Page 94 of Hard Rock Love
“So do other rock bands,” I pointed out.
“Cherry Lips is something else. They’re always either in the studio, or traveling for shows, or they’re off doing a million media appearances. But then they also spend a lot of time drinking and partying, getting into trouble and having their crazy hijinks shared all over the internet.” Everly pushed her hot pink hair away from her strained face. “Being in the public eye, doing all those one-off shows for fans, constantly obsessing over their work, putting aside everything to focus on the music, using every opportunity to get media attention… All of that changes a person.”
“But you and Julian made it work.”
“We used to be in a band together,” she said. “So I get it. As hard as it is to be with him, I understand what it’s like.”
“And you think I don’t?” I snapped.
“I know you do!” she shouted. “Because I did it to you!”
I was shocked into silence.
“I was so obsessed with fame, with hitting it big, so determined to prove myself, that I ignored everything else.” Everly’s voice wavered. “Including my little sister.”
“But Seth isn’t you,” I argued.
“No. He’s worse,” she said. “Do you know he once filled in for the band he was opening for? Their drummer got sick and couldn’t finish the tour. So Seth was asked to fill in. He jumped at the chance.”
“I’m not surprised,” I said. “Seth always likes to help people.”
“But it wasn’t just once or twice,” Everly continued. “It was for the entire tour. Seth played an entire opening set with Cherry Lips, then he turned around and did a full set plus multiple encores with Darkest Days. Do you know how many hours he had to play in a row, every night, formonths? He was so flattered to be asked, so excited about the opportunity to fill in for August Summers, one of the best drummers out there. He knew having a member of Cherry Lips playing with Darkest Days on stage would help launch their band into the spotlight. There was no way he could say no, even though he must have known how exhausting it would be. Even though he knew how much of a toll it would take on his body.”
“Did he hurt himself?” I asked in a hushed voice, the thought making my stomach churn.
“Not permanently, thank god,” she said. “But Julian said it took months to recover from the exhaustion and strain. But Seth didn’t care. To him it was worth it. It was worth going through all that because he was able to help. He earned a favor from Darkest Days and he got tons of attention for Cherry Lips.”
“He always thinks of others before himself,” I murmured.
“And then there’s that volunteering thing,” she added. “He’s already so busy, and yet he agreed to fill in for Morris at that youth center because he likes the guy and couldn’t say no. Honestly, I have no idea when he sleeps.”
“I understand what you’re saying,” I told Everly. “I really do. But things like that are the reason why I love him.”
Everly’s entire body jerked, even as my own eyes went wide at the admission.
“What did you just say?” she asked.
I hadn’t meant for it to come out that way but saying it out loud solidified it.
“I love Seth,” I told her. “This isn’t some silly crush. I’m serious about him. And he’s serious about me.”
Everly’s eyes bugged out. “He told you he loves you?”
My cheeks pinked.
“No,” I said in a small voice. “I haven’t told him, either. You’re the only one who knows.”
Everly inhaled with a hissing sound through her teeth. She starting tapping her fingers against her hip, lips pressed together in a line. I sensed her wavering. I jumped at the chance.
“I get why you’re worried,” I said. “But you don’t have to be. Yes, things are busy now, but it will calm down eventually. It won’t always be like this. People like CEOs and doctors have busy schedules too and they still have relationships.”
“Do you even know the kind of shit that band gets up to?” Everly said. “Gael and Nathan trashing hotel rooms is the least of it. And the media is always there with their cameras out.”
“You can’t just keep throwing excuses at me,” I said. “Yes, dating Seth is going to be hard. I’m prepared for that. You’re going to have to accept that I’m an adult and I can make my own decisions.”
With gritted teeth, Everly rubbed her face with her hand, then grimaced as she realized she’d smudged her eyeshadow.
“It’s not up to you who I date,” I continued while her guard was down. “I would prefer if it was with your blessing, but I’m willing to date Seth without it.”
