It was my last chance to save our relationship. Now it was gone. At least I thought it was until I noticed him across the bar. He was sitting near the spot where Andi and I usually did our paperwork in the evening. Bentley was with him, and both were in a deep conversation.
As much as I wanted to go to him and ask him to speak in private, the stern expression on his face said whatever they were discussing shouldn’t be interrupted. There was no guarantee that he’d agree to talk with me anyway. I’d give him a few minutes and see if his face softened, or I’d wait until Andi came to get Bentley.
Sitting on a stool near the main entrance, a familiar stench penetrated my nose. I glanced up just in time to see Wesley walk inside the main doors. He stared me up and down as if he were going to attempt a conversation with me, but as soon as I narrowed my gaze, he went to the other side of the bar.
As he flirted with one of the guests, I hurled daggers into his back. Even though they weren’t real, I pretended they were. Part of me wished it too. Death would be the only thing to get him out of my life for good.
Yet I wasn’t a murderer. My conscience wouldn’t allow me to hurt someone and not feel terrible after the fact. I wasn’t a violent person. Wesley was the only one who’d driven me to the point of using my fists to deal with someone. It only happened after he’d hit me, as well as wrecked my relationship with Ayden.
The mere thought of him had me looking in his direction. When I did, I saw something I wasn’t expecting. Ayden was looking toward me this time.
I fought the urge to go to him and beg him to talk. If we got to the point where we could discuss all of this, I wanted him sober. After seeing him consume several shots, I knew he was far from it.
Although I knew people spoke the truth while under the influence of alcohol, it was a double-edged sword. They could say mean, hurtful things too. Sometimes those things were true. Sometimes, they were horrible lies to cause the other person pain.
When Ayden finally glanced away and took another shot, I forced myself to turn around. The longer I stared at him, the harder it was not to take my chances and go to him.
Struggling with the decision, I was relieved to see Max walking toward me. I waved at him as he set a drink on a napkin and scooted it in my direction. “You look like you could use this.”
I nodded. “Thank you.”
Leaning against the bar, he stared me in the eye. “I heard what happened. I’m sorry. I should have been paying attention.”
“I wish Andi wouldn’t have told you what happened. This isn’t your fault, Max. It wasn’t even the side of the bar you normally work. Besides, you’re not my guard dog.”
“The hell if I’m not.” He winked at me, and I managed to chuckle. I missed laughing. The last few days had been horrible. Max always had a way of cheering me up. He was protective of me too. To know someone may have slipped something into my drink when he was just a few feet away angered him, but it made him feel responsible. I didn’t want him to feel that way.
“I’m here if you need me.”
“Thanks, Max.”
Just as he stepped away, my phone rang. I didn’t bother checking to see who was on the other end. In truth, I didn’t feel like chatting with anyone, but my job was never done.
“Hello. Mia Brooks speaking.”
No one answered back. I waited to see if someone would speak, but after a few seconds of nothing, I assumed the call had dropped.
“Hello, Mia.”
The sound of his voice stirred my emotions. Part of me would always love him, but it wasn’t what had me on the brink of tears. It was the fact that of all people to call me during this crisis in my life, it ended up being him.
Right before I spoke, something in my peripheral caught my attention. I glanced over my shoulder to see Wesley standing behind me. Knowing he was this close to me made my skin crawl.
“Hang on a second,” I spoke into the phone before covering the mouthpiece with my hand and lowering it to my lap. Then I glared at Wesley. “By the time I’m off this phone, you better be gone.”
I didn’t say anything else. He wasn’t worth my time. Hopefully, he got the message, because I was finished talking to him tonight.
Uncovering the phone, I placed it back to my ear. As I leaned against the bar, I did my best to steady my voice. Then I spoke into the phone again.
“Hi, D.”
* * *
~Ayden~
I was unsure if Mia had noticed I’d moved to the other side of the bar until I saw her looking toward the seats Bentley and I had been occupying. I don’t know why it pleased me to know she was looking for me. I shouldn’t care, but I was lying to myself to think I didn’t.
I cared too much.
Forcing myself to look away, I checked to see if Bentley was watching me. He wasn’t. Instead, he drank his beer and cooled off from the harsh remarks we’d traded.
When I was sure he was buried in his thoughts, I searched for Mia again. Taking a seat near the entrance, she hadn’t gone far. I had just enough time to locate her before Wesley came strolling into the bar. He noticed her the minute he stepped inside.
The moment she acknowledged him, I wondered if he would speak with her. He must have reconsidered. Instead, he went to the bar across from her and struck up a conversation with another woman.
It wasn’t long after that when Mia peered in my direction. She’d caught me looking at her, and even though I hadn’t meant for her to see me, I couldn’t look away. She still captivated me.
I loved her. It’s why this was complicated. As much as I wanted to believe her innocence, doubt clouded my mind. How could I be with her if I didn’t give her all of my trust? It wasn’t fair to either of us. No matter how much I wanted to be with her, at this point in time, I couldn’t. It made me angry.
