Page 49 of Perfectly Wrong
“Sam.” Jeremy sounded exhausted. “You’ve got a major release coming up. Go home, get some rest, and prepare yourself. You’ve got a busy year ahead, full of appearances and a tour—and it won’t do you any good to chase her. Elena is moving on with her life, and there’s nothing you can do about it. I’m sorry, but leave her alone. It’s what’s best for both of you.”
Without another word, I left his office, glancing inside Elena’s as I passed by. Her things were still there, and that gave me a shred of hope.
After Elena’s house was sold, there was no point in sitting outside, waiting for her. The last time I drove by, I saw the curtains were gone, and the place was empty. My heart clenched, and I took a deep breath, trying not to cry.
It was the day of my concert, and I had rehearsal in a few hours. I’d prayed a million times, asking God to put a little voice in her head, telling her to come. I’m pretty sure even He was tired of me by now. Instead of going about my business, I parked outside Icon Records, hoping for just a glimpse of her, even if it was the last time. My plan was to convince her to come back to me so we could have a real conversation. By now, she probably knew what I’d said about us, and I wouldn’t be surprised if she screamed at me on the sidewalk. But once she heard my reasons, she’d get it. She had to.
Then I saw them. Elena came out first, and I jumped out of the car, but then John appeared behind her, and I froze. They walked in the opposite direction, and my heart dropped when he pulled her close and wrapped his arm around her. I couldn’t see her face clearly, but I saw him kiss the top of her head, and she wrapped her arm around his waist. They looked like one of those “relationship goals” couples you see online. He was perfect for her; they matched too well. His lion tattoo against her fair skin, his small eyes contrasting with her big, expressive ones, and their smiles... God, they looked so happy it made me sick.
That was the moment I realized I’d really lost her. And I couldn’t even blame the guy. I was the one who messed up—me and my recklessness. As they walked away, reality smacked me in the face. I finally understood what she meant when she said I’d ruined everything. It was all my fault.
Not wanting them to see me, I ran back to my car and sped off to the stadium. Tears blurred my vision, and I had no idea how I’d get through the night. A part of me hoped she wouldn’t show up, but deep down, I needed her there. I had to apologize for everything I’d done.
After the rehearsal, people started arriving. The whole Icon team was there, along with my family. My mom kept asking how I was doing. She knew about Elena and could tell I was a mess, but I couldn’t help rolling my eyes when she asked, for the sixth time, if there was anything she could do. My parents were amazing, and my sister was my anchor, even when she wouldn’t listen to my music.
“Is she here yet?” I asked Alex, and he shook his head.
“Sorry, Sam. We sent the VIP ticket to her office, but I don’t know if she got it or if she’s coming.” I sighed and nodded. He gave me a supportive pat on the shoulder. “But it’s showtime, so let’s kill it, alright? The place is packed, and everyone’s pumped to see you!”
He was right, of course. He got everyone out of the room, and I went through my warm-ups. Then I prayed for an incredible night and for the fans to have a great time—and I didn’t forget to ask that they get home safely. Minutes later, we walked out, and the band took their spots on stage. The crowd went nuts, their screams so loud I could hear them through my earphones. I looked up and closed my eyes.
“This one’s for you, Elena,” I whispered and stepped on stage as the first chords of “You in Japan” started.
Seeing the packed venue made me smile. This was my place, where I belonged. I’d put my broken heart aside and give the fans everything I had. They were everything to me, and I couldn’t let them down.
Performing those songs live for the first time was harder than I’d imagined. Each one held so many memories, and I found myself thinking about the moments when I wrote them. It was insane how people already knew the lyrics! The album had only dropped the day before, and it was already a hit—probably thanks to Elena’s flawless marketing. I couldn’t stop smiling and winking at the girls in the front rows. If they were here, it meant they’d arrived super early, and I wanted them to feel appreciated. My eyes scanned the crowd, silently acknowledging everyone. My mom was the best of them all, singing and dancing like she used to during school plays. It was super embarrassing back then, but right now, I wanted her on stage with me. And a few rows behind her, I saw Elena.
My heart flipped in my chest, and I grinned at her, but she didn’t smile back. That was okay, though—she was here, and that was all that mattered. The night was perfect until I noticed that asshole John sitting beside her. My smile faded, and I turned back to the crowd.
“Thank you, everyone,” I said when the song ended. “Before the next one, I want to give a shoutout to the incredible team at Icon Records who worked tirelessly to make this album and concert happen. Toronto, make some noise for them up there!”
I pointed to where they were seated, and the audience erupted. A roadie came up and took my guitar, as planned, and I walked to the piano. The next song wasn’t on the setlist, but I had to play it. Elena needed to hear it, needed to know that I loved her and needed her. I took a deep breath and started playing.
“I didn’t believe it, so I needed proof / Just one touch of your lips, and I knew it was true.” I sang, my fingers moving over the keys. “It was poison / And I drank the best of it all.”
This was tougher than I’d thought, and my eyes began to tear up. I wanted to get off the stage, apologize, and beg Elena for another chance, no matter who was watching.
“You sealed our fate / then set it ablaze.” I looked up, and she was staring at me, shocked. “But it was written in the stars / life was the death that tore us apart.”
I looked down at the piano, trying to focus. The audience was split between singing along and sitting in silence, and I even saw some girls crying. I smiled at them, feeling their pain—not for them, but for the girl who was here, tearing my heart apart like I was her personal puppet.
“We made a mess / But I can’t stand to see you go.” I looked at Elena again, willing her to remember our happiest moments. “You’re my whole world / So perfectly wrong for me.”
My heart stopped when she got up and left. John followed her, and in my wildest dreams, she’d have stormed the stage and hugged me, kissed me. But she didn’t.
When the song ended, I felt hollow. Alex gave me a sympathetic smile from the wings, and I got up. I put myself on autopilot and finished the show, not really caring to switch off afterward.
Epilogue
John and I were waiting at the departure lounge of Toronto Airport for our flight to New York. Boarding was in forty-five minutes, and I had to endure my friend’s complaints the entire time. I was always extra cautious when flying, arriving at least two hours before boarding. Rebooking flights was a hassle and always meant losing money, and I couldn’t afford that, not with a new life waiting for me in another country.
“You really need to stop whining,” I told John as we wandered through a bookstore. “At least you won’t miss the flight this time, unlike all those other times.”
He rolled his eyes and followed me, reminding me of how much sleep he’d sacrificed because of my punctuality.
“I have no idea why I’m still friends with you. You’re lucky I love you,” he teased, making me stifle a laugh. “But you seem oddly cheerful today. What’s up?”
I shrugged. “I cried my eyes out last night.” I sighed, the weight of everything settling in. “But then I thought about it. If I’m starting fresh, I want it to be really new. I don’t want to drag all that negative energy with me to New York. So I’m leaving it behind and deciding to give life another shot. I’ve done it before; why not do it again now?”