Page 148 of Need You Now

A laugh from the sidelines. Sal and Luke cautiously entering the kitchen.

“Still getting used to this,” Sal quips, smiling, waving a finger between Lacey and Seth. “The two of you ...”

“Just like high school,” Luke drawls. “Walkin’ in and findin’ Seth with girls in the kitchen.”

Seth rolls his eyes.

Lacey laughs. She looks at Seth and Luke. “How was practice?”

“Practice was a hell of a time,” Luke says, looping his arm around Sal. “Ready to get in the studio and finally record this damn album.”

Seth nods, echoing his brother’s sentiment.

Today felt like he found his groove again. Like he belongs.

Seth rubs his hands together, eager for one last night of vacation. “Well, what’s on the agenda tonight? Hot tub? Pool?” He chuckles at Sal, who stands leaning tiredly against Luke. “Although, I ain’t so sure this one’ll make it.”

Lacey peers at her sister. “Sal, you look half-asleep.”

Luke cups Sal’s shoulders. “I’ve been tryin’ to tell her that all day.”

Sal scowls. “Everyone stop.” She swivels a finger across the group. “When I have this baby, it’s all over for you. I’m kickin all of y’all’s asses.”

Ping.

Everyone looks around, looks at Lacey, but she shakes her head. “Don’t look at me. My phone’s at the bottom of the lake.”

Sal, staring at her phone in her hands, sucks in a harsh breath.

“Darlin’?” Luke takes a step forward, his eyes on her stomach.

A flash of Sal’s phone. The front page of the Nashville Star screams: Country Singer Beau Dallas Checks into Rehab for Alcohol and Drug Abuse.

The headline has them all stunned, the lighthearted atmosphere suddenly somber.

“I feel bad for him,” Sal says gently. Then her eyes land on Lacey. “Almost.”

Seth stares at Lacey, understanding what Sal means. Lacey almost died. Beau could have killed her. He’ll never forgive the guy. But he’s glad Beau’s getting help. It’s the best thing he could do.

Luke grunts, sliding a hand over the back of his head. “I could give a sliver of a fuck about Beau after what he did to Lacey, but it’s about damn time that guy’s bein’ honest with himself.”

The words hit Seth in the chest, hard.

Honesty.

That’s what Luke wants.

It’s what Seth needs.

Time to get in front of the past. Face it. Confess. No matter how painful, no matter what happens. He owes Luke the truth.

Because, in another life, he could have been Beau. But he isn’t. Not anymore.

Steeling himself, Seth exhales a hard breath. “Y’all, I gotta tell you somethin’.”

Picking up on his mood, Lacey drifts to his side. She slips her hand into his. Her long fingers twin with his, linking, squeezing. Seth closes his eyes for a beat; he’s never been so thankful for her support. Her strength.

Luke’s brow furrows. He leans down, resting his elbows on the counter to meet his brother’s gaze. “It about Beau?”

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