by Amber Garza
I reach up and stroke his face, my fingertips trailing over his light stubble. “Are you sure?”
He nods. “With you here, I can do this.”
Together, we head out of the truck and make our way inside the cemetery. My feet crunch over the wet grass as I weave my way through gravestones. My gaze takes in the words carved into stones, the legacy of those who left the world behind. Some of the gravesites are littered with flowers, little balloons or stuffed animals. When we finally reach Quinn’s, it’s empty. Beckett kneels in the grass before hers, his knees dampening. I stand behind him, unsure of what to do. My arms sway uncomfortably at my side, and I turn my head away in an attempt to give him privacy. I’m startled when I feel his fingers brush over mine. His hand closes over my fingers, and he pulls me forward.
“Quinn,” Beckett speaks into the still night air. “I want you to meet someone.”
I step forward, and stand directly next to Beckett.
“This is Star,” Beckett continues, his voice wavering a bit. “I wish you two could’ve met. You would’ve loved each other, I’m sure of it. You’re very much alike.”
I feel tears pricking at the corner of my eyes and my lips quiver a bit, so I bite down on them.
Beckett shakes his head, and I hear the regret in his voice. “Quinn, I’m sorry I haven’t ever come to visit. I guess I just felt guilty about everything, but I’m done with that. I know you made your own choices in life, just like all of us. And I’m through being angry about it.” I squeeze his cold fingers, urging him to continue. “I love you, little sis.”
Swallowing hard, I blink back the tears that threaten to fall. Beckett stands, water staining his knees.
“You okay?” I ask him.
He nods, still staring down at his sister’s grave. “I always wanted to come here. I thought it would give me closure or something.”
“Did it?”
“Yeah, I think it sorta did.” He turns to me, taking both hands in his and pressing his forehead to mine. “Thank you, Star.”
“For what?”
“For loving me. For helping me learn how to open up. For coming here with me.”
“There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”
“That’s good, because I’m not letting you go. Ever.” He brushes his lips over my cheek until they feather over my mouth and clamp down firmly. The rest of the world falls away as I lose myself in his kiss, his touch, his arms. I hold on tight, vowing to never let go.
Epilogue
Star
5 years later
Katie, my makeup artist, swipes gloss over my lips. I keep my face perfectly still with my lips pursed until she’s finished. But that doesn’t stop the nervous jittering of my legs as butterflies swarm in my stomach.
“Is it really packed out there?” I ask, a slight tremble in my voice.
“Are you kidding? The show sold out within the first day of the tickets going on sale,” Katie replies while dusting powder on my nose.
“I can’t believe I’m playing a sold out show.”
“Are you really surprised? Your album has been number one for weeks.” She puts the brush down and smiles at me. “Okay, you’re all set.”
A knock on my dressing room door startles us. Knowing who it is, Katie gives me a warning look. “Don’t mess up your makeup.”
I giggle. Her request will be difficult. “I’ll do my best.”
“Lovebirds.” She shakes her head in mock disgust and goes toward the door. After opening it she slips outside, allowing Beckett to enter.
“Ten minutes to show time, Mrs. Nash.”
I jump up from my chair and run into his arms. “I never get tired of hearing you call me that.”
“And I never get tired of saying it.” He lowers his lips to mine, and despite Katie’s warning, I greedily kiss him.
“I can’t believe this is really happening.” I breathe against his lips.
“I knew it would. I always believed that together we’d make it.”
“You’re amazing, you know that?”
Beckett’s arms tighten around me, and he winks. “Yeah, I know. You told me a million times last night.”
I giggle. “Man, I married an egomaniac.”
“Hey, it’s a good thing that I know how to please my girl.” He smiles, his gaze roving down to my skirt. “Speaking of which, think we can sneak in a quickie?”
“Oh, I wish.” I lean into him, as his hands move down to my skirt.
“Five minutes,” a loud voice bellows from outside my door.
I slump against Beckett and let out a sigh. “I think we better get out there.”
