I can’t sleep.

After we got home from the club last night, I sat up with my parents until the early hours of the morning. We drank hot cocoa and dissected every part of the night. I still don’t know exactly what went down behind that black door, but I’m desperate to find out. Max looked terrified.

It was something bad.

My stomach has been swirling with nausea ever since.

We got through. Our audition was a hit and we’re supposed to be playing in Cullington next month. I don’t even care.

Maybe I’ll get excited eventually, but right now, all I can think about is Max.

“Demons” by Imagine Dragons is keeping me company in my room. I should reach for my guitar and play along, but I just can’t make myself move right now.

Instead I reach for my phone and check the last few texts I’ve sent Max. I haven’t heard back from her yet. I even tried calling this morning, but it didn’t even ring.

I tried Maddie’s phone about an hour ago. I asked if Max was okay and if I could come over and check on her.

I got a swift reply:

No. Coming here will just make things worse for her.

I texted back trying to find out why, but she hasn’t responded.

Shit. I dump my phone back on the nightstand, wondering if I should ignore Maddie’s warning and just turn up anyway.

“Cairo!” Mom calls. “Can you come here, please?”

I huff, tempted to shout out that I’m busy, but my body moves first and I shuffle out to the kitchen with my hands shoved in my pockets.

As soon as I round the corner, I spot Max standing by the counter and my heart jumps into my throat.

I can’t even whisper her name as she surges towards me. Catching her in a tight embrace, I hold her against me, never wanting to let go. Her fingers clutch my hoody as she sniffs against my shoulder.

Her body is quaking like she’s already started crying.

I share a quick look with Mom who’s watching us with glistening eyes and a sad smile.

“I don’t have long,” Max finally mumbles and pulls free.

It hurts to let her go, so when she steps back, I rest my hands on her wet cheeks and brush the tears away with my thumbs.

She gives me a quivering smile. “Maddie’s covering for me while Dad’s…” She glances at the floor and crosses her arms. “But he’ll be back soon and then my life will be over.”

“What’s going on?” I whisper, guiding her to one of the bar stools so she can take a seat and tell us.

Mom places a glass of water on the counter for her.

Max gives her a twitchy smile. “Thanks.”

“You can tell us anything, sweetie. We’re just here to help and listen.”

“I know.” Fresh tears spill free and she swipes them away. “I’m sorry. I can’t seem to stop crying.”

“It’s okay.” I nestle up against her so she can lean into my side.

She rests her head on my chest. “They kept Uncle Conrad. Dad has to pay for his release. The exchange is happening at eight o’clock and then he’s driving Uncle Rad to the airport. I won’t even get to say goodbye.” My face bunches with torment. “He’s been booked into a rehab center in Florida. It’s like three thousand miles away, but he needs it. And I don’t know when I’m going to see him again.”

“Cairo mentioned that he stole some things.” Mom gives her a kind smile. “Sounds like your family is doing everything they can to help him.”

“Yeah.” Max sucks in a ragged breath. “He, um, got addicted to gambling and the people at that club last night, they… He owes them money.”

“Whoa,” I murmur, bulging my eyes at Mom while holding Max a little tighter.

Mom’s dark eyebrows dip together before she can smooth out her expression. “But isn’t your dad the police? Can’t he stop these people?”

“It’s always more complicated than that. This guy is scary and untouchable. Everything he said, he… His threats.” She lets out a shaky sob.

My heart is cracking as I stand there rubbing her back.

Mom cringes. “He wouldn’t risk hurting your family, though, would he?”

“The guy seemed confident and very unafraid of my father.”

“Wow.” Mom starts playing with her necklace, running the amber bead up and down the chain.

I swallow, willing my voice back into action. My brain is reeling as I try to absorb this stuff. “So, uh…” I lick my lips. “Can your dad get the money?”

“Yep.” Max bobs her head. “I don’t know how he got it, but my parents have been up all night and on the phone most of today.”

“You poor thing,” Mom murmurs. “You must be terrified.”

“They won’t hurt Dad.” Max shakes her head. “They won’t kill a cop. They’re not stupid, and once the money’s paid, everyone will be safe again.”

“Yes, well we’re going to make sure of that. Cairo is certainly not going anywhere near Brazenwood again.” Mom gives me a firm look before glancing back at my girlfriend. “I’m so sorry it’s come to this. You guys were amazing on stage last night. I was so proud and happy watching you. And not to be flippant, because I know you probably feel like you’re going through hell right now, but I don’t want you guys to ever forget how epic it was before it all fell apart. Those are the memories I want you to keep from last night.” Her dark eyes glimmer as she smiles at us.

Max sits up with a sniff. We share a quick smile before she glances at her watch.

Her face crumples with disappointment. “I have to go. If Mom knows I snuck out, the punishment will only be worse.”

“Punishment?” Mom frowns.

“They haven’t decided yet. Dad wanted time to think about it. So yeah, I’m pretty sure my life isn’t going to be very happy for the next little while. They’ve already taken my phone and I don’t know what else is going to happen.”

Irritation spurts through me.

“I’ll find out tonight when Dad gets home, but that’s why I had to come. I just…” She rests her hand on my chest and gazes at me with a heartbreaking smile. “I just had to see you and let you know that…” Her voice dies as fresh tears line her lashes.

Cradling her face, I lean in and plant my lips on hers.

I don’t care that Mom is right there watching and Max doesn’t seem to either, because she kisses me back like it’s the last one we’ll ever have before suddenly ripping her lips off mine and choking out a painful goodbye.

“I’m sorry. I have to go. I have to go.”

She presses the back of her hand against her mouth before racing for the door.

As it slams shut behind her, I feel myself crumple on the inside. Mom’s there beside me before I can flop into the chair. She wraps her arms around me and holds me tight, stroking the back of my head and murmuring, “It’s okay. It’s okay. We’ll make this right. It’ll be all right.”

I hug her like I’m five again. I have no idea how long we stand there, but I’m once again grateful for my amazing parents.

I wish Max had the same. I wish I could somehow convince her parents to understand how important her dreams are and how much I want to help her achieve them.