Page 189 of Hymns of the Broken
Dex nods, his voice gruff but kind. “We’re glad you’re alright, Sawyer, genuinely. Don’t feel you have to rush anything for us or the fans, okay?”
Shade chimes in, his voice lower. “We’re heading out in a bit—getting out of the house, giving you guys space. But you call, and we’re back ready to finish the tour. The fans will understand that family comes first.”
Jasper nods, grateful. “Appreciate it, man.”
I blink at them, warmth blooming in my chest—unexpected and a little overwhelming. I duck my head, smiling softly. “Thank you. I’m happy you’re here.”
Riot grins, elbowing Milo. “Told you she’s tougher than she looks.”
I catch Macee’s eye, and she pats the seat beside her. I make my way over, sliding in close. Without a word, she grabs my hand, holding tight under the table like she’s afraid I might float away. I squeeze back, clinging to her touch.
Macee leans over and stage-whispers, “So, on a scale of one to ten, how emotionally wrecked are we?”
I laugh, tears pricking at my eyes. “Somewhere around eight and a half. But breakfast is helping.”
Jace, mouth full of toast, grins at me. “You missed it, Sawyer—Macee tried to fight the driver for bringing food too slow last night. Thought she was gonna Hulk out.”
Macee shrugs, feigning innocence. “Some of us get hangry, okay? And you’ve never seen her when she’s really hungry.” She nods at me, and everyone laughs.
Ash points his fork at me, eyebrows raised. “Glad you’re here, Sawyer. Riot’s been insufferable without you.”
Riot leans back, arms spread over the back of his chair. “Yeah, well, now that she’s here, you’re all gonna have to deal with me being in a good mood. Sorry in advance.”
Silas, always quiet but sharp, gives me a long look over his coffee. “You need anything, Sawyer, anything at all, just ask. It doesn’t matter what it is.”
Jasper sits beside me, one hand finding my knee under the table, grounding me, reminding me I’m not alone. “You okay?” he asks, voice low, just for me.
I nod, breathing in the noise, chaos, and comfort. “I really am.”
Breakfast is a blur of conversation and laughter. Ash and Jace arguing about who can eat more pancakes, Dex and Milo sharing stories from past tours, Macee leaning into my side, never letting go of my hand.
At one point, Shade catches my eye and leans over. “You holding up okay?”
“Yeah. I am. Thanks for asking.”
He givesa small smile. “Cool. If you ever wanna learn to play guitar, just let me know. Best therapy there is.”
Riot leans in, teasing, “Careful, Shade. She’s got enough people fighting for her attention already.”
Macee groans, “Oh, shut up, Riot. She’s allowed to have hobbies.”
I laugh, softer now, but real. I look around at everybody, at Jasper, Riot, Macee and the boys. For the first time since everything went sideways, I feel like maybe I belong.
***
After breakfast, the house finally starts to settle—plates clatter in the kitchen. Someone’s got music going on low, something easy and classic. I’m curled up on the couch with Macee, still holding her hand, my body fitting against hers like it remembers all the years before men and heartbreak and monsters.
She bumps my shoulder, a glimmer in her eye. “You wanna go get some girl time today? Just us. Pool, music, maybe a drink if the guys don’t steal all the tequila?”
I almost said no. There’s a flicker of fear that feels like a bruise on my soul. But her eyes are kind, so I take a shaky breath and nod. “Yeah. But…” My gaze finds Riot and Jasper across the room, their presence like a lifeline. “Only if you two stay close. Please?”
Jasper’s already nodding. “We’re not going anywhere, Trouble. We’ll be right here.”
“Promise, Hellcat.” Riot says, assuring me.
Macee squeezes my hand, jumping to her feet. “Then it’s settled. Girl time. Come find me outside when you’re ready.”
I watch her go—long hair swinging, confidence in every step—and realize how lucky I am. Not everyone has a friend who can read the panic in your bones and know exactly what you need.
