“I think most people would call you a legend, actually,” I huff.

She folds her arms across her chest and sighs. “Caleb... I just... I need to figure myself out. I don’t know what I want—or who I want. I need a change.”

I think over her words and slowly nod. “As much as that really sucks... if there’s anyone who gets an impromtu trip to figure your shit out...it’s me.” I inhale deeply. As much as it’ll suck not seeing her, I’ve got to be selfless here. I continue, “I’m proud of you. You deserve to go through whatever change you need. I’ll still be here when you get back. Hell, I’ll even come visit you.”

She gasps, happily. “You’d chase me all the way to Australia?”

“I’ll always be one step behind you. You can’t outrun me forever,” I wink.

“Ugh, that’d be creepy if I didn’t love you so much,” she says, wrapping her arms around me again. I pull her in for a tight hug. I’m really going to miss her, but I know we’ll both be okay.

“Caleb, we’re starting up,” Tony calls, tugging at my arm. I glance back at Sarah, who gives me a little wave and smile before walking off. I follow Tony toward our makeshift “stage area.”

I step up to the mic and look out over the crowd. Everyone’s caught up in their own little world—and it kind of hurts. All I can think about is looking out and finding a pair of green eyes out there, locked on me. I miss those emerald eyes.

“Testing, testing,” I say into the mic. The crowd quiets, and all eyes shift toward the band. This is what I love—being center stage.

“Thanks for coming to this rocking party, thrown by the beautiful, wonderful Sarah Lockwood. Everyone give it up for Sarah!” I shout into the mic. The crowd erupts in applause and cheers.

“I want to take a second to thank this amazing girl for being such a special part of all our lives. You’ve taught me so much and helped shape who I am today.” I grab the vodka Sprite I left at the side of the stage and raise it.

“To Sarah,” I say into the mic. Everyone echoes it and chants her name. I find her in the crowd and she beams at me. “May you find all that you’re looking for.”

I tip my glass toward her and take a big swig.

“Okay, now... let’s PARTY!” I shout.

The audience erupts as the band kicks things off with our first song.

30

nathan

“It should be right up here. I hear music,” I say, stepping up the staircase that leads to the rooftop.

Theo is right behind me, keeping in step.

“Dude, you look great. If Caleb’s here, he’s gonna love what you’re wearing. And those glasses were a nice touch,” Theo says.

“The more you talk, the more I question if you’re actually straight. Are you hitting on me?”