Take Me with You (Take Me #2)(58)

“You’ll be home soon, and I’ll let you try all of that.”

“It’s a date.”

Finals approached almost without warning.

One minute, I was writing out bio labs, working out equations for calculus, and trying to figure out how to boost my O-chem grade, and the next, I was frantically cramming for finals.

I’d been spending more time with the girls lately. Gabi finally seemed to be recovering. Though, sometimes, I would still see her wistfully look at my phone when a text came in from Grant. But the girls were supportive, and it was nice to have them back. But we’d barely had any time to spend together since finals started. We were all running around like chickens with our heads cut off.

I barely even had time to plan for my trip back to Boston after the semester. I was very happy the trip would coincide with ContraBand’s tour stop in the city. Grant would even have a whole day off after the show, so we could spend time together. For me, that meant taking the plunge and introducing him to my parents.

Grant was pretty freaked out about it, but he seemed to be weighing that against finally getting to see me again, and he found it to be an acceptable trade. I was way more scared about the upcoming introductions. I knew my parents. I knew my brother. I already knew what they would think about Grant. Dismissing him as a phase was the nicest thing that could happen.

But I decided not to care.

I knew Grant wasn’t a phase. I knew I wanted a future with him. Even though the music industry was cruel, touring would keep us apart, and a million girls were throwing themselves at him, I thought we could make it.

That thought warmed me throughout my last final, and I handed in my test to Professor Williamson with a smile on my face. If I hadn’t aced it, I would be shocked.

“Thank you, Miss Graham,” he said, taking the paper out of my hand. “It’s nice to see a student take the initiative in my class.”

“My pleasure. Would you by any chance need any help this summer with lab work? I should be in town. I would love to be of any assistance.”

“Hmm.” He stroked his beard as he contemplated what I’d asked. “Yes, I might have something. Come back by before the summer session starts, and we’ll work out the details.”

“Yes, sir. Thank you.”

I was euphoric. All my hard work had paid off. I was going to get to do some real lab work over the summer, which would only help my graduate school or medical school applications. I hadn’t decided between the two.

It felt great to be done, and I pulled out my phone to call my brother as I walked out of the building and to my car.

“Aribel,” Aaron said briskly.

“Hey!” I said. “How is work?”

There was a short pause.

“Fine. You sound happy.”

“I finished finals. It feels good to be done for the semester.” I popped open the door to my car and sank into the driver’s seat.

“Am I talking to my sister? Don’t you usually mope when school gets out?”

“I’ve turned over a new leaf.”

“A new leaf, huh?” He sounded unconvinced.

“Yeah. Actually, that’s why I called. I’m going to a concert when I get back into town this weekend. Do you want to go with me?”

“What are we talking? Cello performance? Symphony?” he asked, sounding distracted.

“Um…it’s a rock concert.” I started up the car and drove back to my place.

“A what? You’re going to a rock concert? Who is playing?”

“The Drift. They’re this pretty popular band right now.”

“I know who The Drift is, Aribel. I didn’t think you even liked that kind of music.”

“I do. Plus, well…I want you to meet my boyfriend. Mom and Dad told you I was bringing him home with me, right?”

Aaron sighed. “Yeah, they told me. Also, Henry told me this guy is kind of crazy and yelled at you when he met the guy?”

“Ugh, why are you even listening to Henry? I told him I don’t have any interest in him. It’s like an arranged marriage, Aaron. It’s weird.”

“I’m just looking out for you. Henry is a good guy. We’ve been hanging out more since Christmas.”

“Great. Then, you date him.”

Aaron laughed. I could practically see him shaking his head at me.

“So, a rock concert to meet your boyfriend, huh? I guess I could swing that. It’ll be good for me to see him before Mom and Dad. That way, we can figure out how to reduce the damage. I’ve already heard Dad say the word phase a couple of times in relation to the new boyfriend.”

I rolled my eyes. Of course. “Thanks, Aaron. You’re the best.”

“This should be interesting.”

I laughed and agreed as I pulled into my parking spot. I slid the car into park, and then my laughter died out.

There, standing outside of my building, was Grant’s dad. He was leaning against the side of the stairwell, clearly waiting…for me. I swallowed hard and tried to think about what the policeman had said on the phone. Maybe I needed to talk to Grant’s dad and tell him to leave me alone—and also have my phone with 911 up and ready to make the call at any point.

“Aaron, I have to go.” I tried to keep my voice level. “I got back to my place. I’ll see you when I get home.”