Here's To Box Set (Complete Series)

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Here's To Box Set (Complete Series) Page 48

by Teagan Hunter


  She’s staring at me still.

  Wrapping her back up in my arms and squeezing her tightly, I say, “I love you too, Mom. Thank you.”

  “Now go do what I should have done many, many years ago. Be happy, Tucker. You deserve it.”

  With that, she releases she me and walks back down the hallway like she was never there.

  I look back out the window at the girl I’m madly in love with but ready to let go if that’s what is going to bring us closer in the end. I need to let her find herself, and I need to find myself.

  Taking a deep breath, I head out the back door.

  “Can you talk?”

  Maura glances over shoulder at me and gives a singular nod.

  “I’ll…uh…I’ll just go…um…somewhere,” Rae stutters, walking toward the gate on the side of the house. “Call me, Maura,” she yells, and then she disappears.

  I take a seat on the other lawn chair and fold my hands between my spread legs, staring at the ground. We don’t say anything for several moments. I look up when I hear her begin to shuffle around. She’s sitting in the same way I am, watching me.

  “I have this theory in life that when two people are meant to be together, you always find your way to one another. Sometimes the timing is off, but if it’s truly meant to be, it will happen. You’ll both sacrifice things and work together—or apart—to make it happen. That’s the way true love works to me.” I pause to gauge her reaction so far. There isn’t much of one, so I continue. “I know last night you said you wanted time apart. I’m willing to do it. I think it may be best for us. Maybe give us a chance to find ourselves.”

  She lets out a heavy breath. “I agree.”

  “Good,” I say. “So how about this. How about we don’t set a time limit on this. Let’s say that one day, we’ll know when we’re ready, and we’ll see where we are then. If it’s meant to be, we’ll make it work.”

  “I think that sounds fair.”

  I close my eyes briefly. I’m losing her. I know deep down I’m not permanently losing her, but I’m still losing her, and it still hurts.

  “So, I guess this is it then.”

  A ghost of a smile touches her lip as she quietly says, “For now.”

  Hope fills my heart and for the first time in a long time, I welcome it.

  Laughing softly, I give my head a shake. “I can’t help but think of that saying. ‘If you love someone, set them free.’” Holding her gaze, I say, “I love you, ya know.”

  She doesn’t move or blink. She stares back and says, “I love you, too.”

  III

  Them

  20

  Tucker

  Three Months Later

  “Goodnight, Chicago!”

  Pulling my guitar over my head and waving to the packed venue one last time, I make my way to the side of the stage.

  “Great set, Tuck!” the stagehand yells as he takes my instrument from my hands.

  I give him a distracted nod and head off toward my designated dressing room, flinging open the door and throwing my exhausted self down onto a black leather chaise.

  I’ve been on the road since two weeks after Tanner’s death. It turns out losing a brother sparks a fire under your ass to go live life because that shit is way too short.

  The day after Maura and I went our separate ways, I squared shit away with Gary since he got a clean bill of health from his doctors, and handed over my contract to my preferred label. It’s a small studio set up in the heart of Boston that’s dedicated to building an authentic sound, the thing I was searching for most. The company loved my originals and wanted me to get out on the road as fast as possible. I spent the next week crammed inside a small studio, laying down five original songs and practicing a live set with a small band every chance I got.

  These past three months have been incredible. I’ve played dozens of venues, met awesome fans, and have gained a ton of experience. Being around other musicians who understand how much the music means has been humbling. I spend my nights playing those five songs opening up for Drive, a small alternative quartet that’s rapidly gaining popularity on the radio. Because of their success and association with their tour, I’ve gained a rather decent following myself. I learned how to get through various interviews and what it feels like to be bombarded by fans and flashing lights.

  Best of all are the people. I’m surrounded by musicians and fans who understand the music and the absolute need to have it in their lives. That’s something I didn’t get before all this. I always felt like the odd one out who could always hear music in the background of every situation, the weird one who would just daze out and write for hours at a time. But this is my element, where I belong. The tour has taught me that.

  There’s one thing that’s missing in all of this: Maura.

  No matter how much the music makes me feel and puts me at ease, I still feel like I need Maura in my life. I miss her. I miss her bubbly laugh, her vibrant smile. I desperately want to hold her and kiss away all of her problems. I want it all with her.

  None of this means anything without her. None of it.

  I realize now that it’s time. It’s time to go back home and see her. I need to.

  A knock sounds at my door, and in walks my tour manager, James. I was worried I wasn’t going to get along with the tour team, but everyone has been nice, especially James. He’s been my “go-to” when I need to get all this weight of Tanner and Maura and life off my chest. He’s become more of a friend than a manager.

  “Yo, man. We need to finalize the length of your contract for this next leg of the tour,” James says, taking a seat on the couch opposite of me, his ever-present clipboard in hand. “We’re going international, so we need to make sure your passports are up to date.”

  The expression on my face must be telling him what’s up, because before I can even tell him, he guesses.

  “And you’re not going. You’re done, huh?”

  I nod. “For now. I need to get some shit together at home before committing to anything else.”

