The Opportunity of a Lifetime

Chapter 53 (Patrick's POV)

I run into our dressing room, sweat dripping off of my nose. I love playing shows, but I could really do without the sweat. Swinging open the doors to the mini closet, I find a t-shirt and skinny jeans and throw them on before anyone else decides to walk in the room and sees me butt naked.

Just as I'm pulling up my pants, I see from the corner of my eye that Hailey walked in. I let out a weird sounding shriek and hide behind the couch, zipping up my jeans. She just bursts out laughing, grabbing the wall for support.

"We've been dating for months, Patrick," she says after she catches her breath. "I can't even see you in your underwear?"

I look down in embarrassment. I trust her, but I'm just too insecure.

"I'm too scared," I say quietly.

Hailey walks over to me, wrapping her arms around my waist. She looks up into my eyes, not a bit of judgment in them.

"Patrick, I love you for you. You know I don't mind what you look like. I respect that you want to take things slow. I do, too."

I smile at her, leaning down and kissing her lips softly. Her fingers trail up my arms and settle around my neck, my hands resting on her waist. Its a very sweet moment, not lusty or desperate, just loving and good.

Of course the moment doesn't last, because the guys and Cheryl come stumbling in and laughing really loud, making Hailey accidentally bite my lip. I jump back from her, and she apologizes over and over, making me chuckle.

"It's okay, Hails."

Everyone else haven't seemed to have noticed us yet, so we just stand there in the middle of the room, amused expressions on our faces. Pete has to literally run into me for them to realize we were there.

"Hiya, Pete," I say, his forehead pressed into mine. He jumps back, startled.

"How did you not know we were in here?" Hailey asks.

"Well, we were in an intense conversation about unicorns, so..." Cheryl explains, when something pulls at my insides.

"Guys? Where is Gracie?" I ask worriedly.

Everyone whips around, looking for the girl.

"She was right behind us," Joe frantically says.

"She couldn't have gone far," Andy adds.

I push everyone aside and sprint out of the room, immediately thinking the worst. There are people everywhere, someone could have easily taken her. I run faster than I've ever ran before, calling Gracie's name. When there is no sign of her after a while, dread starts to rise from the pit of my stomach to my throat.

"Oh no, oh no, what am I going to do, oh no," I mutter, pinching the bridge of my nose.

"What's wrong, Patrick?"

I whip around to the voice I thought I wouldn't hear again, running at her with my arms open. I grab her and squeeze her against my chest, running my hands through her hair.

"Can't... breathe... Patrick."

I let loose a little, but not much. I shut my eyes, letting out a breath I didn't realize I was holding.

"Do you realize how worried I was about you?"

"Patrick... Let me go."

I hesitantly lower her to the ground, keeping hold of her hand.

"Why were you worried about me?" She asks confusedly.

"You weren't with us. You scared me, Gracie. Don't run off on me like that again," I scold, giving her a hard look.