Promise.

Chapter Five.

Weeks passed. Nicky and Sarah were together almost every day. They had grown inseparable. Ramon had become quite fond of Sarah as well. He appreciated her helping them in the studio, but he saw how good she was for his friend. He was better because of her. He stopped being such a jokester. He was serious now. He killed it at the plate and didn't waste a minute in the studio. Ramon saw that Sarah motivated him. Encouraged him. Put him on a good path. He was starting to look at her as an extension of his best friend, making her family.

But, it was all going to end soon. He and Nicky were going back to Puerto Rico in two weeks. He knew how Nicky could spiral, and he was worried that leaving Sarah would be bad for him.

They were in the studio, finishing Sarah's album. It was good. He was excited about it. He was happy to have his name attached to it. He had been working on a few tracks for her, and got chills when she sang his words. She was in the booth now, doing some edits. Nicky sat at the sound board, making adjustments as needed. Ramon pulled a sheet of paper out of his pocket and handed it to Nicky. "Mano, look at this. Tell me what you think".

Nicky quickly looked over the lyrics on the sheet. "A love song?" he asked, looking up at Ramon. "it's fire, but not your style".

"It's not for me. It's for you. And Sarah".

Nicky looked back down at the sheet, rereading the lyrics. He lightly slammed a fist on his chest, then stood to hug his friend. "Thank you, brother.".

"Where are you at with her? Knowing we're going home soon?".

Nicky sighed, sitting back down. "I don't know, man. I don't know what to do. I know it's been like two months, but I'm crazy about her. I told my mom about her, man!". He slammed the lyric sheet down and stood back up, running his hands over his head in frustration.

Sarah happened to be stepping out of the booth at that moment and saw Nicky was upset. She looked at Ramon, who nodded at her and left the studio. Sarah quickly crossed the room to Nicky, taking him by the hand and leading him to the couch. "Sit baby. Talk to me".

Nicky sat beside her, searching her face. He didn't want to ruin their last weeks together. He forced a smile and ran his thumb over her lips. "I'm just tired baby. There are a lot of scouts coming through this week and next. I've been stressing about it a little". He stood up and grabbed the lyric sheet, bringing it back to her. "Look what Ray wrote for us. A duet for you and me".

She took the piece of paper, but her eyes stayed on his face. She knew he was lying to her. Something more was happening. But, she didn't push. Sighing, she started reading the lyrics. They were in Spanish, but she understood most of it. She looked back up at him "Is this us?".

"Isn't it?"

She put the paper down, gently taking his face in her hands. "I've been avoiding this, because it seems crazy to me. But....I love you". When he didn't answer her, she became uncomfortable, regretting what she just said. "I mean, I don't know....I just thought -"

He cut her off, pressing his mouth hard on hers. She immediately parted her lips, joining her tongue with his. He pulled her onto his lap, so she was straddling him. "I love you too" he murmured, moving his mouth down her neck. She tossed her head back, locking her fingers behind his neck, holding on tightly, moaning softly. His hand slipped under her shirt, caressing her back, as his lips moved lower. He licked along her collar bone, making her moan even louder. She began grinding on his lap, both of their breaths quickening. He quickly unbuttoned her top button, kissing lower and lower. He just reached the outline of her bra when the door opened, and Ramon walked in.