Page 143 of Fractured Frets

Flint must have been watching us. He squeezed his eyes shut.

Fuck. I wished he hadn’t done that.

The air in the room grew heavy, solemn, and difficult to breathe.

“Fuck.” Flint seemed to shake off his emotion and pressed his steepled fingers against his mouth. “I can’t believe this is happening. That we’re all going our separate ways.”

“Dude, I’m not going anywhere.” Cole slapped him on the shoulder. “Neither is Lewis. We’ll jam with you anytime.” But then he lowered his chin and let out a slow breath. “Slip is right, though. We’ve had an incredible few years, but they’ve also nearly broken us. This break will be good for us.”

Lewis jutted his chin at no one in particular. “I’ve just joined you fuckers—we better come back stronger than ever. But if not...” He splayed his palm across his heart. “I can’t thank you enough for the opportunity to play with you. It’s been an honor. Life-changing, in more ways than one. I found Tia. And you guys are friends for life.”

“Always, bro.” I tapped my fist against my chest, then pointed at him. “Always.”

“Have any of your plans changed?” he asked.

“Nope.” I rubbed my hands up and down my thighs, thinking about the months ahead. “We’ll be at Mads’ place in Vancouver for the next few weeks. I’ll go to counseling, have physical therapy on my hip, and be a househusband while Maddy finishes filming.” Maddy had excused herself from awards season duties too...and had taken six months’ leave from her show. Over the next couple of weeks, we’d search for somewhere to buy near Vancouver. We had a list of private islands, houses with spectacular views, and properties with no neighbors to check out. We aimed to find our new home, our escape. “After Christmas, we’ll have our honeymoon on the Great Barrier Reef.” Who said Australia is too far to travel to? For the resort I’d found on Lizard Island, it’d be worth it. “Once that’s over, we’re gonna disappear.” I took Maddy’s hand in mine, kissed her knuckles, then held it against my leg. “We’re gonna work on us, spend every moment together, have a well-earned break, and get better.”The road to recovery was long, and we’d only just begun.

“Too right.” Cole nodded.

“Slip, I can’t wait. And on that note, we’ve gotta go.” Maddy patted my thigh. “We have to catch our flight.”

“Shit.” I closed my eyes. My pulse spiked. Why did my jaw suddenly ache and the back of my eyes burn? “Yeah. Okay.”

“Slip, I’ll lock up,” Lewis jabbed his thumb toward the staircase. “I’ve still gotta clear some gear out of my room.”

“Thanks.” My chest shuddered as I drew in a shaky breath and took in each of the guys. Too much emotion welled in their gazes. Too much anguish pummeled my ribs.

But this wasn’t the end. It was just a much-needed rest.

We’d be back . . . one day.

Everyone stood and ambled toward the door.

I turned to the guys and wrapped my arms around them in a group hug. “I love you. You hear me? Every fucking one of you. I’ll see you soon.”

Flint hugged me tight. “Love you too. No matter what.”

“If you need anything, day or night, you call.” Cole’s voice cracked. “I’ll be on your doorstep anytime you need me.”

“Just be happy, okay?” Lewis clutched the back of my head and gave me a gentle shake.

“Yeah. We will be.” I nodded.

Flint drew Maddy into our group hug and gave her a kiss on the side of her head. “We love you too. Promise me you’ll take care of each other.”

“Yeah.” Maddy nodded. “I promise.”

We huddled together, and I clung onto my friends. As silence hung heavily in the air, I was grateful and blessed to have incredible people like this in my life.

From nine-year-old boys who’d met on a suburban street in Pasadena, who’d united over a love of music, been through hell and back more than once, and had lives changed by loss and love, we’d become the men we are today. We’d worked hard, played hard, and loved each other hard.

We’d taken on the world and exceeded our dreams. Our friendship was unbreakable. Our hearts had found room for more love, and we’d drawn more amazing people into our lives. Sutton, Ava, and Maddy had joined our family. Tia had already been a part of it. But I wouldn’t be there if it wasn’t for Flint, Cole, Lewis...and may he rest in peace, Phil. I clutched Flint’s head beside me and pressed mine against his. “I love you. Don’t ever forget that.”

“Never,” Flint murmured and nodded.

We were venturing into new chapters in our lives, new directions and phases, but I couldn’t wait to see where we went.

Life was changing again.

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