Page 90 of Rookie Moves

Turning back to the front, I play the opening chords of “Iris” by Goo Goo Dolls.

Derek and the resident bassist and guitarist play along with me as I begin to sing. I keep my eyes closed, and Colby’s face flickers through my mind like a movie.

From the moment on the steps where he confessed to being lonely, to the time in the gym when he asked me to take his virginity.

The first time I tasted his lips, to the expression on his face when we have sex.

Each moment we’ve shared adds layers to the emotion in my voice, and when I finally open my eyes to look over at him, there’s no missing the tears shining in those hazel eyes I love so much.

Fuck, I love him. There’s no denying it.

Out of the corner of my eye, I see people sway in their seats, some embracing each other lovingly, but I can’t tear my eyes off him.

Because he’s all I can see. No matter where we are, my heart and soul will always call for him.

As I play the final few notes, everyone in the bar gets to their feet. A thunderous applause fills the room. There are a few whistles, and a choked laugh escapes me on a breath as I take it all in.

Holy shit, I did it. And I loved every fucking minute of it.

Unable to wipe the smile from my face, I take a small bow, then turn to shake hands with the resident musicians behind me.

“You are a natural,” the bassist says, taking my hand in both of hers. “You need to come back every week because that was amazing.”

My face heats under her praise.

“Wow, thanks, I appreciate it.”

Derek rounds his drum set to slap my back. “Fucking incredible, Tyler. That was awesome.”

Pushing my hair from my face, I walk back toward Colby wearing a bashful smile. People stop me to let me know how much they enjoyed it, and one woman has tears in her eyes as she squeezes my bicep.

By the time I make it back to Colby, the back of my eyes prickles with unshed tears. I can’t believe I did it, and it’s all because of him.

Colby believed in me when nobody else did, encouraged me to take the risk, and I don’t know how I’ll ever be able to repay him.

I place my guitar down against the wall, and the second my hands are free, Colby throws his arms around me. I wrap mine around him tightly, holding him close as he hides his face in my neck.

His back trembles slightly under my hands, and I smooth my palms over him in small circles. I quickly scan the bar to see if anyone is looking at us, but they’re all focused on the next person taking to the stage.

Feeling safe in our small corner of the bar, I duck my head, press my face into his hair, and allow a tear to fall down my cheek.

I don’t know why I’m so fucking emotional, but I feel raw.

I allowed myself to be vulnerable, in a room full of strangers, and it felt freeing. Like stepping onto that stage has breathed new life into me.

After I press a kiss to Colby’s head, he steps out of my hold and wipes his face with the sleeve of his hoodie.

“Fuck you,” he says with a wet laugh. “You weren’t supposed to make me cry, asshole.”

I grin so wide, my cheeks ache. “I’m sorry.”

Smiling, he rolls his eyes and huffs out a breath as he turns back toward the table and takes a sip of his soda.

“You were amazing, by the way.” He flicks his gaze to me, his eyes still shining brightly under the low lighting of the bar. “I could watch you all night.”

“Thank you,” I say, smiling softly.

“What for?”