But it is.
And I don’t want to let it go.
I exhale, running a hand over my jaw.“I do actually need to tell you something.”
That pulls her back, her amusement and embarrassment fading just slightly.
I sit forward, resting my elbows on the table, fingers threading together.
“The tour,” I say, watching her closely.I hold my breath, hoping…
Her brow furrows slightly, head tilting.“What tour?”
I drag a hand through my hair.“The one I just got offered.”
She stills.
Ifeelthe shift in her.
The way she locks her expression down, her fingers pressing together.
“You got offered a tour?Where?When?You just found out?”She says her words in a rush, as her lashes flutter against her cheeks.
“I just found out.Tonight.Right before the set.I wanted you to know before—before this goes any further.”
Her lips part slightly.“Joel.”
I let out a slow breath.“It’s a big deal, Ace.Europe.Two months.It’s the biggest gig I’ve ever been offered.It could lead to more.”
She swallows, nods slowly.
But I don’t stop there.
“London offered me something else.”
That gets her attention.
Her gaze sharpens, her body going still.“What?”
I lean forward, holding her eyes.“A few more shows at Nocté.If I want it.”
She exhales slowly, absorbing it.“So you have two choices.”
I nod.“Yeah.”
She watches me, searching my face.“And what?You can’t make a decision?”
I shake my head.“Not without you.”
She breathes in, and Ifeelthe weight of it, the weight ofus,the weight of everything that has led us to this moment.
But then—she surprises me.
She lifts her chin, meeting my eyes, and says, “You have to go.”
I blink, caught off guard.“What?”
She shrugs one shoulder, the tiniest smile playing at her lips.“You have to go, Joel.It’stwo months.We’ve waited this long, haven’t we?”