Page 86 of Debts and Desires
“You plannin’ on leavin’ me?”
“Never.” Her cheeks turned crimson, but she recovered. “I, uh, just miss driving. I know we moved the schedule around and I said—” I cut her off with a kiss.
“Soon, baby, I promise.”
A few weeks ago, when I first looked at it, I lied and told her that the car was giving me a hard time. It wasn’t, it was an easy fix. But I was terrified that if her car was done, she’d leave. And now I felt bad. I knew soon I’d pretend to work on it and get it ready to go for her. It seemed to be enough because she nodded, kissed my cheek and headed back over to the truck I had been working on. At least I was. My shin caught on the hitch.
“Fuck!”
“Are you okay?”
“No. I’m done,” I gritted. “We’re goin’ home. Now.” I could see the little brat biting back her smile again.
34. GOT IT BAD
October 22
Day Fifty-Six
198 Hours to Go
After eating a late lunch, we found ourselves down in the basement, getting ready to watch a movie. At least we were until the remote stopped working. That was the final straw to a stupid fucking day.
Emmy did her best to hide it, but I knew she was laughing at my expense, which only agitated me more. “What’s so damn funny?” I snapped, my brow furrowed. I wasn’t really mad, but I knew she found it amusing. Little brat.
“Nothing,” she said, still chuckling.
“Don’t sound like nothin’.”
“You’re just not having a good day today.” I grunted in response, trying the remote once more. It still didn’t work.
“Fuck this,” I said, tossing the damned thing on the couch as I stood. I grabbed Emmy, throwing her over my shoulder and carrying her up both flights of stairs. We had just made it into the bedroom when my phone rang. I looked at it and put Em on her feet before I answered with a curt, “Yeah?” I held her tight.
“You still comin’ tonight?” Tyler asked. I’d forgotten he wassupposed to call, which made me mad on all fronts. I’d rather be balls deep in Emogen, but I needed to go through with this.
“Should be.”
“Don’t forget to ask Em,” he chuckled.
“Okay, okay, I’ll ask.” I looked at her. “Tyler’s act for the night is a no show. Do you want—” she was out of my arms and out the door, heading for her room. “Thanks man, we’ll be there soon,” I said, ending the call and trailing after Emmy.
“I need to shower, get dressed, and put on some makeup. Then I’ll be ready to go. Maybe like twenty?” she said when I entered, already diving into the wardrobe, looking for an outfit.
“Alright,” I agreed, lingering in the doorway. “I’ll hop in my shower and meet you downstairs?” She nodded. As I retreated, a mischievous thought crossed my mind, and I couldn’t resist wrapping my arms around her from behind.
“Wecouldstay home,” I murmured, peppering kisses along her neck. She paused, and I could see her debating it. Then Emmy laughed.
“No, Carter.” She pulled away, playfully swatting. “We’re going.” Sighing in mock defeat, I raised my hands in surrender before slipping out of her room.
I waited until I heard the water start before darting downstairs. Emmy started warming up as she showered and it made me smile. I loved hearing her voice. I loaded my guitar into the back of the Blazer, covering it with a blanket before getting ready myself.
What Emmy didn’t know was that I had set the performance up with Ty, staging it to look like it was a coincidence. I’d been planning to do it since the fair. Seeing that longing for the stage in her eyes and my need to give her the world sparked my plan.
And then she sleepily told me she loved me and that need grew more.
I’d give her the world.
That night when we arrived home from the fair, I grabbed her notebook and snuck pictures of her music. Then, I headed to the basement where I started to learn the songs. I did it every nightwhen I was sure she was out cold. I talked to Tyler the next day and set it all up.
