Page 180 of Before We're More Than Friends
Until I met you.”
Tears burned in the back of my eyes from the emotions that coursed through my veins. As soon as we sang the last word, I restrained myself from pulling Raina into a kiss right then and there on the stage. However, the tears I’d been fighting trailed down my cheeks, and I covered my face with my hands. I’d managed to make it three minutes before embarrassing myself.
But this was a good reason to be embarrassed.
Raina wrapped me into another tight hug as she cried, her heartbeat roaring against mine. The rest of our bandmates joined our hug, tears running down Hayden’s and Arielle’s cheeks as well, and I nearly fell off the stage from how much weight was on me.
But I wouldn’t change it for the world.
“Wow, I think I’m going to cry, too,” Ivan said, his eyes glassy as he clapped. “That . . . I haven’t seen an emotional performance like that in a long time.” He flashed us a grin.
Sienna shrieked as if she were going to pass out. Arielle snorted.
“Let’s hear it for Like Airplanes!” Ivan shouted.
The audience roared, echoing my pounding heartbeat in my ears. Mom, Dad, Kami, and Toby cheered with the rest of our families.
Raina’s mom leaned her head on Raina’s grandpa with a huge grin.She and Raina have the same smile. My own smile grew as I wiped my tears away. For once, everyone looked so freaking happy together. Happy for us.
Man, I was so glad we hadn’t backed out.
It took me a moment to realize that my bandmates were leaving the stage. Raina brushed her hands against mine. “Time to go,” she said softly. Even though she’d been crying, her makeup was barely ruined.
As soon as we went backstage, Hayden pulled us into another hug. “We freaking did it!” he shouted as he nearly crushed my spine. “Bloody heck, you guys were so great, I’m surprised you didn’t combust and start making out on the spot.” He laughed as he pulled away. “Which is a good thing because I would’ve been pissed.”
I snorted. “We wouldn’t have done that to you.” I grinned at Raina, who grinned back at me. “Though it was tempting.”
“I don’t think I’ve ever felt so single in my life,” Oliver said before cringing. “Oh, gosh, I sound like a hopeless romantic.”
“What’s happening to us?” Sienna asked. “Dallas and Raina are about to suck face while Oliver hasn’t done it with anyone in a hot minute. Caleb hasn’t made one joke?—”
“And you were able to look Ivan in the eyes without turning into confetti,” Caleb said.
“I wouldn’t have turned into confetti!” Sienna’s cheeks flushed. “I’m very chill.”
“Until he starts coming around with his heaven-sent voiceand dreamy eyes.” Caleb fluttered his eyelashes and touched his chest. “Then you’re a goner.”
Sienna scoffed. “Let’s be happy that we performed well and didn’t make any mistakes.”
Arielle giggled. “And that we got Ivan’s attention.”
“Hey, this isn’t about Ivan!”
“Pretty defensive for not being about him,” Raina said.
Sienna sighed in defeat.
After waiting for the other four bands to perform—and a few stolen kisses with Raina here and there—the voting round started. Votes were limited to one vote per family, which meant we wouldn’t have the advantage of getting a lot of votes because of all the family members we had here.
After ten minutes of agonizing torture, the top five bands were announced so we could be on stage. When our name was called, we all bounced around before joining the other bands on the stage. Of course Joker Avenue was there, and Eddie had no problem giving us another smug look. Lauren had the audacity to wave at us, her smile cheery and confident.
“Don’t focus on them,” I told Hayden, who looked seconds away from either strangling Eddie or throwing up. I definitely had to keep myself from doing the latter.
Hayden let out a deep breath and gave me a small smile.
Ivan cleared his throat. “The winner of this year’s Battle of the Bands is . . .”
Nick performed his usual drumroll, building anticipation in the atmosphere.
