Page 86 of Always You

“What was that?”

“That was someone from the AFA.”

Realizing what he’s saying, I move up so I can see his face some more, cocking my head.

“Okay,” I dragout.

A mixed feeling enters my body while I keep staring at him in anticipation. I want him to get every chance to have a better life, but I can’t help seeing that thundercloud moving above our heads, thinking that same chance might actually take him away from me.

“They want to sign me.” My heart falls as the words fly from his mouth, while I raise the corner of my mouth to give him a smile. I do my best to put on a cheerful face, even though it feels like someone just jabbed a knife in my gut. Killing me slowly as I’m bleeding on the inside.

I launch myself at him, wrapping my arms around his neck.

“That’s amazing! Congratulations!”

His arms circle my waist in a tight grip as he digs his face into my hair.

“This is what we’ve been waiting for!” I lean back to find his gleaming eyes.

“I know!” I agree, even though I have no clue whatthismeans. “You deserve it!”

“They need me to come to LA next week, to get the papers sorted and stuff.”

He’s leaving.For the last few months, I knew this point was coming someday, knowing his talent would take him places. But he didn’t have any plans after graduation, and I was going to community college to be close with my mom, so I figured we’d still have time. But now… right at the point when we’re finally owning up to our feelings, they are taking him away from me.

I swallow hard, shifting a little on the bed, and he notices my distress, even though I still have a smile on my face.

“Hey, what’s wrong, babe?” He cups my cheek, his eyes narrowing.

“Nothing,” I lie, shaking my head. Whatever feelings I’m having right now, it’s not fair to voice them to him, knowing it will make him doubtful about leaving. “I’m happy for you!”

But he sees right through my lies, a thoughtful expression coming my way as he lowers his head to lock our gazes. “I’ll be back, Charls. It’s just for a few days to sort the papers, and then I’ll be back for the summer. There are no fights until August.”

I nod, doing my best to push away my gloomy mood. “I know! It will be great. You’re going to kill it.” I press a kiss on his lips in hopes of burying my feelings, yet he doesn’t fall for it.

“Look at me.” He breaks our kiss, then grabs my hips, lifting me onto his lap to straddle him. “Come with me.”

The look he’s giving me reminds me of that day at the creek. A lost boy, praying life will get better one day. His eyes are begging me, and I really want to say yes. There is nothing I want more right now than to start a new life with Hunter by my side. Exploring the world together. My heart is expanding at the knowledge that he wants me to be part of his future. Of this new adventure he’s going to start.

But I know I can’t. I know this isn’t my adventure to go on.

My life has been on hold since I was eight, and I don’t mind.

I can’t be selfish. Not while Mama is doing her best to stay alive.

She gave me life, now I have to help her keep hers.

I softly shake my head, my eyes welling up.

“My mama, Hunter. I can’t,” I explain, making his face fall. “If it was just me, I would. I would go anywhere you want me to, but it’s not just me. It’s been me and her for so long. I can’t give up on her.”

He lets out a troubled breath, pressing his forehead against mine. The air between us grows thick, making it hard to breathe as we hold still for a moment. Something about this moment feels final. It feels like goodbye, but I’m too scared to speak about my fears.

“I know,” he muses. “You don’t have to explain. You’re an amazing person, Charlotte Roux.”

“You’re going to kill it in LA,” I whisper against his lips.

He tucks my head against his chest, wrapping me in a tight hug, as if he’s holding on for dear life. I know I am.

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