Page 47 of Until the End

My words seem to help Carson relax. He puts his arm around my shoulders and pulls me close. It’s only hitting me now that we need to talk about all of this. My career is going to get in the way of our relationship. How will we navigate the distance and travel?

I don’t get a chance to think about that before my phone rings.

“Hey, Chels. What’s up?” I move from the couch to a quiet corner of the backyard.

“Sorry to interrupt your day with a call, but I have something to share with you.”

Her grave tone makes my stomach sink. “What’s going on?”

“So…you got a letter. Obviously, you get a lot of those, but this one is different. I’ve already sent it to Daren to investigate, but he wanted me to tell you. We think it’s from your stalker.”

“How do you know that?”

“They sent pictures of you and Carson together on your date and…well…let’s just say, they aren’t happy about your new relationship. In every one, Carson’s face is scratched out with red Sharpie.”

“Jesus. That’s scary. Was there a note or anything?”

“Uh, yeah. On the back of one of the pictures, it says,You’re mine.”

Shudders rack my body. This is a nightmare. “Is Daren in contact with the police, too?”

“Yep. He called them after I sent him the images. I’m so sorry, Ginny. You don’t deserve to have this wacko doing this to you.”

“No, I don’t.”

“The good news—if you can call it that—is the postmarkwas from LA, and the photos were the same ones from the article, so I don’t think they’re close to you.”

“That’s a small comfort, I suppose. I need to set up time to meet with Mariana, though.”

“Yeah, I don’t love that you have to come back, but if we’re all hyperaware of the dangers, I’m sure we can protect you.”

“I really appreciate you having my back, Chels. I don’t know where I’d be without you and Tanya.”

“We love you. Of course we’re going to be there for you. I’ll keep you updated on a flight schedule once we have solid dates. Do you want me to schedule time in the studio?”

“Yes, please. Can you please coordinate with Henry’s schedule, too?”

“You’ve got it. We’ll talk later.”

Chapter 27

Goose,

I can’t believe you’re leaving for Nashville next week. It doesn’t seem real to me that I won’t get to see you every day anymore. I’m going to miss you so fucking much.

You have to swear you’re going to call and that you won’t forget about me when you’re rich and famous. You’ll always be my best friend, no matter how far away you live or how much money you make.

If you ever need me, you know you can call. I don’t care if it’s three in the morning or you’re across the world from me, I’ll answer.

I love you.

—Duck

Chapter 28

Carson

“You look like Mirabelle when we don’t let her have a popsicle.”

---