Page 80 of Make You Stay

It’s time for our big finale, and judging by the snow falling outside, the timing is perfect.

My nerves kick in as I suck in a deep breath to center myself. It’s one thing to perform someone else’s love song, but this one is mine. All my thoughts. All my feelings.

All for Chloe.

Go big or go home, right?

I position myself on the stool, guitar in hand. “We’re going to end with an original song I wrote last week. I hope you like it. Actually, I hope you love it.”

I could have continued with some elaborate dedication, but I believe the song will say all she needs to hear.

I only pray Chloe believes me. Sees how much I need her in my life.

For thefirsttime in my life, I question if I’m enough. If I’m somehow worthy of her devotion.

My voice is strong despite my internal fears as I sing the words I penned for the woman I love.

You’re a prayer, a religion, all the reasons I’ve been given

And I know you belong with me

I’m done fighting and denying, you’re a life I plan on trying

From now until the end of me

You can’t see it, but you’re the best parts of me

Life without you isn’t the same, and I know that I’m to blame

Because I let fear overrule my heart

But if you give me one last chance, I promise my love will last

From now until the end of me

A life with you is the only place I ever want to be

The song endswith a beat of silence before applause breaks out across the bar, coupled with several whoops of excitement. But I only care what one woman thinks.

Glancing up, I meet Chloe’s bright eyes and wide smile. She blows me a kiss, and I nod toward the back of the bar, desperate to have her in my arms.

The barkeep is closing early, but that’s fine by me. The sooner I get my gear packed, the sooner Chloe will be in my arms.

I’ve just placed my guitar in the case when arms wrap about my waist, hugging me close.

“I guess you approved—” my voice catches when I turn. It isn’t Chloe hugging me. It’s Barbara. “Barbara, what are you doing back here?”

She tightens her grip, even as I try to back away. “I had to come and tell you what a beautiful song you wrote. I just love it. You are such a romantic.”

“Thanks.” Is this where I mention I did not write it for her? Extricating her hands from my body, I give them a squeeze. “I have to get out of here. The storm is getting bad.”

“Not without a kiss first. I know you had to miss me alittlebit.” Her lips are against mine before I can even process the words.

But my eyes catch onething—Chloe in the doorway, her jaw slack with shock at the sight of our lip lock.

Pushing Barbara off me, I wipe my mouth and race after Chloe.

Fuckety fuck. Come on, universe. Give me a break.

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