Page 96 of Next to Everything We Wanted

When it was time to go on stage, we went out and collected our instruments before Dallas spoke into the microphone.

“Hello, What Do You Bean!” he shouted, causing the crowd to cheer for us. It was as lively as it usually was when Somewhere in the Sky played, but that was expected. “We’re Like Airplanes, and we’re here to give you a fun two hours.”

“If you’re one to spend a full two hours at a coffee shop, that is,” Raina said. “If not, we still hope we make you want to stay just a little longer.”

We started playing the first song, “Disaster”, and Gavin was right about nerves fizzling away. I strummed my guitar, absorbing myself in the lyrics. Part of me wished I could be a lead singer like Dallas and Raina, belting all the lyrics and getting most of the glory so everyone could hear the passion in my voice. Especially Gavin.

If only I had the voiceandthe confidence.

While we performed, Gavin and I locked eyes. Even from far away, I could see the depth in his gaze. It was so strange, watching him be in my position while I was in his. Watching him be the starstruck one as he sang along.

I loved it.

The two hours passed by like a breeze. When our performance ended, Gavin met us backstage. “And that’s how it’s done,” he said as he clapped. “You guys did amazing. You don’t need much help.”

“I hope you’ll still watch us,” I murmured, tracing my hand down his shirt. “Because that was my favorite part.”

Caleb gagged into his prosthetic hand. “Anyone have a barf bag?”

Arielle jabbed him in the ribs. “Let them be cute!”

“How is terrible flirting cute? Even Oliver can do better.”

Oliver held up his hands. “Don’t drag me into this.”

I snorted, covering my mouth with my hand. “We aren’t that bad, are we?”

“You could use a few tips,” Dallas said, his lips curving in a small smile.

Raina ruffled his black curls. “Because you’re the master.”

“Sure, make the single people feel awkward,” Hayden muttered with an eyeroll, failing to fight a grin. “Thanks for your help, Ivan. This is a dream come true.”

“You’re more than welcome.” Gavin beamed. “Once you get into the flow of things, you’ll be more relaxed. To grow your fanbase, it’s also helpful to post when you’re performing, so your ideal audience can come.”

Caleb raised a blond eyebrow. “What if we get stalkers?”

Ivan’s face fell as he rubbed the cloud tattoo on his neck. “I-I doubt that’d happen.”

I studied his face, wondering what caused his change of demeanor. Even though the start of our relationship was going well, I couldn’t help but notice that he seemed uneasy sometimes.

My mind went back to when I’d thought he and his bandmates were formal criminals. Had something happened that made them want to use stage names?

Stop doubting him,I told myself as he continued talking.It’s probably not a big deal.

Celia, Nick, and Eli came backstage with Adam and Emma to celebrate our gig and chat with us. It was chaotic with the fifteen of us back here, but it was still fun. Part of me wished I could have alone time with Gavin and make out with him in a corner like Dallas and Raina usually did. We’d spent so much time around each other since our date on Saturday, yet I wanted more.

“Thank you for everything again,” I told Gavin as we were getting ready to leave. “This has been the best month of my life.”

“You’re welcome,” he said, though his face pinched.

I stroked his soft hair. “Is everything alright? You seemed a little uneasy after Caleb asked about stalkers.”

“Oh.” He swallowed. “I think I’m just having anxiety for no reason.” He pressed a kiss to my temple. “See you Friday.”

“See you.” Worry grew in the pit of my stomach as I watched him walk out the door. I shouldn’t have anything to worry about, but the questions I’d pushed to the back of my mind now plagued me as I stared at the door.

While Adam and Emma set the living room up to watch a movie, I went to my room to search up Gavin Hicks. It dawned on me that I didn’t know his real last name. I started looking up the most common last names—Smith, Johnson, Williams. No results.