Chapter 11
Erica
“I can’t believe I’m really doing this,” I say for the thousandth time as Max helps me pack to join Ari, and Atlantica, on their tour. “Shouldn’t you be trying to talk me out of this? This doesn’t feel like a responsible adult thing to do.”
Max watches me, absorbing and analyzing everything, as I word vomit all my thoughts and worries. “How has the responsible adult thing been working for you so far?” she asks with an edge in her voice.
My cheeks heat with shame. I know she’s not saying these things to upset me, but to make sure I’m really listening. “Not great.” I manage to get the words out, my voice cracking a bit.
“More importantly,” she continues, “I’ve never seen Vann—or anyone for that matter—look at you the way Ari looks at you.” She nods her head decisively. “There’s something there that you’d be a fool to run from after everything you’ve been through.”
While I grab the last few things I think I’ll need while I’m away, I roll her words, my thoughts, and everything Ari said through my mind.
If I’m not happy on the trip, I can fly home whenever I want.
I honestly can’t imagine wanting to come back, I mean someday obviously, but I owe it to myself to see what life looks like out there, in the rest of the world.
Allowing my mind to wander further, I picture myself traveling with Ari and waiting for him backstage while he sings to the crowd.
Maybe he would turn during his favorite song and sing part of it to me, our eyes locked together like at the show.
My chest feels all warm and glowy at all the ways this could go right, refusing to think of any of the ways it could go wrong.
Standing on the curb with my carry-on, backpack, and one large suitcase, I start to get antsy as cars continue to drive by and none of them are Ari.
Surely this wasn’t some kind of elaborate prank.
I smile, seeing that he is in fact pulling up in front of me right now, and shake the negative thoughts that were threatening to overwhelm me from my mind.
He unfolds himself from the car, removing his sunglasses while he does.
In this moment, he looks every bit the rockstar celebrity that he is.
People should be photographing him right now.
He looks so gorgeous. I try to remember not to drool on myself as he approaches, and I crane my neck to look up at him when he steps directly in front of me.
He eyes my luggage, still softly smiling. “Ready to go?” he asks as he offers me his hand and kisses my knuckles again while I nod. The same strange sensation washes over me when his lips touch my skin. He watches me as it does. Does he feel it too?
“Are you sure you have everything you need? You’re flying private, so there aren’t any limits.” The ornery grin on his face nearly has me rubbing my thighs together.
Now is definitely not the time for those kinds of thoughts, Erica, I scold myself.
“Uh, yeah. It’s really all I have.” Like being dunked in cold water, I’m reminded of my current position and the situation that he’s saving me from.
I left a note on the table telling Vann it’s over. To not try and find me. And do not contact me.
As I climb into the car, Ari refusing to let me help with my luggage, I hope the Vann chapter of my life is over and I never have to see him again.