Page 118 of Late Nights & Love Lines
“What’s going on?” I finally ask.
No one tears their gaze away from the fireworks. And if I didn’t know better, I’d say they’re actively avoiding eye contact.
Tipping my head back dislodges Sebastian’s chin from the top of my head. “What’s going on?” I whisper, somehow believing that he’ll always tell me the truth.
His smile is devastating.
Miles leans into my side, then peers up at me with honesty shining in his eyes. “It’s not a welcome home party without you, Row.”
The porcupine in my throat tosses out a few more quills.
“He’s right.” Sebastian’s voice is soft yet firm in the conviction of those two little words.
“But…” My voice is rough, like fresh sandpaper on a popcorn ceiling. “Tabby, all your friends are down there.”
My hands whip through the air in their manic need to dispel the emotions building within me.
“A lot of them, yes,” she says, without ever tearing her gaze away from the sparklers in the sky shooting rainbow-colored stars through the night. “But they don’t all need me right now.”
“Wh—what do you mean?”
“We gave you space, Row.” Stella shifts on the floor to smile up at me prettily. “But we saw you leaning on the balcony railing, staring at everything as though you wanted to be part of it, but something was holding you back.”
She’s right. I’ve been sitting up here warring with myself for an hour. Why do I have to be so messed up? It’s just a freaking party.
A welcome home party.
“Friendship is about meeting people halfway, Rowan.” Leo still hasn’t stepped onto the balcony, but his words boom through the night as if he’s right beside me. “We’re meeting you halfway.”
“But the party—it’s—everyone’s having a good time down there.” I’m not making any sense. I don’t even know what I mean to say.
“Down there, yes. But one of our lost souls still hasn’t fully entered the orphanage.” Stella grins. “So we brought the orphanage to her.”
“You brought…” My gaze jumps from person to person. Each expression’s filled with more love than the last, and the ache I’ve lived with since I was twelve years old is suddenly close to exploding.
“Yes.” Sebastian’s voice is low and even. “Miles was worried about you, so here we are.”
Miles was worried about me.
“Can I talk to Rowan alone for a minute?” Sebastian asks.
“Go easy on her, Dad.” Seren’s tone is serious, but the happiness on her face is kind. “She’s had a big day.”
As quickly as the balcony filled up, it empties. “I don’t understand,” I finally admit as Sebastian sits next to me.
His hand finds mine in the dark, and he twines our fingers together.
“We want you here, Rowan. But we’re all prepared for you to run, too, and we’re prepared to chase you.”
I attempt to tug my hand free, but he holds tighter.
“It’s what you’re used to,” he continues. “But there are other ways to live. I love you, Peach, but I don’t know how to keep you. The only thing I can do is show you what you have here, regardless of what happens between you and me.”
The damn porcupine has found some friends. My throat is raw from the emotional quills hammering away in it.
What does happen if Seb and I don’t work out?
“Rowan.” He doesn’t snap my name, but his command tells me he understands how quickly my mind can spiral.
