where I left him, I notice the tightening of his pants.
Oops. Sorry, not sorry.
Full of sass that he can only bring out of me, I bite a fingernail with a wink. He jumps up and chases after me, and a squeal leaves my mouth. His fingers grip my hips, and I’m pulled into the air and over his shoulder.
“Hurry, hurry, you two, and for God’s sake, put her down!” Fay whisper-hisses, running to us when she spots us.
I look over my shoulder as best as I can since I’m over Elijah’s shoulder. Once my feet hit the floor, my hands make work of fixing his messy hair. Either from my hands or our mini wrestling match we had in the hallway two seconds ago.
“Ready, rock star?”
He brings my face up to his by hooking a finger under my chin. After lazily kissing my already-swollen lips, he rasps, “Now I am.”
Usually, Times Three runs onstage, but today, they share their handshake before walking in front of the audience.
I find my place backstage and behind the classic red curtain.
The lights are softer tonight. No strobe lights, no smoke, just a simple warm spotlight cutting through the room, following the band and making them glow.
Finding his place onstage, Elijah sits on a stool and adjusts the guitar strap around his shoulder. The peacefulness wraps around him like armor, but from here, I can still see the shake in his hands.
He clears his throat. Bringing the mic closer to his face, he smiles.
“Hey, thanks for coming out here tonight.” He pauses when a chorus of cheers rings through the small venue.
“This acoustic show means more to me than I could ever put into words. It’s supporting a cause I’m very passionate about.
Probably many people in this room struggle with mental health, and so do I.
Every penny tonight will be donated to a mental health service of my choosing.
Every cent spent on drinks and merch is also going to be included in the donation.
” He looks at Leonidas and Amelia, and they give him the floor with proud smiles. “Hope you all enjoy the show.”
A few soft murmurs and a softly whispered, “We’re so glad you’re here,” fill the silence as the band waits for their cue.
Elijah smiles at that, overwhelmed.
Then his fingers find the strings. One chord after another, the familiarity of his words, which were made into a melody, loosens his shoulders.
I hold my breath, and the crack in his voice takes me back to the time he wrote this song for me, on his carpeted bedroom floor.
Before all the fame, the money, the fans.
The room is still.
Each lyric sung out of their mouths is heavier tonight, like it was written for this moment.
The concert ended hours ago, but the band is still sweaty and tired from the bright lights. The sun is nearly gone above the water, but knowing my parents loved the sea, Athena drives us up to a lookout spot that my parents would have loved.
Sitting in silence and Sharpies in hand, we each hold a balloon.
Taking my time and scribbling on the pink balloon, I don’t even mind the screech the marker makes as it meets the plastic.
Salty tears fall from my eyes and drop onto the ink, smudging the marker.
Looking more like the mascara under my eyes.
Elijah messily scribbles down all his thoughts on his own balloon. Once we’re both done, he grips my hand and walks toward the edge of the cliff. Holding the string tight, I’m afraid to let go because it feels like I’m letting them go all over again. But it’s just a balloon.
A kiss on my temple breaks me out of my thoughts.
“You can do this.”
He releases his, encouraging me with his warm eyes.
I watch his fly into the orange sky, and then I let go of mine.
It floats peacefully, slow and graceful, drifting so far up into the sky that I want to believe that when it disappears, it’s because they took it.