Even in the truck when they all held their hands up together I could feel the shift. Linc didn’t reach for my hand like he normally does with his other to give mine a squeeze. I hadn’t been a part of their celebration and I wouldn’t be a part of this leg of their journey. I close my eyes for a moment to let that sink in and also so I don’t begin to cry.
“I still want to know how he got an email with our music,” Benjy says, causing me to look at him. I haven’t told the guys that I’d sent it. I don’t know why but I didn’t feel the need to. This isn’t about me.
“I think I know.” Linc pushes off the door, heading straight toward me.
“Of course it was Cherry.” Nick cuts in front of Linc, grabbing me up from the chair and giving me a giant bear hug. He lifts me off my feet and spins me around. My stomach starts to get queasy from all the motion.
“Put my girl down. I can’t break your hands right now. If we didn’t need them so badly, I wouldn’t think twice about it.”
Nick hands me over to Linc.
“You always believed in us,” he whispers into my ear.
“Always,” I agree. I see how Linc treats something he loves. He cherishes it. He loves his music so I know it will flourish. I lean down, kissing him. Guilt gnaws at me that I’m not more excited. Outwardly I pretend to be, but my insides ache with sadness. Things are going to change. They are about to leave me behind while they live out their lives. I’m not sure how I’m going to be without Linc. How will we manage to stay together? He’s been such a big part of my life for so long. I know we love each other, but will that be enough? The sadness threatens to overwhelm me, and suddenly I feel the need to get out of here. “I gotta go home.”
“It shouldn’t take you long to pack. We’re just going out for a meeting.” Yes, a meeting where I know they are going to talk them into signing a deal. Treat could see what my boys can do. He isn’t going to let them pass. I have a feeling this meeting is going to turn quickly into them staying longer and so many other things. It’s all bittersweet.
“I can’t go to LA, Linc.” I rest my hands on his shoulders. He slides me down his body, putting me on my feet, but doesn’t let me go.
“What are you talking about? Of course you’re going.”
“I have school,” I remind him. It isn’t me that’s signing a deal. I still have to finish high school. And finish my applications to get into a college. I’m guessing I need to find a part-time job too. I’m going to have a lot more time on my hands now. I might as well fill it with something. It’s not as though I can depend on my parents to help me out.
“You can’t miss a few days? We can’t go without you, Cherry. I can’t go without you.”
“You can and you will.” I manage a smile that I try to make as convincing as possible. I reach up to touch his face. It takes everything in me not to burst into tears. “I’m expecting you guys to go out there and kill it. Don’t come back unless it’s with a huge deal. I didn’t send all those emails out for nothing.” I lean in to give Linc a kiss before backing away.
“You two be on your best behavior.” I walk over to Nick and Benjy, giving each of them a hug. Squeezing them a little tighter than normal. Not knowing when I’ll get to do it again. Linc grabs my hand, leading me out of his parents’ place. I wonder how they will take it. I know they’ll let him go. He has to go out to LA and see this through.
“Cherry.” Linc pins me to the side of the truck, caging me in.
“You got this.” I run my hands up and down his chest.
“It’s going to be hard being away from you. What if something happens? I’m not a car ride away.”
“We’re a call away. This is something we’re going to have to get used to. I have to finish school. It’s important to me.” I don’t want to end up like my parents.
“I know. Shit, I know.” He knows what it means to me to graduate. I’ll be the first in my family to actually have a high school diploma.
“I’ll do what I have to do here and you go and do what you have to do there. I’ll always be here. You’ll know where to find me.”