Page 72 of Safety Net
"I'm saying it because it's true," Lincoln said. "And whatever happens with your musical, you've already shifted the balance of the universe. You've already made your mark. You don't need proof of that."
"You all are sickeningly sweet," Halle said with her chin resting in her hand as she admired everyone in the household.
"I really want to fucking hate it," Kaya chimed in. "But I can't."
Halle sighed. "I know."
"It's easier said than done," Jack agreed.
Henrik laughed. "Alright, we'll wrap it up. Lincoln?"
"Right," Lincoln said, having to tear his gaze away from me. "We all have to dip our spoons in at the same time. When you do, you make a wish for Celeste."
"It's vital that it's at the same time," Henrik said. "Otherwise, it won't work and we'll be cursed forever.”
"Jeez, no pressure," Aderyn said.
"Okay, focus, you guys." Sam held up three fingers, ready to count down. "Ready positions."
They all held the spoons out, reaching over the counter to claim a spot on the edge of the star.
"Me too?" I asked Henrik.
Henrik nodded with a smile. "Of course."
Lincoln placed a hand on my back, holding me steady as I reached a shaky hand forward. Sam counted us down. We all dipped into the cake. I had no solid evidence, but a part of me knew we'd taken our spoonful at the same time. A part of me understood every single person in this room wanted the best for me. They'd do whatever they could to make it happen. And I'd do the same for them in a heartbeat.
I was a part of a tapestry. A string of thread in this complicatedly beautiful design. And as we all ate our bites, the reality of being connected washed over me. Their wishes became cloaks over my doubts. The good intentions burned out the darkness.
"I'm so much better at music than words, so I know this might not…communicate everything I want," I said softly, forcing myself to talk because I needed to try to get them to understand how they'd changed a part of me forever. "But this summer has meant everything to me. What you guys have done… I'm never going to be able to thank you enough, but… I won't ever stop trying."
"Celeste." Naomi smiled. "That right there is more than enough."
"A little post-partying could also show us how much you love us," Lincoln teased, breaking through the heaviness with ease.
"Oh, this is going to be good." Ellis smiled at the idea of me at a party.
"Let's get it started," Sam said, picking up a shot glass and holding it towards me in a salute. "To new friends, good music, and dreams coming true."
We cheered, downed our respective drinks, and the room became alive again with overlapping voices.
Lincoln hugged me from behind and kissed my cheek before asking, "You okay?"
"More than," I promised, covering my hand over his and finally feeling like it for the first time.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
LINCOLN
The plan for the night was to bar hop, and Celeste surprised us all by agreeing to join. Sam, Naomi, and Ellis pulled out their phones, narrowing down the list of places to visit. Since Celeste was on board, they dedicated themselves to crafting the best experience for her. She wasn't drinking, so I busied myself making her a mocktail and then a cup of tea before we headed out.
"Might help some with the nerves," I offered her the warm cup.
"Thank you." She tilted her head up for a kiss.
"It's better this time," I promised with a knowing smile.
She laughed. "I'm sure you've been practicing hard."
