Page 114 of This I Promise You
“I second that,” Cameron says.
So everyone hates this party then? I didn’t think it was that bad, damn. But then again, I’m not exactly a party connoisseur.
Plus, I could really use a cinnamon iced coffee.
* * *
We all pile into my car and Easton gives me shitty directions to where Jacob is playing. I wanted to go home and change first, but Huxley said no and Aidan insisted—albeit drunkenly—that we wouldn’t have time. At least we’ll all look like fools together dressed up for Halloween in April.
I park, but we finish singing One Direction at the top of our lungs before we make our way inside, and it looks like the show has already started.
It’s a very different atmosphere from the last time I was here. The lights are low—there are fewer people, but it’s still a good turnout—and music blares. Huxley spots Skylar and Imani and screams, which gets my attention, but it’s all just garbled noise under the music. Skylar waves us over with the biggest smile. Everyone says their hellos and then Cameron, Easton, and I go to get drinks.
By the time we make it back to the tiny area holding all the concert goers, the openers are finished and it looks like The Nevermores—that’s Jacob’s band—have taken the stage. It’s guitars and drums and more guitars. The first riff breaks and music fills the shop loud enough I’m worried about the windows. They only play a few songs—a couple covers that I don’t recognize, mostly rock, and one original. They all sound original to me, and love it! Aidan and Imani sing along while the rest of us just enjoy the show.
After it settles down and the last song ends, the crowd disperses, but we stick around to catch up with Skylar and Imani while Jacob and his band pack everything up. Everyone is making fun of my maid costume again, and I guess I’m the butt of everyone’s joke tonight. I don’t mind though. I know I only spent one evening with them before, but it’s like seeing old friends. Imani introduces her boyfriend, Seth, and Aidan introduces Cameron to everyone, and suddenly I’m kinda sad Tyler’s pale self isn’t here with us.
The shop is all cleared out by the time Jacob comes back over to the group.
“Hey, everyone! Thanks so much for coming. I hope you liked the show.”
We all give him a chorus of congratulations and—from Huxley—bravos.
“Also, I want to introduce y’all to a friend of mine. This is Noah! I’ve known him for years. Thought he could hang out with us tonight. Dawn said we could all stay and chill for a bit as long as we clean up.” He turns back to Noah. “If that’s okay with you.”
I don’t know who this Dawn woman is, but sure.
“Yeah, yeah. I’m cool with that.” Noah nods. He’s a handsome guy, on the cute side, he looks a little timid, like he’s on the brink of breaking out of his shell but hasn’t fully gotten there yet. “Nice to meet y’all.”
We all take turns introducing ourselves to him and then make our way to a few tables to sit and hang and chat.
We break off in two groups since there are so many of us. Huxley, Skylar, Imani—who I learned tonight is basically Skylar’s translator too—and Seth huddle between the new thrillers and new young adult books while Easton, Cameron, Aidan, Jacob, Noah, and I crowd up the space in the used section.
I swear it looks like Cameron and Noah are hardcore flirting. Go Cameron! Even though I literally met them both tonight. I don’t know, it’s just cute.
Everyone here is coupled up. Sure, Tyler and Jace aren’t here physically, but we all have someone, and that’s really special to me.
I put my arm over Easton’s shoulders and pull him into me. I kiss his temple and tell him I love him. He turns to look at me and gives me a kiss.
“I love you,” he whispers, then kisses me again.
“Ew!” Jacob throws a wadded-up napkin at us. “Get a room.”
Everyone laughs and we all come back together as a group.
“Ya know,” I start but get a little choked up. Everyone is watching me. Easton takes my hand and gives it a squeeze. “Before I moved here I felt like I had nothing, no one. I was lost and angry and…broken. But coming here, I’ve found a…family. I’ve found myself. I’ve found love.” My eyes water and I move to dry them. “I found a family in you, Easton, and in Huxley and Aidan. In all of you. A wise woman once told me that waffles and pancakes and syrup can fix anything. You all are my waffles and pancakes and syrup. You all are like Waffle House—”
“Pleasestop with the cheesy metaphors! Waffle House is so dirty. We’re better than that!” Huxley interrupts and everyone laughs.
“You know what I mean, bitch. I’m trying to be sentimental.”
“Sentiments have never been your brand, bitch.” Huxley rolls her eyes.
“Yeah, it’s not you,” Easton chimes in, and I slap his shoulder playfully.
“It is hard to take you seriously when you’re half naked and your ass is hanging out of your bloomers.” Huxley wiggles her eyebrows and leers at me seductively. “But I love you anyway.”
Everyone laughs again and I throw Jacob’s napkin at her.