  My record label was kind enough—and believed in their ability to make me fall in love with them—to give me a five-song contract with a three-month touring package. After the three months are up, my royalties get cut in half, but I walk free, keeping the rights to my music. It’s an insanely epic deal that’s almost unheard of.

  James clears his throat and says, “I understand. I hope you’re still interested in signing on for more in the near future.”

  “I am,” I tell him honestly. I plan on talking with the CEO back in Boston after I get home, because I’d love to sign on doing a full album with the company. They’ve been more than accommodating, and we seem to work well together as a team.

  “So does this mean next week in Boston will be your last stop? You going to stay there and finally tell that blonde babe of yours that you’re hopelessly in love with her, and make those around you want to vomit with how you go on and on and on about her?”

  “Something like that.”

  “Good. Just make sure you talk to Casey afterwards. If things get figured in a timely manner, I’m sure Drive would be more than happy to have you on for their international dates,” James informs me.

  “Damn, you assholes are fucking good. All understanding and shit,” I grin.

  James gives a hearty laugh and pulls himself off the couch. “We’re just buttering you up is all.” He turns the doorknob and throws a glance over his shoulder at me. “Get some rest, dude. We’ve got eight gigs in the next seven days with those radio shows and interviews. There’s not much to help in the way of beauty, but at least rest that voice of yours.”

  I flip him the bird and throw my empty water bottle at him as he ducks out of the room.

  Home. I’m going home next week.

  As thrilled as I am, I also have to admit that I’m a little anxious. The thought of seeing Maura is met with both a boner and churning stomach. I wish nothing more than for our reunion to be filled with hugs
and kisses and hot sex, but I know it won’t be.

  I’ll take it any way I can though.

  I just don’t want it to not happen.

  I must admit, I have no idea what’s happening in her life. We’ve taken this time apart rather seriously and haven’t spoken other than two texts in those three months.

  Both texts were drunken ramblings on my part where I apologized for my “ginfers” typing the words they did. I didn’t even send her another text to correct “ginfers” to “fingers,” because I was embarrassed by it all. It took her a day to respond with “God I miss you,” and I have to say, it was well worth the wait.

  I know that my homecoming will probably be a surprise for her, but we promised that when we were ready, we would just show up and see how it went, and that’s what I’ll do.

  Although I’m not telling Maura about my homecoming, I should probably tell someone. I pull my phone out and text my two best friends.

  Me: Dickbrains! Me + Boston = Next week

  My phone buzzes immediately.

  Hudson: FUCK YES!

  Gaige: Really? A fucking group text? I can see you’re still an asshole.

  Me: I miss you too, Roomie.

  Gaige: No Roomie here. I rented your room out to Garrison.

  Me: The crackhead from Donnie’s Supermarket?

  Gaige: Free drugs, man. Free drugs.

  Me: You’re so fucking weird.

  Gaige: You’re my friend, so what does that mean for you.

  Hudson: Goddamn. Shut up, assholes. Some of us have to work.

  Gaige: LOVE YOU, HUDSON!

  Me: LOVE YOU, HUDSON!

  I laugh because, despite the fact that I’ve been gone for three months with sporadic texts and phone calls home, these two are still the same guys they were before, and it feels like no time has passed.

  I just hope the same can be said for Maura and me.

  21

  Maura

  The death of someone you care about can suck the life out of you.

  It did me.

  At least for a while.

  In the two weeks following Tanner’s death, I moped. Other than working my shifts at Clyde’s, I stayed in my pajamas and sulked around my aunt Kassi’s. The worst part is that all my brooding wasn’t even for Tanner. Most of it was over losing Tucker. I’m aware how shitty that makes me seem, but in my heart, Tanner was gone long before he was gone.

  It wasn’t until I got the call from Darcy that my application for the apartment was approved that I officially started to move on with life and began fulfilling the promise I made Tucker: be happy. I moved out of Kassi’s the next week, put in my notice at Clyde’s, and demanded Gary hire me because his son broke my heart.

  I did all this because I finally realized the path I wanted to take in life. Pretending to be Tucker’s manager for those few appointments and helping him achieve his dreams of getting signed made me discover that I loved the business side of the music industry.

  I’ve been talking with Rae, Perry, and even Gary over the last several weeks about some sort of collaboration. I think that with Rae’s marketing experience, Perry’s graphic work, and Gary’s history in the industry, we can get an amazing thing going.

  Finding my love for the music industry wasn’t the only thing Tucker helped with. I guess whatever Tucker said to my father was what he needed to hear, because about a week after Tucker left, he contacted me. We’ve met for lunch once a week since. He’s been surprisingly supportive of me attempting to start my own business, but according to him, my mother hasn’t been too fond of it. But I’m not talking to her, so I don’t care much about what she has to say on the matter.

  Since the business isn’t one hundred percent ready, I’m working at Mic’s, scouting the talent while all the final details get ironed out. I’ve officially become a part-time suit. Only I’m more of skirt. Or apron. But still, I’m working it while I’m working.

  I’m doing it all on my own, and I’m happy.

  For the most part.

  I want Tucker here. Badly.

  And in a few hours, he’ll be here. Like here here. He’s playing Mic’s tonight while the band he’s touring with does a local acoustic set.

