We spent our entire lunch break there, and I was sad when we had to go back inside but also more alive than I could ever remember being. Talking to the fans made every single thing we’d gone through worth it and gave me even more motivation to do my best tonight. That was the dream, right there—not winning the show or the recording contract or even the tour. It was knowing our music had touched other people’s lives, that people had come to see our band, that they were rooting for us. And finally, Jared realized that, too.

Our special guests arrived just before the show started. Hector embraced his grandmother and his three little sisters, speaking to them in Spanish, while Kyle planted a huge kiss on Alexis. And behind them all stood Julie and Carla, along with my third guest: my mom.

“Mom, you made it!” I said, and ran to her arms. There was nothing like being hugged by your mother. Even if things between us had been weird for a while, it was still the most comforting feeling in the world.

“I can’t wait to see you perform,” she said into my hair. “I’m so proud of you, Madison.”

I’d called her right after I’d rejoined the band, but I hadn’t been sure she would actually come to the show. Getting out of the house was a challenge for her on most days, but she’d flown down to LA to see me, and that was huge for her. Even if she didn’t approve of me playing guitar, she was trying and she was sober, and I was going to do my best to keep things good between us from now on. And maybe, someday, I’d even call my father, too.

Jared stood to the side, the only one who didn’t have any family or friends waiting for him. We’d each been given two tickets for family members, but he’d given his to Hector, while Kyle had given me his spare. Jared’s family—the only people he really cared about anyway—was already here.

Julie gave me a fierce hug and whispered, “I’m glad you decided to fight.”

Carla hugged me next and wished me luck, and then I brought my mom over to meet Jared. “Mom, this is Jared Cross.”

“Ah, yes. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

Jared flashed her his most charming smile. “Only the good things are true, I promise.”

“I’m not sure I believe that,” she said but smiled back. When he went to say hello to Hector’s family, she leaned close and whispered, “He’s very handsome in person.”

I laughed. Yes, yes, he was.

Our guests left to find their seats, and Dan called us over for one last pep talk.