He bends down and whispers in my ear, “Afterward then.”
A quiver of desire runs through me. “I can’t wait.”
“Ready, Mrs. Nash?”
I nod as he links his fingers through mine. Glancing down, I catch the glint of my diamond wedding ring, reminding me of the vow I made to Beckett. My gaze lands on Beckett’s wedding band, and I smile at the stars etched all around it. After giving my fingers an encouraging squeeze, Beckett guides me out of the dressing room. Together we head toward the stage. Just before we hit the stairs, Beckett turns to me. “I love you, Star.”
“I love you too, Beckett. Always.”
Turn the page to read an excerpt from FALLING TO PIECES
Prologue
My first mistake was going to Asher’s house that night, but I couldn’t help it. Cam and I had just had a huge fight and I needed to see my best friend.
“Ivy?” Asher was out of breath when he answered the door. He was shirtless, a pair of blue gym shorts riding low on his hips. Sweat covered his chest, glistening over his taut muscles. My cheeks reddening, I glanced away. No matter how much I convinced myself that I wasn’t attracted to Asher, my body betrayed my true feelings.
As if sensing my uneasiness, he said, “Sorry. I wasn’t expecting you. I just got back from a run.”
“That’s okay,” I mumbled, still not looking at him. I kept my eyes glued to his front lawn as if it were the most fascinating thing in the world.
“What’s up?” His voice sounded muffled, and when I dared a peek in his direction again I saw that he was pulling a white t-shirt over his head. Not that it helped much. I could still see his muscular chest through his shirt.
“I wanna go for a ride.”
His aqua blue eyes, that are brighter than the sky on a sunny day, lit up. “Wait right here. I’ll grab some helmets.”
I leaned against the side of his house as he disappeared from sight. Cool night air circled me, causing goosebumps to rise on my arms. I hugged myself to get warm.
“All set.” Asher emerged from his house, closing the door tightly behind him. He had on a leather jacket and held two helmets in his hand. He handed one to me. I pulled it on over my head, and he did the same. Only it was easier for Asher. His blond hair was shorn close to his head. It was harder to tuck my thick blond hair into the helmet, but finally I got it.
As we walked toward Asher’s motorcycle parked in his driveway, one side of his lips curled upward. His lopsided smile was one I was used to, but that didn't stop it from being sexy.
“What?” I asked.
“You’re just funny, that’s all.”
“Why?”
“You’re the only girl who likes to ride with me. Last week I went to pick up Leah for our date and she refused to get on my bike.”
I laughed. “Yeah, I heard.” Asher and I hung with the same group, and Leah was one of my friends.
Asher straddled the bike, and I climbed on behind him.
“So, how are things going with you two?” I asked.
“They’re not going.”
“Why not?”
“She’s not really my type.”
“Really? Tall, blond and gorgeous isn’t your type? Could’ve fooled me.”
Asher glanced at me from over his shoulder and smirked. “Oh no, that’s my type, minus the whole high maintenance th
ing.”
I couldn’t help but chuckle. Leah was pretty high maintenance, that’s true.
“Hold on,” Asher commanded as the bike roared to life.
I wrapped my arms around his waist and pressed my chin into his shoulder. When the bike took off, cool air kissed my face. I breathed it in, savoring the feel of it. I loved the way I felt on Asher’s bike - free and alive. I clutched Asher tighter, the scent of his leather jacket tickling my nose as he rounded a corner. My body swayed with his, and then he straightened back out.
When we stopped at a light, Asher craned his neck to look at me. “So, you gonna tell me what happened tonight?”
“What makes you think something happened?”
“C’mon, Ives, I know you too well.”
I sighed. “Cam and I got into fight, that’s all. I just needed to clear my head.”
The light turned green and Asher faced forward again. Cars passed us, their taillights winking at me. My hair whipped in the wind, feathering across my helmet. The air smelled of asphalt and green grass as it swept over me. I interlocked my cold fingers to keep myself fastened to Asher as we continued riding through the darkened streets.
