Page 63 of Living for Truth
Morgan ordered a plain Dr. Pepper while I added coconut rum to mine. I wanted to get something stronger, but I want to have a clear head when I tell him how I feel.
Emma leaves the person she was talking to, and Elli leads us through the crowd to the front right as Wes walks out on stage. The crowd cheers, and he grins, waving to everyone as he settles in.
“Hey there, Salt Lake City! Thanks for the warm welcome. I’m Wes Jones, and I’m excited to play for you tonight. This first song is one you may know. It’s dedicated to the most special girl in the world and the love of my life.”
Wes singsLove Bug,his eyes locked on Elli’s the entire time. The crowd sings along with him, practically drowning him out, but he doesn't even seem to notice. He’s so focused on my cousin, it makes me want to tear up.
When he strikes the final chord, Elli blows him a kiss, which he pretends to catch and put in his pocket. He starts playing another original song, this one a bit more upbeat than the first.
Morgan stands behind me while we slightly sway to the beat. He leans down so he can speak in my ear, “He’s really fucking talented.” His breath ghosting across my ear makes me shiver.
“Yeah, he is. I think he’s going to go pretty far.”
The last song he plays is a cover ofgentleby Lexi Jayde, and even though I’ve heard the song before, the lyrics feel like a punch to the gut.
Could you please be gentle with me?
My heart is fragile, don't you see?
I can't take another break, take another burn
I don't want another lesson learned
Could you please be gentle with me?
I turn to look at Morgan, who’s already looking at me, and it feels like I can’t take a full breath. I want to stay and support the band, but I want to tell Morgan how I feel, too. I turn back to face the stage, and Elli nudges me.
Go,she mouths with an understanding smile. I wrap her in a hug and whisper thanks into her ear.
I look over at Emma, who comes and wraps me in a hug next. “You’ve got this, Hannah. Andpleasecall me tomorrow to tell me if he’s big everywhere.” She waggles her eyebrows suggestively, and I smack her lightly on the arm.
“I will not be doing that.”
She sticks her bottom lip out in a pout but holds a hand out to Morgan. “It was nice to meet you, Morgan. Take care of our cousin.”
Morgan shakes it but looks confused. “Are you leaving?”
“No, uh, I’m ready to go if you’re okay with it.” My cheeks flush, and I wish it was just from the alcohol.
Morgan nods. “For sure, Butterfly. Are you two going to be okay?” he says to Elli and Emma. God, this man is sofucking kind.
My cousins share a look, and Emma speaks for them. “She’s got Wes, and I’m probably going to have a night of orgasms with Leah, so yeah, we’ll be perfectly fine.”
Morgan gives them a solid nod, then grabs my hand and leads me out of the venue. He doesn’t let go of my hand until I’m getting into the car and he absolutely has to.
“Are you okay?” he asks once he settles into the driver’s seat.
“I don’t want to fake date anymore,” I blurt out.
Morgan’s eyebrows furrow. “Okay. Um, that’s fine. I thought we… Never mind. I’ll respect your wishes, Hannah. I still want to be friends though. Is that okay?”
Oh God. He doesn’t get it.
I shake my head. “No, I don’t want to be friends either. I want to be… Ilikeyou, Morgan.”
“I like you too, Butterfly.”
He’s always been open and honest with me. He deserves the same.
