Page 33 of The Summer Ultimatum

Eyeing him suspiciously, wondering what the hell he’s getting at, I snark in return, “Uh, you know the answer to that question.”

“Last I checked, people were getting degrees online. Isn’t that something you could do—and be on tour?”

“I suppose…” I ponder, wondering how I could make it work.

“Or you could always take a gap year. Isn’t that what kids these days are doing? Take a year, see if this music thing pans out, then go back to college when you’re done.”

Chuckling, I can’t believe my ears. “Who are you and what have you done with Charles Cartwright? Blink twice if you’ve been abducted by aliens and you’re stuck in there, Dad.”

This earns me a belly laugh.

When he finally catches his breath, he says, “Jax, you have the rest of your life to take the safe route. You’re only young once. This might be the biggest risk you’ve ever taken, but it might also be your greatest reward. Big things don’t happen unless we do the scary things.”

Well, if that isn’t a punch to the gut.

“Okay, point taken.” Shaking my head, I reach for the sandwich in front of me. “I’m already doing one scary thing today. In fear of jinxing myself, I’d rather not make any other big decisions until I know they’re actually an option.”

“Nothing has to be decided today, Jax. But I never want you to look back and wonder.”

As if on cue, my mom and sister choose that time to check in. “Hey, sweetie, there you are,” Mom says as she leans in for a hug. “How are you holding out?”

“I’m good,” I admit honestly. “I plan to go out there and leave it all on the stage; the rest is out of my control.”

“That’s a great attitude.” Emily grins, then pulls out her phone and leans toward me. “Let’s take a selfie. You can post it on your socials. People are begging for proof of life. You’ve been radio silent all day.”

“Uh, I’ve been a little busy,” I say in defense.

Holding out her phone, she smirks. “Smile, or you’ll look like an ass.”

“Emily,” Mom admonishes, though we all laugh.

She captures the perfect shot and says, “I’ll just tag you. This is the perfect before shot.”

“Before… As opposed to?” I ask, uncertain of what she’s talking about.

“After you’re famous.” She leans in obnoxiously as if I should be following her train of thought to crazy town.

Laughing at her obnoxiousness, I shove her face away. “Shut up. You have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Oh, big brother, I know exactly what I’m talking about. Mark my words.”

Laughing, I must admit, my family knows how to get my mind off everything.

* * *

I’m standing off stage,waiting for the band ahead of me to finish, when I feel someone tap me on the shoulder. Turning, I’m surprised to find Sloane’s beautiful face.

What a sight for sore eyes.

God, I’ve missed her.

Leaning in so that only I can hear, she whispers, “I don’t want to bug you as you get in the zone, but this is the first chance I’ve had to check in. You doing okay?”

Reaching for her hand, I squeeze it tight. “I’m better now that you’re here.”

“I can’t wait for you to show the world who Jax Cartwright is. Your song choice is perfect, and I for one think you’re gonna kill it.”

The band before me hits their final note, and neither of us can speak over the noise. Sloane uses this time to lean in and kiss my cheek. I know she’s working, but it means the world to me that she took this time to check on me.

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