A Song for Us

Chapter Forty-One

ERIC

THIS ISN’T YOUR fault.” Cass leaned back against the wall next to me as I stared at Tuck and the twins.

“I just need to take some time off.” I flexed my hands, my fingers still throbbing from my fight with Derek.

The doors opened in front of us and we all stopped talking as our eyes fell on Sarah and her sister, Jenny.

Sarah looked completely shocked, her eyes wide, but Jenny was smiling at all of us. They stepped forward, their arms linked together.

Cass flew forward, wrapping her arms around Sarah as they both laughed.

“I am so glad you are okay,” Cass whispered, and kissed Sarah on the cheek.

“I didn’t think you guys would be here,” Sarah said, and I took a deep breath, not realizing how much I had missed the sound of her voice. I stood there just watching as everyone hugged her and told her how much they’d missed her.

Eventually the conversation died down and her eyes met mine. Everyone took notice.

“We’ll wait out at the car,” Cass said as she placed her hand on Sarah’s shoulder, then all the guys but me followed Cass toward the front doors.

“You okay?” Jenny asked, and Sarah nodded, her eyes still on me. Jenny followed the others, leaving only Sarah and me.

She took a step closer and I stayed against the wall, my hands shoved in my pockets.

“I didn’t think I would see you again,” she said shakily.

“I’m so sorry, Sarah.” I shook my head as I swallowed down the lump in my throat.

“I’m the one who should be sorry. I put you through a lot of shit.”

I laughed as I thought over how much we had been through the past week. “I’m just glad you’re okay.”

“Are you okay?”

“I am now.” I wanted to reach out and wrap my arms around her, but I forced myself not to move. “I thought you . . .” I cleared my throat as I tried not to relive the feelings of helplessness when I didn’t know if she was even alive.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered, and took another step closer.

“Hey, I’ve gotten to meet Jenny. She’s a lot like you, but her taste in music sucks,” I joked, and Sarah smiled. God I loved to see her smile.

“We will have to fix that.”

It didn’t slip by me that she had said we.

“The world is waiting.” I pushed from the wall and began walking toward the front door with Sarah at my side.

Jenny was waiting just outside the doors, leaning against her car. The band was standing around a dark SUV parked in front of her.

I blew out a heavy breath and turned to Sarah. I hated spending a second away from her, but I knew what she needed right now was her family. Jenny and I had talked for hours about Sarah’s life, and I knew I had to do what was best for her, not me.

“Don’t party too hard,” I said with a smile that I knew didn’t reach my eyes.

“You’re not coming with me?”

I shook my head and she wrapped her arms around my neck. I slowly let mine circle her body, not sure if I would ever be able to let her go.

“Please don’t leave me, too,” she whispered against my ear, and I stiffened, hating myself for having to walk away.

Tucker’s hand landed on my shoulder and he pulled me back. I reluctantly let go of Sarah and watched as her sister opened the car door for her to get in.

“Come on, man. She’ll be fine,” Chris said, then through the windshield of her sister’s car I watched Sarah fasten her seat belt.