Page 154 of Missed Notes (Rixon High 5)

“What? No. You have to play. You have to.”

“You really think I’d leave you to go play a gig? Have you not learned anything at all by now?”

Her expression turned determined. “Cole, you are going. If I have to call Jude and Mikey and get them to come and drag you out of here. I’ve already tipped your world upside down; I refuse to ruin this for you too.”

“Sofia—”

“No, Cole. It’s non-negotiable. You will go tomorrow, and you will kick ass, and then you’ll come back here and tell me all about it.”

“We’ll see,” I said, refusing to fully concede. But arguing was pointless. Sofia Bennet was stubborn to a fault, and I didn’t want her to get all worked up.

“The girls can video call me, so I’ll get to see it.” She smiled but it didn’t reach her eyes.

“There are more important things going on in your life than my stupid gig.”

Sofia lifted her hand, cupping my cheek. “Just because I have all… this happening doesn’t mean the things going on in your life aren’t important, Cole. It’s not a competition.”

“God, I lo—” I froze. Shit. I hadn’t meant for the words to slip out.

But now there they were, hanging between us.

“Cole…” A shy smile lit up her whole face.

“I won’t say it. Not if it’s too soon. I don’t want to scare you away.”

“Say it, Cole. I want to hear it.”

“Yeah?”

We’d moved closer. Our heads almost touching as I leaned over the bed slightly. I waited a second, drawing out the sweet anticipation.

“Cole.” She gave a frustrated huff. “I’ll change my mind if you—”

“Sofia Bennet, I love you.”

“Yeah?” It was a quiet, shaky question.

“Yeah. I know it’s probably way too soon to be even thinking the words, let alone saying them. But it’s what I feel, and I want you to know.”

“I love you too.” She kissed me. A gentle brush of her lips over mine. “I really do.”

“Thank fuck.” I chuckled. “Because that would have been really embarrassing if you didn’t say it back.”

“I can’t believe we said it.” Awe shone in her blue eyes.

“Now do you believe me when I say I’m all in?”

“Yeah.” She hugged me tighter. “I think I do.”

* * *

I hadto leave Sofia in the hospital. I didn’t want to, but her mom insisted I go home and get some rest. Only one person was allowed to stay with her overnight and I didn’t expect Mrs. Bennet to hand that privilege to me.

But home was the last place I wanted to be.

By the time I got back, it was late, and I’d hoped that my parents would already be asleep. Unfortunately for me, my dad was home this weekend. And even more unfortunate, he was awake when I slipped into the house.

“I’m in the kitchen,” he said.

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