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“This was supposed to be my reintroduction into the music world,”
“Most of you probably know, I went on hiatus about three years ago, because of some stuff that went down that kind of ruined me.”
“Well, ruined the old me. The Aiden James every one of you have come to love. I wish I could say the one standing here today is as into performing as he once was, and that it feels amazing to be back here, doing what I’ve dreamed about since I was a kid watching my mom do it first.”
“Don’t get me wrong. It’s great to be back, but ever since I landed in New York, I’ve felt like something was missing.”
“Three years ago, my life shifted completely on its axis. A single night rocked my entire world, and it took me that long to realize it wasn’t the aftermath of scandal and bad press that did it.” Pause. Another glance at the camera. “It was the girl.”
“One day, I’ll be able to go into the specifics of how I lost her, followed her to the underworld, and left without her. Like a dumbass. I’ll never be able to understand why I didn’t tell her today that I wanted to bring her back with me.”
“Pretty stupid of me, in all honesty. A test of faith that I failed, and will probably spend the rest of my life trying to make up for. Among other things.”
“I don’t deserve her. I know that much. And I’m sure if I could see her right now, her face would be the same color as her hair. I don’t even know if she’s listening right now, but in the event that she is… well, now she knows. I’m pretty sure you’ve been it for me since the second I laid eyes on you, angel. Three years I’ve been completely fucking obsessed, and I don’t see that ending anytime soon.”
“This one’s for you, pretty girl.”
“He’s not crazy.” He drops a backup remote onto the sofa and points at me with a long finger. “He’s in love.”
My muse was tired, so I set her free. Now, she can rest for good knowing she served me well.
“What I need,” I say, speaking slowly in the hopes of distracting her, “is Riley.”
do. Whatever you think there is between us, I’m in love with Riley. I have been since I first saw her, I think.” Pausing to roll the words around in my mouth, my chest warms as they settle, permeating my skin like they belong. “Whether or not you’d switched your tickets at the auction that night, I would’ve found my way to her eventually.”
“Angel,” I say, dropping my hand to the floor, reaching for her. Her eyes are open, watching me, and she scoots closer, her nose brushing my fingers. “I mean it, okay? You’re it for me. Promise you’ll remember that, even when you recall all the shit I put you through.” “That’s stupid,” she whispers. “I don’t need to remember, because you’re not going anywhere.”
“I love your optimism, pretty girl. Don’t let anyone change that, okay? And I know it doesn’t much matter right now, but fuck, I’m so sorry for everything. If I could spend my entire life trying to make up for the way I’ve treated you, I would.” “Don’t apologize.”
“You deserve so much more than words, Riley. The entire fucking universe should bow at your feet in awe of your strength and goodness. I must be the luckiest fucker in the world to have gotten to experience you, even for a little while.” “I love you,”
“Leaving you earlier was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Stupidest, too.” “You came back, though.” Huffing a laugh, I nod, cradling her head in my hands. “And I’m not leaving without you again.”
