Page 33 of Living for Truth (Broken Shelves #2)

Hannah

I ’ve never been to a concert before, unless you count “The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square” formerly known as “The Mormon Tabernacle Choir.”

This is definitely not the same.

The crowd is a good size for an up-and-coming band, and while there are a few places to sit, we’re going to be standing off to the side and at the front of the stage so Elli can ogle Wes during his set.

Emma’s sipping on a gin and tonic—that she didn’t pay for. Leah, the bassist, followed us out to the bar and bought Emma the drink and gave her her number.

“How does she do that?” Elli whispers to me as we wait for our own drinks. Morgan is pressed close behind me with his hand on my hip because the space is filling up with concert-goers.

His touch is searing my skin through my dress.

The moment at the apartment has left my blood feeling fizzy all night, and I’m anxious with anticipation.

I wanted him to kiss me more than I’ve ever wanted anyone in my life.

I wanted to let him give his keys to Elli and Emma so we could stay in my apartment and release this pent up tension that’s been building since the first time we met in his flower shop.

“Do what?” I ask, trying to get my thoughts back on track.

Elli circles her finger in the direction of Emma, who’s now talking to some stranger covered in tattoos. “Just… flirt with random strangers. I wish I had her confidence.”

“You want to flirt with random strangers? I think Wes would object,” I tease, nudging Elli with my shoulder.

She huffs out a laugh. “I don’t want to flirt with random strangers now. But dating was so fucking hard, and I think it would have been easier with confidence like hers.”

I never thought about that. How Elli must’ve felt dating in the church at her age. I was married before I could legally drink, and Emma left before she was persuaded to get married young. But Elli was considered “old” even at twenty-four.

Morgan cuts in before I can say anything, “I don’t know Emma very well, but to me it looks like she’s too scared to let anyone in more than surface level.

I do think she’s genuinely a confident and friendly person, and obviously she’s pretty, but how deep can their connections really be if she doesn't give them more than a night?”

“That makes a lot of sense. It’s kind of weird to see her so adamant about not having a serious relationship.

Growing up she was always planning her dream wedding and going on and on about how excited she was to have a husband—before she came out as bi, obviously.

I think there’s more to the story behind her swearing off relationships.

” Elli nods in agreement, and Morgan squeezes my hip, in what I assume is acknowledgement, right as the bartender drops off our drinks.

Morgan ordered a plain Dr. Pepper while I added coconut rum to mine. I wanted to get something stronger, but I want to have a clear head when I tell him how I feel.

Emma leaves the person she was talking to, and Elli leads us through the crowd to the front right as Wes walks out on stage. The crowd cheers, and he grins, waving to everyone as he settles in.

“Hey there, Salt Lake City! Thanks for the warm welcome. I’m Wes Jones, and I’m excited to play for you tonight. This first song is one you may know. It’s dedicated to the most special girl in the world and the love of my life.”

Wes sings Love Bug, his eyes locked on Elli’s the entire time. The crowd sings along with him, practically drowning him out, but he doesn't even seem to notice. He’s so focused on my cousin, it makes me want to tear up.

When he strikes the final chord, Elli blows him a kiss, which he pretends to catch and put in his pocket. He starts playing another original song, this one a bit more upbeat than the first.

Morgan stands behind me while we slightly sway to the beat. He leans down so he can speak in my ear, “He’s really fucking talented.” His breath ghosting across my ear makes me shiver.

“Yeah, he is. I think he’s going to go pretty far.”

The last song he plays is a cover of gentle by Lexi Jayde, and even though I’ve heard the song before, the lyrics feel like a punch to the gut.

Could you please be gentle with me?

My heart is fragile, don't you see?

I can't take another break, take another burn

I don't want another lesson learned

Could you please be gentle with me?

I turn to look at Morgan, who’s already looking at me, and it feels like I can’t take a full breath. I want to stay and support the band, but I want to tell Morgan how I feel, too. I turn back to face the stage, and Elli nudges me.

Go, she mouths with an understanding smile. I wrap her in a hug and whisper thanks into her ear.

I look over at Emma, who comes and wraps me in a hug next. “You’ve got this, Hannah. And please call me tomorrow to tell me if he’s big everywhere.” She waggles her eyebrows suggestively, and I smack her lightly on the arm.

“I will not be doing that.”

She sticks her bottom lip out in a pout but holds a hand out to Morgan. “It was nice to meet you, Morgan. Take care of our cousin.”

Morgan shakes it but looks confused. “Are you leaving?”

“No, uh, I’m ready to go if you’re okay with it.” My cheeks flush, and I wish it was just from the alcohol.

Morgan nods. “For sure, Butterfly. Are you two going to be okay?” he says to Elli and Emma. God, this man is so fucking kind.

My cousins share a look, and Emma speaks for them. “She’s got Wes, and I’m probably going to have a night of orgasms with Leah, so yeah, we’ll be perfectly fine.”

Morgan gives them a solid nod, then grabs my hand and leads me out of the venue. He doesn’t let go of my hand until I’m getting into the car and he absolutely has to.

“Are you okay?” he asks once he settles into the driver’s seat.

“I don’t want to fake date anymore,” I blurt out.

Morgan’s eyebrows furrow. “Okay. Um, that’s fine. I thought we… Never mind. I’ll respect your wishes, Hannah. I still want to be friends though. Is that okay?”

Oh God. He doesn’t get it.

I shake my head. “No, I don’t want to be friends either. I want to be… I like you, Morgan.”

“I like you too, Butterfly.”

He’s always been open and honest with me. He deserves the same.

I take a deep breath, suddenly wishing we weren’t in his car right now.

“No, I like you, like you. I want you. I want to date you for real. If you want that, too, obviously.”

“Hannah, are you positive? It’s not just me you’d be committing to. Aly and I are a package deal.”

“I know. And I want to be in her life, too. I want more lazy Saturdays watching Scooby-Doo with both of you. I want to be as involved as you both want me to be. I fully understand she’s your primary concern, and I would never do anything to jeopardize your relationship with her.”

Morgan searches my face, like he’s searching for a lie. He’s not going to find one. I’m more than okay with him putting her first. It’s one of the things I love most about him.

“This isn’t just the alcohol talking, right?” he asks softly, like the moment is fragile, and he doesn't want to shatter it.

I reach across the console and grab his hand, mentally sighing in relief when he doesn't pull away.

“I only had one drink, and there was barely any alcohol in it. So no, it’s not the alcohol talking. I had a whole plan with flowers and a grand gesture—”

“What do you mean?” he cuts me off.

“I—I was going to give you a bouquet with yellow daffodils and aster to convey my feelings for you.” It sounds stupid now, I’m glad I didn’t go with it.

“Did you look up the meaning of the flowers in your birthday bouquet?”

I nod.

He nods.

“Can we go now?” I ask quietly.

He starts the car, still holding my hand, and drives us away from the venue.