Hinder (An Off Track Records Novel) by Kacey Shea

Author:Kacey Shea [Shea, Kacey]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Kacey Shea Books LLC
Published: 2018-08-15T16:00:00+00:00

22

Leighton

The bus rolls into the lot of Blue Hills Bank Pavilion as the sun breaks through the cloudy Boston skyline. I know this because I toss and turn all night, unable to turn off my brain and find rest. My tattoo itches like a son of a bitch, but that’s not what keeps me from passing out. No, it’s my conversations with Opal, playing in my mind on repeat. The look on her face as she gripped those letters and tucked them away from sight. The realness of her eyes when I almost kissed her. The hurt I caused when I didn’t.

Jay parks the bus and everyone stumbles out, still half asleep with dark shades to combat the daylight. There’s a breakfast joint within walking distance of the amphitheater and Trent leads the way to coffee and food. You’d think everyone was hungover with how little we talk during our meal, but it’s just sleep deprivation and too many days sleeping on a bus.

“Damn, that was good.” Trent stretches as we step back outside. “I need a nap already.”

“Hell to the yes,” Austin agrees.

On the walk back to the bus, regret churns in my belly. I should have kissed Opal last night. Or at least smoothed things over better. The last thing I need is to create tension between us when my uncle is dead set on digging around her personal life. I need to make things right, and I have an idea about where to start.

In three long strides I’m by her side. “Hey, when we get back grab your notebook.”

“Yeah?” She shoves her hands into the back pockets of her black ripped jeans, the new ones she purchased yesterday, and scuffs her shoes along the sidewalk. I half expect her to change her mind about song writing today, but once again her limitless grace is astounding.

I aim to keep my tone casual, but the truth is, I’m already excited about the prospect of writing music with her. “We don’t have to check in until two, and the weather’s awesome. We’ll find some shade and get to work.”

“Sounds good.” She grins.

“Guitar practice?” Austin steps to her other side and slows his gait so he’s even with us.

Opal glances at me before turning to him. “Oh, um. Yeah. Practice.”

“Fine, don’t tell me what you’re up to. My feelings aren’t hurt.” His dramatics are over the top, but he’s only teasing. I think.

“I’ll get the guitar,” I say with the bus in view.

“I’ll just grab my . . . pen and paper.” She avoids meeting my gaze and darts ahead to where Sean and Trent step inside the bus.

“Is it just me or are you two acting weirder than usual?” Austin stares after her and raises his eyebrows.

“You’re one to talk, Mr. Houdini.”

“Touché.” Austin tips his chin. “Just don’t defile her in the park, okay?”

“We’re not—”

Austin holds a hand up and pushes past me to jog up the steps of the bus.

Whatever. I shake my head, not needing to explain myself to him or anyone.

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