I was bummed when he turned in the direction of his house. I could have ridden all night. After he guided his bike into the driveway and cut the engine, I took my helmet off my head and held it in my hand. Asher took off his helmet too, but he hung the strap over the bars and turned to me with a grin.
“Have fun?” he asked.
I nodded, running my fingers through my tangled hair, and then hopped off the bike. As I did, my shirt caught on something. I felt the breeze at my back, and panic rose in my chest. Before I could reach back and unhook my shirt, I heard a sharp intake of breath. My heart sank. I knew what Asher saw. Fumbling, I grabbed at my shirt and tried to pull it down over my wounds.
“Ives.” Asher’s voice was full of shock. “What happened to you?”
I swallowed hard. “Nothing.” Finally the shirt broke free, and I whipped away from Asher. I couldn’t stand to see the concern on his face. I was afraid it would break me.
His hand found mine, and he forced me to face him. “That is not nothing. Who did this to you? Was it Cam?”
“No.” I shook my head furiously. “I just…I…fell, that’s all.” I forced a light laugh. “You know what a klutz I am.”
Anger flashed in Asher’s eyes. “Don’t lie to me. That is no fall. Someone did this to you.”
“Asher, don’t worry about it.”
“I am worried about it. I know Cam did this. I’ve played football with the guy, and I’ve seen him pop a fuse.”
I pressed my lips together, unable to respond. I wanted to protest, to tell him he was wrong. Only I couldn’t. How else would I explain the bruising?
Asher groaned, running a hand over his head. “I’m gonna kill him.”
Desperation bloomed inside of me. I grabbed Asher by the arm. “No, Asher, just stay out of it.”
“I can’t, Ives. God, I can’t believe he did this to you.” He came closer. “He did, didn’t he?”
I looked into Asher’s eyes, and suddenly I saw the hands lashing out at me, felt the fists as they connected with my bones and flesh. Without thinking, I nodded my head slowly.
Asher sighed. “How long has this been going on?”
“Awhile.” It was the first true thing I’d said.
He grabbed my face with both hands. The sudden movement startled me, and I flinched, dropping the helmet I held in the process. It fell to the ground with a clatter. “Oh, Ives, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.” After releasing me, he stepped backward. “Don’t worry. I’ll take care of this.”
I knew what he planned to do. I could see it in his eyes, and it caused dread to sink into my stomach. “Asher, no, please.”
But he wasn’t listening. He stalked toward his motorcycle, put his helmet back on and swung his leg over the seat. I reached for him, trying to grab his arm, but he was too quick. As the engine roared to life, I tried to scream over the sound of it but it drowned out my voice.
As I watched him screech down the street, I hollered after him, “It wasn’t Cam!”
1
Ivy
A year later
"Okay, what do you think?" Billie calls from down the hallway. "Be honest."
I crane my neck from where I'm lounging on the couch just as Billie enters the room. She’s wearing a low cut black halter top, jeans and knee high boots with buckles that jangle as she walks. I raise my brow as I take in her ample cleavage spilling out of her shirt. "Whoa. Dude's not gonna know what hit him."
"Is it too dressy?"
I laugh. Only Billie would think jeans and a halter top were too dressy.
"No, it's not."
"Cool. I don't want to seem like I'm trying too hard." She pauses, furrowing her brow. "Because I'm not. I could care less about this guy. I'm just using him for a free dinner and a night out."
"It's okay to say you like him, Billie." I smirk and return my gaze to the magazine spread open in my lap.
"Oh, yeah, I'm gonna take dating advice from you. What're you doing tonight? Planning to spend a riveting evening reading magazines and watching TV?"
I bristle at her words, even though they're true.
"Maybe," I say sullenly.
