Page 73 of Unraveling Rain
At least… that’s the plan.
Chapter 20
Xander
After dinner and some more conversation, I notice the bar’s gotten even busier. The lights shift, and the stage is suddenly lit up with instruments.
I shoot Rain a confused look. “What’s going on? I thought tonight was karaoke?”
She grins wide, her gray eyes sparkling with excitement. “Yeah. We’re still doing karaoke. But since Merlin’s in town, we decided to playa song first.”
My eyes go wide. “Fuck yes. I get to see my badass girlfriend on the drums.”
Rain giggles, and I kiss her before she stands.
“We’ll be back in a bit,” she says as all the MacAllister siblings rise and make their way to the stage.
As the crowd realizes what’s happening, cheers and catcalls break out across the bar.
Gio slides into the seat next to me, giving me the perfect chance to talk to him.
“Hey, man, how’s it going?” I ask, pulling him into a half-hug.
“Good, good. Enjoying tonight?”
I nod, grinning. “I’m excited to see Rain.” I tilt my head toward the stage.
Gio chuckles as his eyes lock on his wife. She’s adjusting the mic stand whileMiles and River tune their guitars. Merlin runs a few warm-up notes on his violin, but I only have eyes for one person.
My girl.
Rain’s perched on a small stool behind the drum set. She’s wearing her signature Doc Martens, cutoff jean shorts, and a black tank top. Her hair’s tied back in a ponytail, and her tattoo sleeves are fully on display.
She’s pure magic.
“Hello, everyone,” Ruin says into the mic, earning a roar of cheers.
From the corner of my eye, I see Gio take out his phone to record. I shake myself from my Rain-induced stupor and do the same.
“We know tonight is karaoke night,” Ruin continues, “and everyone is excited to take a turn on the mic, but since our baby brother is home, we couldn’t pass up the chance to play together.”
She points toward Merlin, and he lets loose a few upbeat notes on the violin. Applause explodes across the room.
“This song,” Ruin adds, glancing my way, “is for my sister’s beau.”
The first few notes play, and I freeze.
I look at Rain. Her eyes are shining with emotion.
Holy shit. They’re playing a song for me.
Then Ruin sings softly:
“But you rescued me from reachin’ for the bottom,
and brought me back from being too far gone…”
My chest tightens. Emotion barrels through me, and I mouth the words to Rain:I love you.
