Alcohol You Later (47)

All my love,

Nicholas



“What’s it say?” Korie’s nosey ass asks as I dab at the corner of my eye with my shirt sleeve. I don’t even know how my body can still produce tears at this point. My supply seems endless, despite the dry, constant burning in my eyes and the nagging headache I can’t seem to rid myself of.

“He’s sorry.” I tuck the card back into the envelope, slipping it into my hoodie pocket, my mind swimming with his words. I want so desperately to believe him—to truly believe that this isn’t all some knee-jerk reaction to the threat of me walking out on him.

Nick’s fear of abandonment is real. It dictates the way he lives his life. It’s the reason for his nonchalant attitude and, at times, gruff exterior. Why it’s so hard for him to connect deeper than surface level with most people.

I’m one of the few he’s let in, and I don’t doubt that he values our connection. That he’d say or do anything to keep from losing what we have. I’m just not sure he hasn’t confused that dependence with love. And I need to be sure…for my own sake.

Korie plants a hand on her hip, cocking it to the side. “Really? I’ve had to listen to you blabber on—for years—about all the details of his dick, and you can’t let me read the card?”

“It’s private.”

“So are private parts, Ray.” She shakes her head and growls. “Ugh. You suck.” Reluctantly she gives up, but not before stuffing an elbow into my side. “Let’s go see what’s in the box.”

“Right.” I crouch before the fluffy bear that’s doused in his cologne. The scent sends a surge of desire firing off in my blood. For someone so damn clueless about life, he sure knows how to woo a woman. That thought has me rolling my eyes as I remove the lid from the box. Lord knows he has enough experience.

“What is it?” Korie’s face is all up in my space. “Let me see!”

“Oh, my God. Back off!” I give her forehead a little shove. “You’re worse than a child.”

With a groan, she sits back on her haunches.

I don’t know whether to laugh or cry when I pull a necklace from the box with half of a heart and the word ‘best’ etched in its center dangling from the bottom.

Korie flames with secondhand embarrassment. “What is he, in first grade?”

“No,” I say, rubbing my thumb over the ridges at the edge of the pendant. “It’s perfect.”

“If you say so…”

“Help me?” I pass her the chain and lift my hair from my neck.

“Can’t believe you’re just gonna put it on and not make him suffer a little longer first.” She fastens the clasp, then spins me around to face her. “It’s just the first day. You have to stay strong, Ray.”

“It’s a best friends necklace, Kor, not an engagement ring.”

“Right.” She tucks it inside the neck of my tee. “Just keep it hidden for good measure, ‘kay?”

“Okay.”

She gives my shoulders a little shake, staring deep into my eyes. “It’s all going to work out. I know it, and you know it too. But you have to let him suffer a little or he’s gonna think he can walk all over you for the rest of your lives. Men are a lot like puppies…they need to be trained. Nicholas needs to learn who the alpha in this relationship is.”

I snort.

“Laugh all you want, but I know what I’m talking about. These rock stars are like men gone wild. Their lifestyle is different from normal people, Ray. They think rules don’t apply to them. And they’re hard nuts to crack, but when they fall, they fall hard. You just have to set boundaries and stick to your guns.”

I’ve been around enough to know she’s right. I saw what her dad’s betrayals did to her and her mother. Have watched countless married musicians hook up with groupies at after parties like it was no big deal.

“I will,” I promise, pulling her in for a much-needed hug. “Thank you for being here for me. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

“Right back atcha, babe.”

“What’s this?” Rhett asks, strolling out of their room looking like a bear waking up from hibernation, his hair sticking up in all directions, clothes rumpled and eyes squinty.

“None of your business,” Korie answers, crossing the room to plant a big wet one right on his lips.

I start to feel like I’m intruding on their whispered conversation, so I’m thankful when I glance at the clock and realize it’s just about time to head over to watch the babies for the guys to go do their soundcheck.

I dip out of the room, making a quick trip to the bathroom to freshen my breath—for the kids, of course. And pass a brush through my hair, then reassure my bestie one last time when I pass through the kitchen that I’m not going to go over there and fall into bed with her cousin.

“You are strong, Raven,” Korie calls as I stalk toward the door. “And holding all the cards…just remember that.”

I shoot her a thumbs-up on my way out and attempt to dislodge my heart from my throat the entirety of the short walk to Nick’s bus.

We haven’t spoken since I left last night. I asked for a little space—a day or two to collect myself. Aside from the card this afternoon, he’s honored that request.