Page 94 of Tracing Holland

“Holland!”

He grabs her arm as we pass, and I instinctively shove him away.

“She told you she was done.That especially means don’t touch her,” I warn.

“Stay out of it,” he returns, and I almost laugh.

“I’ve wanted nothing more since the beginning!You’re the one who keeps making it into something!”

This time there’s no doubt he swings first.I duck, but not fast enough to avoid his fist.I can’t believe I’m getting hit in the face by Wes Alton for the second time in a week.Spence is running toward us now, Holland’s shouting, but I barely notice any of it as I block his next blow and shove him back.

“You’re messed up, dude,” I mutter, trying to ignore the pulsating patch of skin swelling around my eye.Again.

I could demolish him.I know I could.Hell, his face is still a patchwork of evidence of what I can do when tested.I’ve done it a hundred times to guys twice his size, but this isn’t about him.It’s about the woman standing behind me, and right now I know that’s not what she wants.I know that love means I have to let that be enough.

“Don’t,” I warn when he straightens and starts toward me again.“I’m serious, Wes.Just leave.Now.I’m not letting you near her.”

“Holland, please!It’s only because I care about you!You know that!”

“Coworkers, dude,” I quip, blocking his path again.“Got it?”I search his face, making sure he understands how serious I am about protecting the people I love.“One more word and you’re off the tour.”

“Fuck you,” he spits, but at least turns and starts directing his fury in the opposite direction.We watch him go in silence, and it becomes obvious Spence has no clue what to do next.

“We’ll get through this,” Holland offers gently, acknowledging her drummer’s distress as well.

“I’ve never seen him like that,” Spence admits, staring back at Wes’ shrinking silhouette.“You ok?”he asks, turning to me.

“I’m fine,” I assure him, not missing his concern.

He shakes his head.“I guess I should go check on him.You gonna have him kicked off the tour?”

I sigh and cast a quick glance at Holland.“Only if that’s what she wants.”

“We’ll work it out, Spence, ok?”Holland assures him, squeezing his arm.

He nods, but doesn’t seem convinced.

“Can you just do us a favor and let them know we changed our minds about going out tonight?We’re going to hang here, I think,” Holland continues.

“Sure, no problem.I’ll catch up with you later.”

We say our goodbyes and wait until he disappears out of sight to turn to each other and begin the debriefing.

“Oh, hey, you dropped this in the skirmish.”

She holds out a slip of paper as her face ignites into one of the most beautiful smiles I’ve ever seen.My heart soars and sinks at the same time.I can’t believe I almost lost it.I need to find a more secure place for her note if I’m going to fuse it into my existence.

“You kept it,” she whispers, pressing it into my hand.She doesn’t let go.

“Of course I did.”

“Well, I’m flattered, but I probably should write you a new one.”

“Why?”

“Because now I’m the liar.I do believe in you.”

“So he didn’t jumpyou on stage, just the parking lot,” Holland teases, handing me a wet cloth for my eye after we’re safely back on the bus.