“I couldn’t have done it without you,” I reply honestly.
“We’re doing it because we think you’re perfect for her,” Cami says. “And when she finds out, we might all be killed.”
“Let’s hope it doesn’t go that way,” Tiffany says with a laugh.
“I have to warn you,” Mia adds. “Don’t expect a scene out of a romance novel, Jake. This song is awesome, and all of your gestures have been very romantic, but it may take her a little while to process it all.”
“So he shouldn’t expect her to run up on the stage and throw herself into his arms?” Tiffany asks, raising a brow.
God, I should be so lucky.
“Probably not,” Cami says with a cringe. “I mean, we could be wrong, and she might run dramatically up onstage, throw herself into his arms, and pledge her undying love to him.”
“You know her the best. That’s why I asked for your help in the first place.” I look down at the keys and take a deep breath. “I just hope she doesn’t run off screaming in the other direction.”
“Or punch you,” Max suggests. “I mean, this could just piss her off.”
“Thanks, man.” I glare at my best friend. “Thanks for the encouragement.”
“She won’t hit you,” Cami says, but her face doesn’t look too confident. “She’s not usually the violent type.”
“She did hit Robert Valenetti in the fourth grade when he stole her pencil sharpener,” Mia reminds her.
“Well, Robert had it coming.”
I probably have it coming too. “Right now, I’d settle for any kind of communication from her. I haven’t heard one peep from her. How is she?”
Mia and Cami share a glance.
“She’s good,” Cami says with a smile.
“She’s sad,” Mia says with a shrug, earning a glare from Cami. “I won’t lie to you, Jake. She’s sad. But she’s okay. And Jake? You need to know that whether she’s with you, or without you, she will continue to be okay. Because that’s who Addie is.”
“And that’s just one more thing that I love about her, Mia. I wouldn’t have it any other way. I want her to be more than okay. But I hope she chooses to be awesome with me, because we will be so much better together than we would be apart.”
“Wait.” Max grips my shoulder. “Are those feelings coming out of your mouth?”
“I love her.” I shrug. “It’s as simple and as terrifying as that.”
“Well then, win your girl, handsome.” Tiffany smiles and pats her belly. “Because I like her. And I want her to stick around.”
I kiss Tiff’s cheek. “Me too, friend. Me too.”
I’M SO FUCKING nervous I can’t see straight.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you like this,” Christina says with a frown as she watches me pace in the parking lot of Seduction, pushing my hands through my hair. “I mean, I know that you sometimes get a little nervous, but not like this.”
“Is that sweat on your lip?” Max asks, then breaks out in laughter. He’s going to bust my balls for this. “Mr. Cool and Collected has stage fright.”
“Fuck you.” I glare at Max, then take a deep breath and laugh. “Yeah, you’re right. I do. My palms are sweaty. And for the first time in my life, I think I might need to throw up.”
“The song is awesome,” Tiffany reminds me. “Seriously, Jake, it’s so beautiful. You have no reason to be nervous.”
“I don’t think he’s nervous about the song,” Kevin says. His arm is wrapped around Christina’s shoulders. “It’s the woman he’s singing it for.”
“It’s going to be great.” Christina gives me a smile. The one she used to give me before gigs in our early days, when I still let the nerves take over. “I can’t wait to hear it.”
“We’d better get inside,” Max says, clapping my shoulder as he passes by. “You got this, bro. And if you need it, I’ll ask for an ice bucket so I can pass it to you onstage when you toss your lunch.”
“Very funny, asshole. Thanks.” I nod and watch my friends walk in the front door, then jog around to the back. When I walk into the kitchen, Mia grins and winks at me. “How is she?”
“Grouchier than I expected,” she says thoughtfully.
“Crap. That’s not good.”
“Actually, I think she’s grouchy because you aren’t here.” Her smile widens. “So I’d say it’s a great sign.”
“Did she say anything about me?”
“Not in study hall, but I might see her before choir,” Mia replies, rolling her eyes, then laughs. “No, she didn’t say anything, but I don’t expect her to. She’s in moving-on mode.”
“Let’s see if we can stall moving-on mode and instead kick her into forgiveness gear.”
Mike begins to sing “Drops of Jupiter,” and my heart immediately begins to race. I let out a gusty breath and rub my hands together. When he reaches the bridge, I walk into the dining room, sticking close to the outer edges of the tables where it’s a bit darker so Addie doesn’t see me.
But I can see her. She’s standing at a table, smiling at customers, nodding, one hand on a man’s shoulder. God, she’s gorgeous. I feel like it’s been years since I last saw her, rather than it being two weeks.