Page 75 of Next to Everything We Wanted

“If I can handle living next door to him, I can handle being at the other side of the classroom,” she said, swatting a hand at Arielle. “I have more important things to worry about than him. And you don’t have to worry for me, because I know you will.”

“You know us so well,” I said. “If Caleb does anything to hurt you, I’m coming after him.” It wasn’t ideal to be friends with exes, but while we only wanted the best for both of them, Gracelynn was our friend first.

Gracelynn’s lips lifted in a smirk. “Don’t you come after him all the time anyway?”

“He’s the one who always insults me.” I laughed. “Enough boy talk. I had no idea that you were a songwriter, too.”

“Not a songwriter,” Gracelynn said. “Just a person who writes songs.”

“That’s literally the same thing,” Raina said.

Gracelynn waved a hand at her again. “There’s a difference. A songwriter is someone who regularly writes songs and is dedicated to it. I just write songs when I have the chance. I used it for my Apple of the Arts application so they could see all my skills. Other than that, it doesn’t mean anything.”

I frowned, wishing she didn’t brush off her talents. “Anything you enjoy doing is important.”

“If you say so. Now, can you play that song again? I already can’t get it out of my head.”

I smiled, leaning down to get my guitar again. “Your wish is my command.”

“Hello, What Do You Beaners!” Gavin shouted into the microphone with his show-stopping smile. “Welcome back to our musical crib with caffeine, chocolate, and all the things that will make you stay up later than you should!” He laughed. “That aside, please take care of yourselves. It’s finally summer, after all.”

The crowd let out cheers, and I let out the loudest one, causing a few people to look at me. My cheeks flushed as I sunk into my seat.

“Tonight, we’re going to start with a cover of a song from the last concert I went to,” Gavin said as his smile grew, his eyes meeting mine. Even from far away, I could see the vibrant blue waters in them. “This one is ‘Midnight Kiss’ by Whiteout, and this goes out to the lovely girl I took with me.”

All the blood in my body rushed to my cheeks as everyone’s gaze went to me, butterflies coming to life in my stomach.

Everett rolled his eyes and muttered something to Celia, who bit her lip and stared at the floor. A few of my butterflies died. Oh, right, how could I forget aboutthem?

Gavin started strumming his guitar as he sang the first verse. Immediately, I was transported back to the concert. My lips on Gavin’s, the music pounding with my pulse, my lungs close to bursting. Man, I’d do anything to go back to those few minutes of bliss.

Before I knew it, the song was already over. I sighed, wishing they could perform it non-stop for the next two hours. As they performed the next song, I wondered what it’d be like to perform on that stage regularly.

An idea struck me, and I shot Gavin an excited text.

Sienna

Can I talk to you for a minute when you’re done performing? It involves our bands

At the end of the two hours, Gavin came over with a smile on his face. “Hey, guys,” he said before his beautiful gaze landed on me. “I saw your text. You can come backstage. My bandmates won’t mind.”

“Really?” I asked as everyone’s eyes went to me. “Are you sure?” From the way Everett had shot glares at me throughout the performance, I wasn’t convinced.

“What do you guys do backstage?” Emma asked with a humorous tone. “Sienna’s dad says that?—”

I covered her mouth with my hand before she could humiliate me. “Ignore her,” I said, my cheeks flushing.

Gavin laughed, his own cheeks turning pink. “Kids, man.” He nodded to where the door to backstage was. “So, are you coming?

“Yep,” I said.

“Have fun,” Raina whispered to me, and I hugged her before Emma made way for me to leave the booth.

Gavin took my hand, sending tingles up my arm. “Everyone is in a bit of a mood, so I’m sorry in advance if they say anything.”

I swallowed. “Good thing I have thick skin.”

I followed him backstage. Immediately, four heads bobbed up. Eli, Everett, and Celia were playing UNO at the table whileNick sat on the couch, scrolling through his phone. Their brows shot up.I know, I don’t belong here.