“Maybe you’d like to hear my side of the story before you decide to cast me off,” She says, teasingly.

“Oh, I’m sure it’s just riveting.” Theo squints.

Okay, that handshake is lasting way too long.

I shake my head, chuckling, and take one of the beers. But as I turn back to the stage, I realize they’ve started playing another song.

“Ode to a Conversation Stuck in Your Throat.” Del Water Gap.

One of my favorite artists that I showed him.

He must’ve asked Tony to play it. This can’t be a coincidence. The lyrics hit me immediately. Caleb’s voice surrounds me and pulls me forward.

One moment, I’m memorized by the shimmering lights behind him, and the next moment, I’m locked in to his eyes. As though he knows exactly where I am in the crowd.

There we go again. Caught in each other’s orbit. Where time stands still and nothing else matters. Just me and him. No one else.

I used to call you my best friend, way back before you were my everything...

I move through the crowd, pushing past the swaying people, leaving Theo and Sarah giggling behind me.

I stop in front of the stage. Caleb strums his guitar, eyes locked on mine. I can’t move.

And it hits me, I don’t want anybody else touching you like I do

The memory crashes over me—his mouth on me in that hotel room. Him whispering that I was his. That my body belonged to him.

And God, I wanted that. I still do.

The song fades and applause erupts. My chest tightens.

“Okay, we’re gonna take a 20-minute break. Thanks, everyone!” Caleb calls into the mic.

I freeze, unsure what to do. Then I notice him crouching at the edge of the stage, sipping his drink.

“That a friend?” Caleb asks, his voice cutting through the noise like velvet.

I blink. “Who?”

He eyes my beer and frowns. “You don’t even like that. Here.” He offers his drink.

I set my beer on the stage and take his instead. Our fingers brush, and a jolt sparks through me.

“He’s a friend,” I say honestly. Sure, I want him to think I’m not just waiting around sulking over him... but I don’t want him thinking I’m unavailable.

He smirks. “Tell your friend to keep his hands off what’s mine.”

“We’ll see about that.” I roll my eyes, place the cup back beside the beer, and turn away from him.

“Where are you going?” he shouts, standing up.

I flash him a small smile over my shoulder before turning to find Sarah.

The sun is setting, and the little string lights twinkle all around us—it’s a beautiful night. I spot Sarah quickly. She’s chatting with a group of people, Theo included, in the corner of the roof.

“Hey babe, everything okay?” she asks, her brows drawing together with concern. Theo looks worried too. I must have it written all over my face.

“I just need some air,” I shrug.