  “You freaking out yet?” Rae asks from the other side of the bar.

  I set her drink down in front of her and shrug. “Not yet.”

  “But don’t you want him to come back?”

  “Trick question, Rae.” She crinkles her nose at me, so I explain. “There’s a huge part of me that hopes he’s back for me. But there is an equally big part that wants him to have all the success in the world. He can’t do that while he’s here.”

  Rae lets out a low whistle. “Damn, girl. You’ve got it baaaaad.”

  Pinning her with a serious stare, I say, “I do.” Grabbing a bottle of rum, I start making the drink requested by Gaige, who is lounging in the group’s usual spot. “But I don’t think he has any idea I’m working here, so I’m sure he’s not planning on seeing me. This means I have nothing to freak out over.”

  “We just gonna play it cool?”

  “We are.”

  “Done. Playin’ it cool. Just gonna play it cool.”

  I set down Gaige’s drink a little too hard and give her a sharp stare. “Spit out whatever it is you want to say.”

  “Fine, but only because you asked so nicely.” She smirks over the rim of her glass and takes a sip of her drink. “You two made that promise, right? That one day when you knew you’d let each other know and find a way to make it work. Well, you know. And you need to tell Tucker that. If you’re ready, you need to tell him.”

  I don’t say anything and instead take a drink order from the customer that just walked up to the bar.

  We did make that promise, and I am ready. I miss Tucker way more than I’m willing to admit out loud half the time.

  I meant what I said to Rae. I want him to have this adventure. I want him to make his music. But I also want him here.

  I guess I just need to give him a chance to make that decision himself.

  Handing the customer his drink, I turn to Rae. “Fine. I do need to tell him. If I see him tonight, I promise I’ll talk to him.”

  “Fine. I’ll take it. It’s better than nothing.”

  “Good. Now go take Gaige his drink, please. I’ll be over during my break.”

  Gary appears out of nowhere.

  “Do you really think I’d make you work tonight? Get your skinny ass out from behind my bar,” he says in that gruff voice of his.

  I put my hands on my hips and brace myself for an argument for him. “Come on, Gary. That’s not fair to everyone else.”

  “Would it make you feel any better if I said I wasn’t working tonight either?”

  “I’m not going to win, am I?”

  Gary gives a short laugh. “You mean I’m not going to let you hide behind the bar all night? No.”

  I relax my stance and drop my shoulders in defeat because he called that. I did want to hide tonight. I’ll keep my promise to Rae regarding Tucker, but that doesn’t mean that I’m going to go out of my way to find him and talk to him.

  “You suck, Gary,” I tell him half-jokingly.

  “I’ve been told that time or two. Now go. Don’t make me fire you.”

  “I knew I liked you, Gary,” Rae beams.

  Pulling off my apron, I shoot her a dirty look. After refilling my soda, I walk with Rae over to our group table.

  “Here, lazy ass,” she says, handing Gaige his drink and taking a seat next to Hudson.

  “Can’t believe we scored VIP seats for the show. I fucking love Drive. And Tucker is okay too.”

  “Of course we did,” Gaige says. “Ever since Rae and Maura left Clyde’s, all we’ve done is hang out here. I think we keep Gary afloat most days. We deserve this spot.”

  “Truth,” Perry agrees.

  “Tucker hooked us up with these seats, not Gary, you nuts,” Hudson tells them. “My boy does me good.” We all immedia
tely start laughing, minds going directly to the gutter. Hudson blushes when it catches up to him what he just said. “Fuckers.”

  Rae shakes her head at her boyfriend. “I can’t believe Joey has you as a father. Poor kid.”

  Hudson mumbles about “just saying yes,” and Rae swats at his arm. I mentally make a note to corner her about that later, because it seems like she’s holding back vital info about her life.

  “Have you guys heard him on the radio yet?” Rae asks. “He sounds awesome.”

  Gaige leans back in his chair and scoffs. “I had to hear that bastard for months in our apartment. I’m all Tuckered out.” He laughs loudly and slaps the table. “Get it? Tuckered?”

  Hudson looks over at Rae and asks, “Who invited him?”

  “Whatever. Tucker always appreciated my shitty jokes. You guys just need to be more like him.”

  “Off driving all across the country, singing sad poetic songs to throngs of beautiful women who probably throw themselves at him at every show? Sign me up!” Perry spouts off, not thinking of what he just said.

  “Perry!” Rae hisses. “Sorry, Maura. I’m sure he didn’t mean it like that.”

  I wave her off. “It’s fine, Rae. Promise. I’m going to go check and make sure Gary doesn’t need any help before I officially clock out.”

  Not waiting for a response, I rush off toward the back room, a little upset by what Perry just said. I don’t actually need to check with Gary about anything. Instead, I stand in the back hallway to collect myself because suddenly there are tears stinging my eyes.

  What if Perry is right? I’ve spent this entire time Tucker was gone thinking of him as mine. What I never considered was all the women on the road or who was warming his bed at night. What if he doesn’t even want me anymore? What if I’m suddenly not enough? What if he’s realized he’s better off without me on the road?

 

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