Page 102 of Crimson Desires

“What’s going on?” I pressed.

Aster brushed a lock of blonde hair behind her ear. She drew her knees up to her chest, hugging them tightly. “So, I guess my dad is getting emergency surgery tomorrow.”

My heart plummeted in my chest. The air in the bus chilled.

“What happened?”

“I have no idea. I think Melinda told me, but I couldn’t really focus on what she was saying. I know that it’s urgent but treatable. And I know that the doctors misquoted Melinda the first time. The cost of the surgery is going to be twice what we expected.” Aster’s voice shattered. “I have no fucking idea how I’m going to pay for it.”

Aster squeezed her eyes shut, shoving her face into her arms. Sobs wracked her body, pitiful little noises leaving her with each hiccup and cry. I tried to put my hands on her shoulders, but she slapped me away.

“Fuck off, Jack.”

“Shit, sorry.”

Aster shook her head. “No, I’m sorry. I know you’re just trying to help.” She picked up her head. Her tears flowed freely down her cheeks. Yet, her gaze was still strong. Still fiery. Still Aster. “Melinda said that Dad might have been neglecting his medications.”

“Why would he do that?” I asked.

Aster’s smile was pure misery. “Because I wasn’t there to remind him to take them.”

“Aster, no. That’s not your fault-,”

“Yes, Jack. It is. Fuck!” Aster smacked her hands into her head. She closed her eyes and took a few steadying breaths. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to ruin the mood or anything like that.”

“Fuck the mood,” I said. “Aster, all we care about is making sure that you’re okay.”

“Don’t. You don’t have to worry about me,” Aster said. “I’ll be fine. Tour ends in less than a week. Once it’s over, I’ll go back home, and I’ll figure my shit out. Just like I’ve been doing for the past five fucking years.”

“Aster-,”

“How much longer until we’re in Louisville?” Aster asked.

Kane sucked in his cheeks. “About two hours.”

“Great. Well, if nobody minds, I’m going to take a nap in the back.”

“Of course, Aster. Take all the time you need,” Kane said.

Aster thanked him under her breath. Then, she stood up and shakily made her way to the bus’s rear lounge. I tried to follow her, but Kane stopped me.

“Don’t,” he said firmly. “Give her some time.”

“I can help her.”

“Not now, you can’t. I know your heart’s in the right place. But unless you want to have your ass beat by a five-foot-four merch girl, you’ll listen to me. Give her some time, Jack.”

I didn’t want to listen to Kane.

But I knew he was right. So, I swallowed my impulses.

A little voice in the back of my head spoke to me. This is Aster’s reality, Jack. This is what she is so afraid of. This is what she has been afraid of this entire time. This is why you and she could never work.

I silenced the voice with a shake of my head.

I knew that falling in love with Aster wasn’t going to be easy. But in just three weeks, she had convinced me to change. She motivated me to become a better, more caring person. And if Aster was a girl worth changing for, then she was a girl worth fighting for, too.

I was sure that Aster and I deserved our happy ending.

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