Page 171 of Silver Sweet

“I know.” He touches my hand at our sides, as if to say,you wouldn’t do that to me. I know.

I try to relax.

He expresses to my parents, “They mean well, but I just don’t want them up my ass this entire tour. The less they know about me and Tom, the better.”

“We’ll keep this to ourselves,” my mom assures, then turns to my dad.

He slips a hand against the small of her back. “We’re happy to help. Especially while you’re both on tour together.”

“Thank you,” Phoenix says deeply, then picks up his duffel and backpack. “I’ll go drop this off in your room, Tom.”

I nod stiffly, wanting to kiss him but losing the chance because of hesitation and fear.

That crushes me in a worse way.

I can deal with my career myself, so I’m not asking my parents to assist me with my problems. I am fucking capable on my own. “Thank you for stopping by. I feel truly loved. Hope you listen to the album on repeat all day.”

My parents and sister say their goodbyes, but ten feet from the door, Audrey whirls around. “You’ll be flying back for Wednesday Night Dinners?”

“In between the shows, that’s the plan. I wouldn’t miss them.”

“But you can,” Mom says, her fingers in Dad’s hand. “It’s fine if you opt out.”

I grimace. “I don’topt out.I’ve never opted out.” Dad has furrowed brows of concern, so I add strongly before he speaks, “I can handle it.” In my mind, I don’t need to sacrifice this time with my siblings. I can have everything if I manage my time well. “Let me prove I can handle it.”

“You don’t have anything to prove to us,” Dad assuages.

“Then to myself,” I say.

His gaze softens on me with understanding. “Okay.”

My mom purses her lips but trains her attention more on my dad. They’re speaking through their eyes. Unfortunately, I’ve yet to become an efficient interpreter forthoselooks. Her eviscerating glare could speak threats as much as they could speak love.

I reiterate to my sister, “I will most definitely be there on Wednesdays.”

“Perfect.” Audrey pops up on her toes. “Because I have an announcement that can only be formally shared on a Wednesday night. It’s sure towow.” My curiosity piques.

Eliot and I share rising grins before I say, “Drop the dinner bomb, Audrey Virginia.”

“Drop many bombs,” Eliot puffs on a cigar.

“We’re here for the fireworks,” I add.

Her excitement bubbles, and she hugs me and Eliot before she leaves.

Mom is the last to go. “You two.” She points her talon at me and my brother. “Be careful what you wish for.”

Eliot and I snicker, but when the door shuts, our smiles wipe off our faces. We exchange a look of gravity and concern.

I shake my head. “Damage is not the name of the game anymore,” I say to him. “Unless it’s damagecontrol.”

“It’s Audrey. It can’t be that explosive.” He pats my chest. “Worry about the amazing birthday sex you’re going to have tonight.”

Ben is all too happy to crash on the pull-out after the party, considering he’s sent me there over a dozen times this year. He wants to take his turn, and he finally has the opportunity.

But I can’t think about sex.

I’m checking my phone for any album reviews. None yet. There’s still time.