Page 109 of The Music of Us
What Mom told me was true too—being there for someone didn’t mean being with them physically 24/7. That was impossible. I had to learn that. But what counted was how muchyou cared and made things work with what chances you were given. Jake had been showing me again and again that he cared, that I’d been in his thoughts all along. He proved he’d support me in all the little ways—even when things went wrong.
And it meant everything.
As I thought this, Jake began his solo verse in the final song, and his voice captured my attention, the way it always had.
The way it alwayswould.
The smooth cadence of his voice soothed my senses like a cool evening breeze at the end of a hot summer’s day, or that first drop of rain after living in a drought for months.
Siren, I thought again, just like I did four years ago. Unable to help it, I lifted my eyes from my screen to look over at Jake, wondering if I’d see him concentrating on the camera.
But he was looking over at me.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Thank you to everyone who tuned in to the livestream! Together, we’ve raised enough to ensure The Tiny Tiger’s able to keep their doors open for a long time! If you’re still interested in donating, booking a reservation, or seeing where you can volunteer to help animals in need in your own local community, click the link in our bio.
—The Usual Suspects [@OfficialUS]
Jake and I faced each other like two parallel lines, just like we did once upon a time, four years ago.
And just like four years ago, he was leaving for LA.
After the livestream ended, Jake went back to the motel, packed his bag, and sent for an Uber to take him to the airport. He came back to the café for one last goodbye.
“I’m glad the livestream worked out,” he told me.
He spoke quietly. Mom, Amber, and the boys—who were waiting for their later flights—were in the cat room, so it was just Jake,me, and the faint melody playing over the speakers. Something about the moment felt hushed, like when you’re in a library or museum and all your conversations come out whisper soft.
“It feels good to know this place will be around,” Jake said. His eyes met mine. “It’s something special.”
I studied him back. “It is.”
“And what about you?” he asked. “You ready to start the next chapter of your life?”
“I am.” I nodded, happy and relieved. “Thank you for helping with everything.”
“Don’t thank me,” he said, shaking his head. “This was all you, Lucy. You’re the mastermind.”
Grinning at his praise, I ducked my head, and my eyes landed on the papers he held in his right hand. The papers were plain white, with rows of black bars, waiting for notes to be written.
“And what about you?” I asked, nodding down at the blank sheet music. “Are you starting a new chapter too?”
“I am, thanks to you.”
My eyebrows went up. “To me?”
“Our conversation got me thinking it’s time I go for that solo side project.” He shrugged sheepishly. “I talked to the guys and we worked things out. It won’t be ready for a long while, but I figured I’d start writing a little on the plane while I’m feeling inspired. The band will always be there for me—just like how this café will always be here for you to come home to. It’s time to try another part of what I’ve always been meant for.”
“Jake, that’s great,” I gushed, unable to stop smiling.
A smile crossed his face as soon as his eyes landed on my own, like something reflexive. But then it faltered.
“I’m sorry for flying out already,” Jake apologized. “I promise I’m going to come back soon so I can see you in person.”
“Jake, it’s okay,” I assured him. “We’re not going to lose each other again.”
“We won’t,” he promised.
