Page 99 of Yours To Hold
I just wish Ivy loved it enough to stay.
“I’m going to go grab a beer. You guys need anything?”
They both shake their heads at me as I head over to the small bar set up at the side of the stage. Nash is the only one standing around waiting for a drink.
“How’s it going?” I ask, leaning against the bar.
He blows out a breath. “Good. But stressful. I keep waiting for something to go wrong.”
“Why would something go wrong?”
The bartender sets a drink down in front of him. “Anything for you?”
“I’ll take an IPA, please.”
“Because we’re dealing with moody musicians?” Nash answers my question. “They’re moodier than you.”
Not him too.
“Did you all have a family meeting to discuss me? First Gemma, now you.”
Nash holds his hands up in defense. “Hey, I wasn’t there.”
“So there was something?”
Christ. My family really is a bunch of meddlers.
“It’s hard not to notice how you’ve been lately. Especially after the blowup at dinner.”
I wince. “Not one of my finer moments, that’s for sure.”
Nash claps me on the shoulder. “Hey, we’ve all been there. It sucks.”
“At least you didn’t have your entire family sticking their noses in your business.”
A beaming smile lights up his face. “No. But now I get to be included in your family and stick my nose in your business. It’s nice not being on the receiving end.”
I take a gulp of the beer that’s set in front of me and glance around the backstage area, packed with musicians and journalists.
People have come from far and wide to see the lineup Nash created. It’s nothing short of incredible. Who knew the scraggly kid that visited here every summer would be heading up one of the biggest festivals on this side of the Mississippi.
“I’m really proud of you, Nash.”
He looks uncomfortable. “Thanks, Mason.”
“I mean it.” I clasp his shoulder, staring at him. “I’m glad you’re back and can do what you love from here. You’re a part of this family, and I love you like another brother.”
Nash pulls me in for a hug. “Damn you Winchesters for always making me so emotional.”
“Sorry.” I clap him on the back and release him. “You might as well get used to it.”
“Peter and I are here for you too, you know. I know you’re on your own and it’s still a year before Willow’s mom comes back, but we’ve got your back. Whatever you need, you or Willow, we’re here.”
I swallow down the emotions that are threatening to burst out of me. I’ve been so on edge ever since Ivy left. I hate it. I’m not used to it.
“Thanks, Nash. You better get back to doing your thing.” I point to a group of people that are behind us.
Nash turns, waving at them. “My job is never done.”
