That Summer | Aaron Carpenter

forty

I walked out of my room, tying a pink bandanna around my head. I fixed my Magcon shirt and ran down the stairs. All the guys were hanging out in the kitchen.

“Are you guys ready?” I asked.

“We were waiting on you.” Johnson said.

I bit the inside of my lip and nodded. I hadn’t mentioned a word about the guys that liked me. I was still thinking of what my next move should be. We walked out and got in the cars. I slid into Taylor’s front seat as Aaron and Hayes slid in the back.

“Hayes?” We all asked.

“I’m tired of riding with Nash.” He said.

“Makes sense.” I chuckled.

My brother drove to the even building in downtown Denver. We all went in and started to set up. I went to the stage to mic check. Apparently Gilinsky followed me.

I picked up a mic and tapped on it.

“You should sing something.” Gilinsky told me. I jumped a mile and turned to see him at the other end of the stage.

“It works.” I said and began to put it back. I was about to make a run for it when he jogged over and pulled me back.

“We have to talk about it sometime.” He said.

“I really prefer not to.” I said.

“What about dinner?” He asked. “Chick fil a.”

Of course, he knew Chick-fil-a was my weakness.

“Fine.” I gave in.

“Good.” He said. “And maybe you’ll think about performing our song today.”

He smiled and walked away. I took a deep breath. I had to face the fact that some of the hottest guys I knew liked me. It scared me but it was happening. I checked the rest of the mics and set up the stand and stools.

I walked over to the meet and greet area as they opened the doors.
A fan sprinted towards me. She hugged me tight.

“Oh my god, it’s actually you!” She squealed.

I laughed, “yeah it’s me.”

“I can’t believe it.” She said. “I tried to come to the show last year but I couldn’t. Then I found out you weren’t doing it and I was super upset but here you are!”

“Here I am.” I smiled at her.

--------------------------

After the meet and greets we all walked on stage.

“Who’s singing?” Taylor asked.

“We will.” Johnson said.

“I wanted to sing.” Jacob said.

“You can all sing.” I said. “Remember? More than one act.”

“Right.” They all said. I pulled up a stool as they got set up.

The song Cold Hearted started playing. Gilisnky started singing, looking at me the whole time. Then Johnson did his part.

I started to feel uncomfortable and turned. I walked off stage and paced back and forth backstage.

“Hallie, are you okay?” I heard Shawn’s voice.

“I’m fine.” I said and looked at him. “I’m just worried.”

“About?”

“What if I give the other guys a try and I fall in love with one of them? It’d crush Aaron.” I said. “I cannot hurt him again.”