Page 69 of Goodbye Note

“Nah, it’s on me today.” I closed one eye trying to remember how much cash I have. “But nothing expensive!”

He laughed, clapping me on the shoulder. “Let’s go find the other guys.”

“Wait!” I dug my teeth into my lower lip, a grin breaking out over my face.

“I know what that look means!” He shook his head but didn’t move.

“My handy-dandy Sharpie!” I pulled it out my pocket, and he held out his arms. I shook my head. “Not there.”

A twist of his lips and questioning brows were his only reaction, but I liked it.

“Turn around.”

He hesitated for half a second, then did as I asked.

I stepped in close and pressed the tip to the back of his neck to write. It was a little big and wrapped around, but I didn’t think he’d complain too much.

“What does it say?”

“More days like these, please.”

“You’ll have so many more number ones. That album is fire.”

“I don’t mean that.” I lifted my shoulders, noncommittally.

“What?” He blocked my exit.

“All of it. The stars, spending time with you.” My chest felt entirely full. “I feel like a star about to burst.”

He dropped his voice and leaned in. “Don’t do that. I’d miss you.”

“Your atoms wouldn’t entangle with mine?”

“It’s not enough.” His eyes slid closed. “I want this summer to go on forever.”

“Me too.”

* * *

We stumbled to the stage, a fucking mess.

“Drink more water!” Kiernan handed me a second water bottle.

“I have no more room.” I groaned, clutching my stomach.

“If we do that, I’m going to have to piss in the middle of our set. For fuck’s sake,” Hael grumbled.

“You guys better not fuck this up!” Kiernan slurred his words.

“You are the drunkest among us. Maybe worry about yourself.” Ser lightly pushed Kiernan’s shoulder, and he stumbled backward.

“I’m not that drunk!” Kiernan got his dad voice out, but we were all too drunk to find it anything but funny.

I could barely walk straight when it came time for our set. But I could play in my sleep, so I wasn’t too worried about it as long as Ser could sing.

“You good to go?” I asked Ser.

“My voice is killing me, but it’s only forty minutes. I’ll get through it.”

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