Chapter Thirty

My jaw drops. I'm pretty sure my chin is literally scraping the floor.

Did Alison really just do and say that? Here? Now? I watch as she retreats backstage. I need to talk to her. Now.

I'm vaguely aware of the stares that are on me, but I'm trying to ignore them. The room is humming with excited whispers. I'm sure I can guess as to exactly what they're talking about. I don't care though. I need to get to Alison. I need to find her.

"Alison," I say to no one in particular.

I vaguely notice someone nodding next to me as they step back to let me pass. I push my way through the row until I'm out in the aisle.

Someone else is on stage talking now. I couldn't tell you who they are or what they're saying. My mind is set on one thing.

I'm not sure if I'm excited to see her or nervous. Her saying this to all of these people is so unlike her. More than likely she's backstage freaking out.

Heck, I'm freaking out. I don't even know where she and I stand in all of this but she basically just gave the media full reign of our relationship—whatever it may be.

Yeah, we've flirted in public here and there, but I feel like that was harmless tour mate stuff. This is on a whole other level.

My stomach does a few nervous flips as I continue on my way to Alison. The girl that's been on my mind since the second I said my first word to her. The girl who has inspired so much of my music. The girl who has been slowly bringing me out of my shell and showing me it's okay to care for people again.

The girl that I need to see right now.

I turn a corner and there she is, standing in front of me. Her face lights up into a smile when she sees me. My stomach does a flip for a whole different reason now.