Take Me with You (Take Me #2)(87)

I could remember lying in bed, stretching my arm out to him, as I’d tried to get him to stay, and he’d told me just that, “I take you with me wherever I go.”

My heart constricted as the lyrics sank in.

No matter where we were or what we were doing, I would always hold his heart…and he would always hold mine.

The split second between the end of our new song and the burst of applause that followed was like a slice of heaven. It was that moment where I was looking at Ari and only Ari…when I saw that she really understood. She knew what the song meant—that it was for us…that when I’d record this album or go back out on tour or wherever the f*ck this crazy road would take me, she would still be there through it all.

I crooked my finger at her as the crowd roared its approval. Just like that first time, her friends pushed her forward through the mob, up the stairs, and into my arms. Then, I kissed her as if it was the last thing I was ever going to do.

The cheers rose up louder, and Ari giggled against my lips. She was embarrassed, but I was lost to her.

I straightened after our kiss, waved at the audience, and then followed the guys offstage. They were already bumping fists and congratulating each other on another successful performance. It was a bit surreal to be on such a small stage again, but it was better simply because of the kick-ass audience at home.

“I can’t believe you wrote that for me,” Ari whispered.

“Who said it was for you?”

She gave me a don’t-mess-with-me look, and I laughed.

“You’re right. I wrote it for you. What can I say? You inspire me.”

“I bet she f*cking does!” Vin yelled from across the room.

“Hey, *! Butt out of our f*cking conversation!” I yelled back.

“I can’t help it when you leave me so wide open.”

“Bet you’ve never heard that before.”

Miller and McAvoy cracked up.

“Come on,” McAvoy said, punching Vin on the arm. “Let’s go find the girls. Give them some privacy.”

They were exiting when Miller stopped abruptly in the doorway. “Uh, Grant? There’s someone here for you.”

He warily looked over at us. And that was when I saw my dad walking through the backstage entrance. I’d told the guys what had happened with my dad. I’d completely fessed up to everything even though Miller had already known from the tour, but McAvoy and Vin hadn’t. It was a load off my chest. But I hadn’t even told Ari that I’d invited my dad to the show.

While I had invited him, for some reason, I hadn’t exactly expected him to show. Maybe a part of me was trying to keep myself from being let down.

“It’s okay, Miller. You guys can go.”

Miller nodded his head and then ushered the other guys out of the backstage area. I stared at the distance between my father and me. I was uncertain how to bridge the gap…if I even wanted to.

So, he had showed. So what?

“I get what you mean now,” my father said finally.

“About what?” I asked.

Ari squeezed my hand for reassurance.

“Music being your therapy. You…you were incredible.”

“Oh.”

“Thank you,” Ari said. “He meant, thank you. And he is incredible.”

His eyes flickered to Ari, and they crinkled at the corners when he smiled. “Good to see you again, Ari.”

“You, too, Mr. McDermott.”

“I hope you still plan to keep up your end of the deal,” he said, addressing me again. “After that, I think I’m starting to understand you more, and I’d love for you to understand me like that.”

I swallowed back the rising panic at the thought of going to therapy with my dad. It was just f*cking talking, right? I could handle it at least once, and if it f*cking sucked, then I’d never have to do it again.

“Yeah, I’ll go,” I finally said.

“Great,” he said, genuinely happy. “I just…wanted to come backstage and say congratulations. I see why your band was picked up. You’re all very talented. I’m looking forward to seeing more of y’all in the future.”

“Thanks,” I murmured.

“I wish I could stay, but I think it’s time for me to get back to the house. I hope the two of you have a good night. Feel free to contact me anytime, Grant.”

“Sure.”

“Have a nice night,” Ari said softly.

“Good night.”

“You, too.” I nodded my head at him, and then he turned and walked out the door.

“I can’t believe he came to the show!” Ari gasped when he was gone.

“Well,” I said, scratching the back of my head, “I invited him.”

She playfully smacked me on the arm. “You did? Why didn’t you tell me?”

I shrugged. “Didn’t think he’d actually show.”

“I’m glad he did.”

“Oh, yeah? Why?”

“Because he obviously cares for you, Grant,” Ari said as if it were the most obvious thing. “It’s good to see you two interacting and making progress. It’s already better since you talked.”

“Yeah…it really is,” I admitted.

Ari threw her arms around my neck and held me close. “I’m so proud of you for doing this.”