Page 61 of Sixty Days Of Summer

I slide in beside her, and lean back in the seat, trying to chill, but my mind’s all over the place. The city noise fades as the door shuts, and I can’t help sneaking glances at her instead of looking out the window.

Just as I’m lost in thought, her phone buzzes, breaking the silence. She pulls it out of her handbag, and I catch a glimpse of the screen. It’s a message from Theo.

Theo:I’m sorry, Scar.

I watch the screen as she quickly types out a reply, her thumbs moving fast over the screen.

Scarlet:I know. I’m sorry too.

Theo:Be careful, Scar. That’s all I ask.

Scarlet:I’m not a little girl anymore, Theo.

Theo:I know. I love you.

Scarlet:I love you too.

Not wanting her to catch me spying on her messages, I quickly avert my gaze as she slips the phone back into her handbag.

I can't fucking wrap my head around how easily people toss around “I love you.” I’ve heard Xander say it to Poppy and Alex countless times, and Theo and Nate have their brotherly bond, tossing it back and forth without a second thought. It’s like they’re speaking a foreign language—one I’ve never learned. Hell, I can’t even imagine what it would feel like to say those words.

Chapter 22

Scarlet

The energy on stage tonight is off the charts—we’re absolutely killing it, and the crowd is buzzing. But there’s an undeniable tension between Ace and Theo, and I can only hope the fans aren’t picking up on any of it. Though, judging by the crowd’s reaction, they seem completely lost in the music, enjoying the show.

Suddenly, a thought strikes with the force of a freight train: what if this is as good as it gets for me? The question gnaws at my mind, a heavy weight settling on my shoulders. This is what I’ve always dreamed of, but the fear of it slipping away terrifies me. Am I ready to face that reality?

As the song fades out, Xander steps forward, commanding the stage to address the crowd, while Theo and Ace move toward the platform where the drum kit sits. This part of the show is usually a moment for them to take a sip of water and catch their breaths before launching into the next track. But tonight? The tension between them is palpable.

I keep my focus on the crowd, praying that these two idiots don’t come to blows. The deafening roar of the fans fades as I catch Theo shooting a sideways glance at Ace. But Ace? He’s stone-faced, staring straight at Theo. What the hell is going on between them?

While grabbing the bottle of water from the ground beside me, my gaze accidentally locks with Ace’s. There’s something in his eyes—a raw desire that sends a thrill of excitement through me. For the first time, it feels like we’re finally making progress. He’s letting me in, piece by piece, and it’s thrilling.

Every day, I’m falling harder for Ace, and I know it’s dangerous as hell given his unpredictable nature. Sometimes, it feels like he’s on the verge of pushing me away. Yet, there are those surprising moments that catch me off guard—like when he grabbed my hand earlier today in the hotel lobby. He’s never done that before. In those rare glimpses when he lets me in, it feels like something real is forming between us, even if Ace would never admit it.

It’s a bit ironic, really, because despite all the warnings from Nate and Theo to stay the hell away from Ace—especially after whatever happened in that hotel room—I can’t help but laugh at how their antics have somehow pushed us closer. Their attempts to protect me have only tightened the bond Ace and I are building, whether they realize it or not.

Theo gulps down his water, his eyes narrowing into a fierce glare as he turns around to face Ace. He’s definitely pissed. The way Ace and I glanced at each other clearly didn’t go unnoticed.Theo tosses his now empty bottle to the side. As his gaze meets mine, I see a warning in his eyes before he confidently strides back to the opposite side of the stage, purposefully creating distance between himself and Ace.

This shit needs to end. The tension between Theo and Ace is not only affecting their own dynamic, but I can also feel it spreading into Xander and Ace’s. It’s only a matter of time before it all goes to hell.

Maybe I should call a band meeting tonight on the bus. I know it’s not really my place since I’m just a fill-in, but I can’t keep being the reason everyone’s walking on eggshells. These guys should be celebrating their success and living the dream they’ve worked their asses off for, not dealing with this constant tension.

As Xander moves over to grab a drink, Ace plucks a few strings of his guitar, sending the crowd into a frenzy. As soon as Theo joins in, the energy levels soar, making it impossible to overlook the mounting tension between them. This isn’t just music anymore; it’s turned into a competition. Xander, sipping his water, watches the two of them as they inch closer to the middle of the stage.

Each guy is determined to outplay the other, making it more like a pissing contest than a performance. Theo smirks at Ace, a silent challenge passing between them, and Ace meets his gaze without flinching. He steps in even closer, and suddenly, it’s a full-blown guitar showdown.

The crowd eats it up, cheering louder with every note. Theo’s fingers fly over the strings, showing off, pushing Ace to step it up. Ace responds without missing a beat, his eyes locked on Theo’s, daring him to take it further. The sound of their guitars battling it out echoes across the venue.

I glance across at Xander, still watching, a smile tugging on his lips. He knows this isn’t just about the music. It’s personal.

Finally, Ace hits a riff so hard and clean that Theo hesitates for a split second. It’s enough for Ace to step back, smirk in victory, and let the last note hang in the air. The crowd goes wild, their cheers deafening. Theo shakes his head, backing off with a tight grin. As he steps forward, he gives Ace a pat on the shoulder. It’s a small gesture, but it’s enough to give me hope that maybe, just maybe, things can get back to the way they were between them.

The whistles and cheers from the crowd make it clear just how much they loved that showdown. I spot the smiles on both Theo and Ace’s faces, the tension easing just a bit. Xander grins as he strides back to the mic, soaking up the energy. Within seconds, Ace counts us in, and we’re back into the set.

The night’s been unforgettable, the adrenaline still coursing through us as we pile onto the tour bus. Theo drops onto the couch, cradling a half-empty bottle of whiskey. He’s unusually quiet, and though he doesn’t mention it, it’s clear that he misses Nate. The two of us haven’t really talked since that day in Ace’s room, and tonight, I’m determined to change that. I need him to hear me out.

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