Page 11 of Won't Let You Go (Sin Valley)

TWELVE

Erin

The next morning,Molly bursts into my room.“At least I know why you didn’t want to talk last night.”

She hands me coffee, then her phone.

I look at the screen and I wish I hadn’t.

But morbid curiosity keeps me scrolling.There are photos.And hashtags.

Then there’s the video.

I press play and my heart skips a beat whenLast Smiledrifts through the speaker.

The camera is focused on Mick, staring in my direction—a sad expression on his face—nothing like the grin that lit him up when I walked in.Then then the shot pivots until it settles on me.

And I couldn’t have been more obvious if I’d tried.

What had I been thinking, going back to see him.For staying?

It won’t be long before someone outs me.

What was supposed to be a quiet little trip down memory lane has become a need for damage control.

“I’d better get home.I’ve got some explaining to do.”

“Are you going to be okay?”Molly asks.

“I don’t know.”

The coffee is nearlyready when my mum walks into the kitchen.

“Morning, Mum.”

“Morning.You’re back awfully early, something wrong?”

“Have a seat,” I say while handing her a mug of steaming coffee.

“Oh dear.”

“It’s not terrible.At least, I don’t think it is.So, the band I went to see?—”

“Twice.”

“Yes twice.Well, Mick Russell is the drummer.”

“Mick…that boy who?—”

“Yes.”I cut her off because I can’t handle her saying it out loud.“Anyway, a song was dedicated to me, and a video went viral overnight.And I want you, Dad, and Chloe to be prepared.”

“Is it anything to be ashamed of?”

“No, of course not.It’s just…once someone spills the beans and identifies me, we could lose our privacy for a while.”

“I see.”

“I’m sorry.”

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