Surrendering (Surrender 1)

Before I can say anything, Declan replies, “She won’t be alone. I’ll make sure of it.”

I see a look of approval on my dad’s face and we move on to another subject. Over the next hour, we talk about everything from school schedules, to Declan’s band. When it comes time for my dad to leave, I tell him I want to show him my room first. I wonder if he notices my bed wasn’t slept in, but he doesn’t say anything. I secretly hope he thinks I cleaned up for him this morning, but I know

he knows better. I’m the worst when it comes to making my bed.

“Declan, will you walk me out?” My dad asks him directly.

Declan nods and squeezes my shoulder as he follows my dad out the door. All my anxiety from this morning returns. I’m not sure what my dad will say, but he will be direct and, I’m sure, inappropriate. I look over at Finn to find his smile less than comforting.

“What?” I ask him tersely.

“Nice hickey, Rave, super classy.”

Shit! I run into my bathroom, but it isn’t noticeable.

“Finn, you jackass, you don’t see a hickey.”

“Baby Girl, not on you, on Declan. “

I turn to find him in my room leaning against the door. He’s openly laughing now and I blush.

“You’re such a jackass, Finn Black. But seriously, do you think dad saw it?”

“Yep, and I have a feeling they are discussing it at length- among other things.”

“How embarrassing. He’s probably going to go running now. Between your little meeting last week and now dad, he’s going to realize I’m not worth the trouble.”

Finn’s laughter dies and he looks at me with concern. “Baby Girl, you are SO worth the trouble. Never let anyone tell you differently.”

I go over to hug him. “Thanks, Finn. I love you.”

“You too.”

When Declan comes back in, he’s carrying two large envelopes. He hands one to each of us.

“Your dad forgot to bring these in, but said you may want them. He didn’t tell me what they were, but said I should probably get out of earshot.”

I feel familiar edges through the thick envelope and I know what these are. I rip through the envelope and six lanyards fall out.

Abbi walks into the kitchen. She just got home from school and looks exhausted. I remember I need to talk to her about last night with Jimi.

“What’s that?”

I look at the tickets through the plastic protector and scream, “HOLY SHIT, HOLY SHIT, HOLY SHIT!!!!!!” I start jumping up and down. They’re looking at me like I’m crazy, but I don’t care. “Finn, open yours!”

Declan reaches for one of the pouches, but I won’t let go of them. “Raven, what the hell?”

I’m still screaming. “My dad got us backstage passes to see The Wilde Ones in concert at the Ryman! The Wilde Ones and THE RIVER WILDE!!!”

Abbi starts jumping up and down and shouting with me. Everyone knows how hot River Wilde is and this is a special appearance. We’ll be so close; we might even get to talk to him. I’m out of breath and panting heavily by the time I calm down. Finn is amused, but Declan looks like he’s about to explode. He obviously is not a huge fan of River Wilde.

“You don’t look happy; don’t you like The Wilde Ones?”

“Yeah, I like them. River Wilde has some wicked talent and the group is what most musicians aspire to be. It’s cool he’ll be there, but I’m not excited about you going backstage with a bunch of famous rockers, especially now.”

I know what he’s referring to and he’s pretty sexy when he’s jealous. “Dec, it’s not a me; it’s a we. My dad gave me six passes. Most likely he’s providing the security and that’s how he got special passes. This is a charity show. Finn, how many did you get?”

“I got six too, but one has a note on it that says it’s for Robbie.”