"You know, you really need to start getting out, Ivy. Live a little." Billie walks toward the kitchen table where her jacket and purse are strewn on top. When I lived with my mom she never would have tolerated me using our kitchen table as a coat rack. But that's the joy of renting your own apartment. You get to do whatever you want. And apparently what Billie and I want is to live in messiness. I cringe, glancing around at the soda cans, books, magazines and shoes tossed around our tiny living room. Oh, well. It still beats having to put up with my mom and stepdad.
"I get out. I just went out the other night," I explain.
"Picking up Chinese food and a movie is not going out." Billie shoves her arms inside her leather jacket. "You brought them back here and stayed in."
"I might go visit my grandpa later."
"That doesn't count either." Billie approaches me. "Ivy, it's Friday night, you're nineteen years old, and you're staying home. This isn't healthy." She plucks the magazine off my lap, and drops it on the coffee table. It flutters as it falls, the pages whispering as they rub together. "C'mon, you can join Ryan and me."
"No, thanks." I shake my head. "I'm so not into being the third wheel."
Billie sighs, perching on the edge of the couch. "Ivy, it happened over a year ago. You have to move on at some point."
My chest tightens. I have no desire to discuss this with Billie again. Pressing my lips together, I snatch the magazine up and turn away from her.
"Ivy?"
I glance up at the clock. "Billie, you better go or you're gonna be late."
She follows my gaze, her eyes widening at the time. Then she flashes me a rueful smile. "Fine. I'll let you off the hook this time, but this conversation is not over."
Of course not. It never is.
"Have fun, Billie," I call over my shoulder as she heads out.
"Don't wait up," She replies before closing the door behind her.
I flip the page, my gaze taking in the array of brightly colored glossy pictures. All the celebrities look so happy and glamorous, but I know that's not true. I know all about keeping up appearances — about pretending to be happy when you're not. A knock on the door startles me. I toss the magazine aside and get up from the couch.
"You forget your keys again, Billie?" I say as I open the door. Then I let out a little gasp when I catch sight of my unexpected visitor.
"Poison Ivy." Asher smiles slowly, using the nickname he affectionately dubbed for me our freshman year of high school. He looks just like I remember him, with his short blond hair and icy blue eyes. His faded jeans and white t-shirt show off his physique, causing my heart to race.
"What are you doing here?"
Something flashes in his eyes that I can’t quite decipher — disappointment, anger maybe. "C'mon, aren't you happy to see me? It's been over a year, Ives."
"Of course," I say. "I'm just surprised, that's all. How did you know where I lived?"
"I went by your house. Your mom told me."
My stomach knots. "You saw my mom?"
“Yeah.” He nods. Then he tucks a hand in the pocket of his jeans and glances up at me sheepishly. "So, you gonna let me in, or will your boyfriend get mad?"
"My boyfriend?"
"Yeah, Billy, the guy you live with. He is your boyfriend, isn't he?"
I giggle. "Billie's a girl."
I try not to notice the look of relief that washes over Asher's face at my words.
"And yes, you can come in." As he enters, my gaze sweeps the small apartment. It's the first time I've imagined what it must look like through someone else's eyes. I see the scratched linoleum that's raised around the edges of the tiny kitchen. I take in the living room which Billie and I decorated with a couch and coffee table we found at the thrift store. Not to mention the dining table, which is really just a card table and folding chairs that I took from my mom's garage. I wish I had known Asher was coming, then I would have cleaned up the place a little. Glancing down at my yoga pants and a tattered t-shirt, my cheeks warm. And I would have fixed myself up a little too. As I close the door, I smooth my shoulder length blond hair down with my fingers and lick my lips so they don't look so dry.
"Sorry about the place. I wasn't really expecting company." I lead Asher into the living room.
"No problem. I would have called, but I didn't have your new cell number. And every time I've left a message with your mom or stepdad, you've never called me back."
I bite my lip, ignoring the hurt in his voice. “Sorry about that. I’ve just been busy and stuff.” Staring at the ground, I fumble around with the words. Even to my ears they sound lame.
“Look, I’ve said I was sorry about that night a million times. When are you going to stop avoiding me?”
