Page 116 of When We Break

“I can’t believe how fast the time has gone,” I agree and smile at Dani as she joins us. She wraps her arm around my waist and gives me a wee hug. “You know, I rarely get nervous before a performance, but I can admit that I’m terrified this time.”

“Don’t be,” Erin assures me as she rubs her hand up and down my back. Aye, I love this community I’ve found myself in. “You’re a brilliant performer. I saw you once in New York City when I went with my family on vacation.”

I blink at her in surprise. “You never told me that.”

“I didn’t want to make it weird.” She shrugs. “I come from a famous family, and I know that sometimes people say awkward things. But I can confidently tell you that I’ve seen you in action, and you havenothingto worry about, my friend.”

I’m reminded almost daily how wonderful it is to be a part of Bitterroot Valley and the friends I’ve made here.

“Thank you.” I take a deep breath. “We leave tomorrow.”

“Dani said that the whole family is going?” Erin asks, and Dani nods.

“They are, yes. I was afraid to ask it of them, if I’m being honest. I knew I wanted Beck there. Having the rest of his family would have been a dream, but asking it of them felt like an imposition.”

“Yeah, going to Europe to watch my insanely talented friend dance for the freakingking and queenis a huge pain in our ass.” Dani shakes her head at me. “Honey, we love you. You’re part of us now. If Beckett loses his mind and ever lets you go, we’re keepingyouand sending him out to pasture.”

Okay, that makes me giggle.

“I love all of you, too,” I reply and lean over to kiss her cheek.

“How are things with Beck?” Erin asks.

“They’re amazing. We’re in love. I never would have expected that I’d have to move all the way to Montana to find the man I’m supposed to be with, but that’s what happened.”

“It’s romantic,” Erin replies. “And I’m so happy for you. We’ll be watching you here, I promise. We’re all rooting for you. Don’t stress, it’s going to be amazing. And when you get home, we’ll have a big party to celebrate.”

Home. When I get home.

Because Bitterroot Valley is absolutely my home.

“Thank you.”

Erin smiles and then gathers her daughter and the two of them leave.

“Birdie and I are headed out, too,” Dani says. “I have to finish packing. We’re meeting at the airport at eight?”

“Last I heard, yes.”

“I’ve never flown on a private plane before. It can get us all the way to London?”

“It’s the largest plane in the fleet,” I reply. “It’s so big, we won’t even have to stop anywhere for fuel.”

“Crazy,” she says, shaking her head. “Thank you again for including us. And I want to make it very clear to you that I’m friends with you, Iloveyou because of who you are as a human, Skyla. It has absolutely nothing to do with your money or this trip.”

I blink at the tears that want to form and yank her into a tight hug. “I know it.”

“I’m sure that people have tried to use you or been manipulative?—”

“Hey.” I pull back and brush my hand down her pretty dark hair. “Aye, they’ve done all of those things, but I’m good at choosing the right people to have in my life. You’ve been my friend since I came to town and no one knew anything about me. You just welcomed me into your friend group, and made me feel like I belong here.”

“Youdobelong here,” Dani insists.

“I want you to come to London because you’re my support system. You and Bee are my best friends in the whole world. Don’t tell Mik.”

Dani laughs at that.

“It’s handy that my family has more money than God Himself, and all I have to do is say the word to have you all with me. I know that I’m a lucky girl. And I’m so grateful that you’re coming because I’m going to need a pep talk before that performance.”

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