Page 1 of Willow

INTRO…

WILLOW

A wise philosopher once said,“What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” I beg to differ, since it’s been over five years and not a day goes by where I don’t ache for what could have been. Wishing I could hold you in my arms one last time, before you were so brutally taken away from me.

Not only did I lose the love of my life that day, I lost a piece of my soul that I’ll never get back. The person who was responsible for it all had been my hero. Now all I see is a monster that has destroyed so many lives.

There’s not a person on this earth who can convince me that loving someone is not a curse. The heart can’t distinguish age, looks, none of that. It just fills you up with euphoria when the person you love is near.

If it hadn’t been for my bandmates, Lucas, Jet and Trevor, to hold me up, I wouldn’t be here with all of you today. They’re the glue that put all of my jagged pieces back together. Not once, but twice. And if I’m being honest, it’s been more times than I care to count.

SLOTH

“We excuse our Slothunder the pretext of difficulty.”

Quintillian

1

WILLOW

“Let’sgo out toeat for your birthday,” Mom said. “Just you and me. It will be lots of fun,” she said.

That was two hours ago and now I’m standing here ready to blow out the candles while everyone sings happy birthday. Mind you, not the patrons of the restaurant but my friends. Lucas, Jet, and Trevor. Oh, and their significant others, Abby and Quinn. And could someone please tell me why Caleb’s here? Because I have no damn clue. He’s the owner of our record label,Morris Music, and our boss. I suddenly want to slap myself upside the head when it dawns on me. Caleb must feel obligated since he’s standing with me at Lucas’s wedding next Saturday.

“Happy Birthday, dear Willoooooowwww, Happy Birthday to you! Now blow out the candles and don’t spit on the cake.” Trevor, he’s my cousin and he’ll never let me live that one down. I was like seven years old, but he loves teasing me to no end.

Taking in a deep breath, I get ready to blow all the candles out in one shot when Quinn screams, “Don’t forget to make a wish!” That’s when tears welled in my eyes, absolutely out of fucking nowhere. Now, I’m staring at this beautiful cake with pretty pink frosting. My vision blurs as I stare at the flickering candles. Did I mention I hate birthdays? Hate them!

Absentmindedly, my hand seeks the locket around my neck for some much needed reassurance. After a quick hesitation, Jet blows out the candles and the room goes eerily quiet. It’s not Quinn’s fault. She has no way of knowing.

I can hear the hushed whispers in the background, and for the life of me I can’t face them. Knowing that one of my friends has to explain to her why making wishes is such a waste of time. They never come true anyway. Ever!

Mom has regret written all over her face. She knows this is one surprise that should have never happened. It was supposed to be just the two of us. Now she’s avoiding me at all costs because she knows if she touches me, I’ll break down in front of everyone. So she busies herself with cutting the cake. No one dares breathe, except for Caleb, as he places his hand on the small of my back and guides me out the door. To be honest, I didn’t think he had it in him since he’s normally arrogant and standoffish. Maybe that’s exactly what I need. Someone impartial who doesn’t know why I’m having this sudden meltdown over something as stupid as making a wish. If he only knew.

He guides me to a secluded corner of the outside dining area. Away from curious stares in case I lose my shit. I won’t, not in front of him. My family and friends, hell yeah, but not him. I hadn’t realized I was still clutching my necklace until he grabs my hand. When he does, I get a funny feeling in the pit of my stomach. His touch is warm and strangely comforting. I feel the loss when he lets go to pull out a chair for me.

“It looked like you could use a bit of fresh air. I hope it wasn’t too presumptuous of me to bring you out here.” Funny how I never realized his voice is as smooth as whiskey.

“Actually, it was just what I needed. Thank you.” I’ve never seen him wearing anything but a suit and tie, but this casual look suits him well. He’s a very good-looking man.

I’m disappointed when he calls over the server. “I’d like a bottle of your best Cristal, please. Preferably 1997 if you have it on hand.”

The year I was born.

“We sure do. I’ll be right back.” And off she goes as if someone requests an expensive bottle of Cristal every day!

“You certainly pulled off this surprise party with dignity and grace, Willow. If it were me, I would have turned around and walked straight out the door. That’s where we differ. You didn’t want to hurt your mom’s feelings for throwing you this party. So you put on your fake happy face and went with the flow. I would have left my mom holding the bag.”

I’m not sure why he’s telling me all of this. I don’t know the man. Aside from business related meetings and a few other interactions, we don’t know each other on a personal level. In fact, this is the first time he’s spoken directly to me. It’s kind of weird if I’m being honest. He usually deals with the other members of the band while I just nod my head and go with the flow. Hmm, seems like I’ve been doing that a lot lately. Who the fuck am I kidding? I’ve done it all my life! I’m a total people pleaser.

Neither of us speaks as the waitress wheels in a cart with the champagne on ice with two crystal flutes. Christ on a cracker, they look expensive.

“Is there anything else I can get for you, sir?” Oh, the way she’s licking her lips, I have a good idea of what she’d like to give him.

“We’re all set, thank you.” He doesn’t give her a second glance as he grabs the flutes and pours our champagne. I can’t imagine how much this bottle of champagne has cost him.

After handing me my flute he raises his glass, and I’m suddenly giddy. “Happy twenty-fourth birthday to one of the most resilient women I know. And I say that sincerely. Here’s to many more.” He clinks his glass to mine and we both bring our lips to the rim, tipping back. The bubbles tickle my nose as the smooth, sweet flavor coats my tongue. Perfection.

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