Surviving (Surrender 2)

When we get home, we pour a glass of wine and relax on the couch. Another perfect Christmas.

Chapter 35

Bubble Burst

It snowed for several days after Christmas, and we stayed in the house as long as possible. I did have to meet my mom at the bridal shop in another attempt to find the perfect dress. After many failed tries with my friends, I asked only my mom to come with me.

The saleslady had already pulled several dresses for me to look through when we arrived. I instantly fell in love with the third one I tried on. My mom sealed the deal when she tears up. I would have never thought this would be it but when I look in the three-way mirrors, my heart beat increases.

The dress has a sweetheart neckline and asymmetrical bodice that leads to a crystal waistline. It flares in a slight ball gown style but not too big. The shop actually has my size, and I make an appointment to come back in two weeks to meet with the seamstress.

The next few days, Declan and I spent a lot of time together. We had a small party before The Steamroom on New Year’s Eve that turned into a celebration. Jimi proposed that morning and Abbi said yes (of course!). Harper and Kendall couldn’t come home again, so Brian and Gabe went to Atlanta. Robbie did get his bike, and Declan was extremely jealous. My mom was not happy, especially when my dad mentioned getting one of his own.

The most exciting thing that happened was Harper’s decision to move back to Nashville. Gabe asked her to consider it since he had a full time job here. He wanted to make a go of their relationship and the distance was driving him crazy. Her restaurant had locations around town, and she was able to transfer.

When Harper made the decision, so did Kendall. She put in for a transfer and got it. Since it was work related, they were able to break their lease without penalties. They planned to move here in February.

School started back this week, and I’m already flooded with projects. But for once, there’s light at the end of the tunnel. In less than sixteen weeks, I will graduate. Then I’ll be married.

I should have known things couldn’t be perfect for too long. I have a very bad feeling as I read the text on my phone for the third time.

Declan: Rave, Mike needs to see all of us today. Something’s going on. I’ll pick you up.

I text him back and remind him I have my car, and I’ll meet him at MJ Labels. He doesn’t argue, but he’s not happy.

Now that Finn is back in school, we meet at least once a week in the library to study between classes. I think a part of him misses his job, but he finally admitted he was glad to be back. He works with Robbie and my dad when needed, which gives him some satisfaction.

When I find him sitting in our section, I plop down and sigh.

“Don’t look so happy to see me.”

“No, I have a really bad feeling. Mike called us all in for a meeting today and for some reason, I’m worried about it.”

“What do you know?”

“Nothing. That’s the problem. Declan texted me that we need to be there and something’s going on.”

“Don’t freak out until you know what it is.”

I nod and pull out my notes. We study and chat for an hour before he walks me to my class. He gives me a hug for encouragement and asks me to call him tonight with details.

I can’t concentrate, and I’m practically run to my car when my class is over. I drive to MJ Labels and see Declan waiting in his truck for me. He kisses me briefly before escorting us into the building. Charlie points us to the conference room and gives me a worried look.

The guys from the band, Jay, Mike, and Amber are seated, waiting on us. Mike has his laptop open to Sayge’s FB page, and Amber has hers on the website.

“We have a little problem. Actually it’s a big problem.” Mike says to our group. “We knew something like this may happen, but I hoped it would be at least a few months.”

“What the hell are you talking about?” Cooper asks.

“Sayge’s popularity has hit the roof. Radio time, music sales, merchandise requests are all increasing. There are rumors swirling about putting you on a national tour. You’re all about to be household names. But with the fame comes the misfortune.”

We wait for him to continue.

“Like before, the target is Raven. No one has named her yet, but it’s only a matter of time.”

My stomach drops and I start sweating. Declan moves his chair closer to me and holds my hand.

“Me? What did I do?” My voice cracks when I speak.