Page 90 of Versions Of Us

I let out a relieved chuckle as she hangs up the call.

Then a new wave of panic hits me as I feel the weight of a hand on my shoulder. I spin around bracing myself for impact, my left fist raised high. I’m met with EJ’s wide green eyes as he holds both palms up in the air.

“Henley! Dude! What the hell?”

I press my palm to my forehead as embarrassment rushes through me. “God, EJ. I’m so sorry.”

“It’s fine. What the hell happened back there?” He still doesn’t seem angry, just genuinely anxious.

“I wish I could explain it. I’m so sorry. I fucked up the set. I shouldn’t …”

“Forget the set. I finished the last song as an acoustic.” EJ cuts me off. “Are you alright?”

EJ has every right to be pissed at me, but I should have known he would only be concerned for my well-being. He’s always put friends and family first. Before work, before music. Before anything else. Sometimes I hate how understanding my best friend can be. I don’t deserve his loyalty.

I suck in a breath and nod. “Yeah. I think so.”

“I’m worried about you. Kristen told Liv you’ve been skittish lately.” He places a hand on my shoulder, and I flinch, only proving his point.

Great. I know Kristen talking about me to Liv only comes from a place of concern, but it makes me mad regardless. I can’t have the entire town thinking I’m a head case, even if I’m resembling one more and more with every passing day.

“Look, it’s understandable given what you’ve been through. Have you ever talked to someone about it?” EJ asks. “You know you can always talk to me if you need to.”

“I don’t want to talk about it,” I say, my voice low. “I can’t.”

“For what it’s worth, I really think you should.” EJ sighs, knowing he isn’t going to get a further response from me on the subject. “But for now, you wanna drink about it?”

I’m not entirely sure it’s a great idea to go back to the tavern right now. The way Dylan has been riding me lately, I’m probably more likely to wind up behind it than throwing back beers at a table.

But then again, I live there. What choice do I really have?

“Yeah. Let’s go.”

Chapter 38

KRISTEN

Watching Henley on stage had sparked an old flame from somewhere within me, that for just a moment had burned brighter than the wildfire of rage I’d felt in his absence.

I’m not ready to forgive him for his blatant lack of consideration for me all those months ago, whether what EJ had alluded to is true or not. I want to stay mad at him but seeing him thrash that drum kit, the way he’d fed from the crowd’s energy, it had reminded me of our carefree days.

I’d caught a glimpse of that fun-loving guy that had always been the life of the party. I want to believe that he’s still in there somewhere, that this imposter has him buried just below the surface.

It’s almost midnight now. The noise from the carnival died down a little while ago. The only people left wandering the streets are the teenagers not old enough to buy a drink at the tavern, most likely debating where the after party should be.

I’d said goodbye to Chase after declining his offer to drive me back to my apartment. The night is still, the air warm. This is the perfect time to wander along the river.

I follow the winding path toward the water, the trees bent over, their branches like limbs reaching for each other in the darkness. I pause when I see a figure draped across the park bench up ahead, contemplating whether it’s safe to continue further.

But then an arm flings out sideways revealing a familiar pattern of tattoos. I sigh, then push forward, knowing this version of Henley I’m about to meet isn’t going to be my favourite.

He’s lying on his back on the park bench, his knees up, one arm serving as a pillow behind his head, the other flailing out to the side. He doesn’t move when he sees me standing above him. Even in the dim light of the moon his eyes are ice blue.

“What are you doing out here, Henley?” I ask him, not really expecting an answer.

“Wanted to see the stars,” he answers, his gaze still on the sky overhead. There’s a slight slur in his voice that lets me know he’s been drinking. “There were no stars where I was.”

“What do you mean?” I ask, unsure if I should even try to decipher his drunken babble.

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