Page 468 of Rock Me All Night
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Iwake to an empty house. The glory of this place is utterly lost on me. The sunshine, the warm air, the crystal clear aqua pool—it's all lost on me. I can barely smell the chlorine. Barely taste my coffee. It's not that he's gone. Not exactly.
He must be worried. Scared. My stomach refuses to settle. I'm scared for him. I shoot him the most low-keyI'm absolutely not checking on youtext I can muster.
Willow: Hey. How is everything? Call me if you need to talk.
No response.
No response while I kill time watching a movie.
No response when I dress, pack my suitcase, and take an Uber to Kara and Drew's brunch spot. They're both ecstatic when they arrive. Kara takes every opportunity to show off her engagement ring. But she's much more excited by the fresh ink on her shoulder. A key. And Drew has the matching lock on his shoulder. When they press against each other, the key and the lock connect.
And here I thought they couldn't get more adorable.
I muster up enough enthusiasm they don't interrogate my mood. Don't get me wrong. I'm happy for them. It's just hard for the happiness to get through all the dread in my gut. For Tom or because of him? The only thing I'm sure of is how much I need him.
Drew and Kara spend the entire day showing off Santa Monica, Venice Beach, and Marina Del Rey. The loose collection of cities west of the 405 is called the Westside and it's beautiful. Everything is clean. The sun shines big in the bright blue sky. The air tastes of salt. The breeze blows over the streets, tempering the heat.
Even with all the nerves in my stomach, I fall for the city. I want to be here. Near my brother and all the people who are becoming my friends.
It's the perfect place to set up a studio.
But not if things get messier with Tom.
Still no response.
Still no response at dinner.
Or when we get ice cream after.
Or when we go back to Drew's place and pick out classic romanceSabrinafrom the many streaming options. My brother, the good fiancé. He doesn't object to watching something about feelings.
Halfway through the movie, my phone buzzes in my pocket. I nearly jump out of my seat.
Tom: Results are inconclusive. Mom has to have another test in a few weeks. It should be right after we finish the tour.
Willow: Are you okay?
Tom: Yeah. You alone?
Willow: With Drew and Kara.
Tom: Too bad. I was going to send you a naughty picture.
Willow: Do it anyway. Please.
Tom: Thinking about it.
Willow: They got a couple's tattoo. It's disgustingly cute.
Tom: Tsk. Tsk. You should be happy for your brother, kid.
Willow: I am.
Tom: Would you ever get a couple's tattoo?
Willow: With you or with someone else?