Refocusing on the shots in front of me, I cursed myself for looking in her direction. The pain I was doing my best to numb flared again. I couldn’t keep doing this to myself. Maybe I needed to spend more time in my suite. It would save me from watching Mia’s every move.
Feeling my resolve weaken, I glanced toward the stool where she was sitting. Max slid a glass in front of her and then leaned closer as he spoke with her about something. My ego got the best of me. She was discussing me. I just knew it.
How long would it take for word to spread about what happened? Once it did, people would either pity me or laugh behind my back. Was this the reason Mia had been so secretive about our relationship? Had she been trying to protect me or had she been setting me up to look like a fool? She was Izzy’s sister, after all.
The more I thought about it, the angrier I became.
Max stepped away, leaving Mia to herself. She looked as though she were about to take a drink of her cocktail when she glanced at her phone. My curiosity got the best of me when I noticed her answer it. Judging by her smile, she was at ease with whoever was on the other end.
She hadn’t been on the phone for long when Wesley left his spot at the other bar and strolled closer. Stopping a foot shy of where she sat, he stood slightly behind her. I questioned if he was eavesdropping on her conversation.
The thought no sooner formed when Mia peered over her shoulder and looked at him. I was too far away to read her lips, but whatever she said, it made him chuckle. After she turned back to the bar, I expected him to leave. Nope. He stood there, his mouth moving with words I couldn’t hear. He glanced at his watch then held up all five fingers.
Even though Mia wasn’t looking directly at him, I couldn’t tell if she was on the phone. I hadn’t seen her set it down, but then, I’d been too focused on Wesley since he approached her.
Maybe he and Mia were making plans to meet in five minutes.
When he finally walked away, I didn’t miss the smile covering his face. Whatever they had discussed, he was in a good mood. I couldn’t help but think the worst. Had Mia decided to make amends with him this soon after we fell apart?
The fuck if I let that happe
n. If Wesley wanted her back, fine, but I’d make sure to give him just as much grief as he’d given me.
This shit was far from over.
* * *
~Mia~
“How is everything going?”
D’s words spun in my mind as I contemplated on how to answer. I didn’t have the nerve to tell him about Ayden or what Wesley was doing to me once again. We were both in a good place. I didn’t want to dredge up old memories.
“Nothing changes around here, other than the clientele from time to time, so everything is going like normal.”
“That’s not what I mean, doll. How is it going with the new guys?”
I knew what he meant from the moment he asked the question. Still, I was hurting over everything that went down between Ayden and me over the last few days. Talking about it made it worse.
“You can’t tell me that Dave hasn’t bragged about the new band he’s representing. I know he’s told everyone else.”
Soft laughter filled my ear. “Yeah, you’re right about Dave. Still, I wanted to hear it from you.”
“I’ve kept my promise, D. I invited them here, helped them record a demo, set up their first concert, then assisted them in finding the best representation. They’re finishing up their record, then they’ll be going on tour soon.”
“I never doubted you, Mia. You have a knack for finding talent, just like your grandfather.”
“Yeah, now if I could find someone and settle down, I might have kids someday and be able to keep this place alive.”
He grew quiet for a moment. Having a family was a tender subject for him. I didn’t mean to bring up bad memories.
“Relax your pretty little mind. Love will find you, and when it does, it will be epic. You’ll have kids.”
“I hope you’re right.” I needed him to be right. Music Haven’s future depended on it. As much as I understood what was at stake, I wasn’t going to commit to just anyone. If I were going to bring kids into the world, it would be with someone I loved, not someone I settled for because I was too afraid to trust my heart again.
“What’s the matter, doll? I’m picking up something in your voice. What else is going on?”
I hated that he could still sense things about me. He shouldn’t, and yet, it brought me comfort. He cared about me just as much as I cared about him. It wouldn’t change for either of us.
“I’m just dealing with the same bullshit as always.”
I heard him grumble something under his breath before he said, “Wesley.”
“Correct. And guess who just showed up for a visit?”
He went silent again. I understood how hard it was to talk about this, but he was the one who’d asked. That knowledge didn’t keep my guilt at bay.
“Izzy’s there too?”
“Yes,” I choked.
It would be so easy to talk to him about what happened because he would understand. At the same time, knowing I’d found happiness again would wound him. It’s not that he didn’t want me to be happy. Part of him wished that happiness to be because of him. He’d said so the last time we’d seen each other.
“When those two are together, it always means trouble for you. Is that what I sense, baby girl? Are you in trouble?”
“My heart is.”
I closed my eyes, waiting for him to respond. He would, once the initial shock wore off.
“Do you need my help?”
Unable to hold back my emotions, I released a shaky breath as a tear escaped my eye. “No, but if that changes, I’ve got your number.”
D laughed again. “Don’t lose it. Bye, beautiful.”
“Bye, D.”
Tucking the phone into my pocket, I grabbed the drink Max made me and downed it. The warmth of liquor soothed the ache in my chest. It also calmed my nerves, helping me to form thoughts.
Hearing from D was the last thing I expected, but now that the conversation was over, I was glad he made the call. He never really said why, other than to ask about Breaking Silence. I didn’t like knowing he’d detected my sadness. I was grateful he cared, but I didn’t want him to worry. He had enough going on in his life.
Once I rose from the stool and began my journey toward backstage, I second-guessed my decision to go through the bar. It meant I’d have to walk past Ayden and Bentley. I wasn’t sure I had the strength to do it.
Before I could turn to the main entrance and head to the elevators, Andi caught my attention. She was coming up the aisle between both bars, waving at me. If she was already finished backstage, I knew it wouldn’t be long before the concert began.
Right on cue, the lights dimmed as the stage took precedence over everything else. Most guests in the bar were concentrating on the band as a guitar played a series of hypnotic chords.
The drums kicked in just as Andi reached me. “Hey. Everything is good backstage. You don’t have to go back if you don’t want.”
“Well, I’m not ready for bed, and it beats hanging out here.”
It didn’t take her long to glance toward Bentley and Ayden. “Are you taking the bus entrance or the side?”
“The bus. If I come up the side, I won’t be far from where they’re sitting.”
My phone buzzed again, signaling a new call was coming through. I motioned for Andi to give me a few minutes then placed the phone to my ear. “Hello. Mia Brooks speaking.”
“Hey, Mia, it’s Dave Shultz. Just wanted to let you know we have an option to extend tour dates for Breaking Silence’s tour on the next leg. I played the demo for Darksouls’ manager and he loves their sound.”
I hadn’t expected to play the part of Breaking Silence’s manager tonight. Not when my heart was in the mess it was in. It was a good indication to me that maybe I wasn’t the best person to manage them anymore. I wanted what was best for them, but I couldn’t take the pressure of working with Ayden after losing him.
“Uh, that’s great, Dave.”
“Yeah, I thought so too. Anyway, you can mention it to the guys if you want. I plan to get with them on Monday. Just wanted to give you a heads up. Enjoy your weekend.”
“You too, Dave.” As soon I placed the phone back in my pocket, the weight of the day got to me. “Maybe it would be best if I went back to my suite. I’m feeling exhausted.”
“Are you okay?”
Staring at my best friend, I responded with the only thing I could think of. “Define okay.”
* * *
~Ayden~
The second Mia left her stool and began walking in our direction, my pulse thumped through every part of my body. I questioned if she would acknowledge me when she went past. Then I asked myself if I’d do the same. The hope I had in everything working out between us was dwindling fast. Anger was consuming me everywhere I turned.
She stopped midway down the aisle as Andi approached her. They discussed something just before Mia took another phone call. My curiosity was in overdrive. Was she taking business calls or—
Bentley left his stool and grabbed his last beer. “I see Jason and Ryan backstage. Wanna go see what they’re up to?”
“I’ll pass.”
Disappointment shadowed Bentley’s face before he turned and left. He almost collided with someone on his way toward the stage. The guy was on his phone, not paying attention to where he was going.
As he moved closer, he stopped just a few feet from where I was sitting. I wasn’t trying to listen to his conversation, but he wasn’t quiet.
“I had a great time the other night. I wish I could have stayed longer, but after fucking your brains out, you fell asleep. I hope you are rested because we won’t be getting any sleep tonight.”
His voice fell away for a moment. I downed another shot, hoping he would walk past me. The liquor heated my face, increasing my buzz. I knew the alcohol was taking effect, and as much as I wanted to enjoy it, the guy’s voice intruded on my thoughts again.
“Well, I know that, babe. You have a big heart and you try to help everyone, but it’s t
aking its toll on you. That’s why you need me to help you relax.”
My eyes drifted to Mia. She was still on the phone, and whoever she was talking to had made her smile. Could it be that she was talking to—?
“Okay. I’ll catch up with you tonight. Can’t wait to hold you again. No interruptions this time.”
A lump formed in my throat as I watched him put away his phone because I glanced at Mia in time to see her do the same. When the guy turned to walk past, his smile fell the instant he saw me. He averted his eyes and continued walking.
Realization rocked me. This was the guy that was sleeping with Mia. The conversation I just overhead was between the two of them. I had no doubts, and it only confirmed everything I already believed. Mia was playing me.
Sliding my empty shot glass across the bar between my fingers, I motioned for Shawn to bring me another round. He held his finger up asking me to wait. Didn’t he understand? I needed that liquor right now. It was the only thing keeping me from following this guy and beating his ass. I had enough pent-up anger to unleash, and he was the perfect target, considering he was the primary source of my irritation.
Bentley returned to his seat before I could react to my thoughts. “I saw Wesley lurking in the bar and figured I should come back and talk you out of whatever it is you’re thinking.”
“You missed it. I just got the proof I needed to make my decision. Mia and I are finished.”
“Whoa, wait a second. What proof?”
“I just overhead that guy that left Mia’s room talking on the phone with her.”
Bentley shook his head. “How do you know it was him or that he was on the phone with Mia?”
Gripping the edge of the bar, my patience began thinning. “It was the things he was saying to her. He said he was sorry he fucked her so hard that she couldn’t stay awake.”
Love Desired Page 18
