“Sophie,” I call, reaching out and capturing her wrist as she passes.
“Yeah?” She questions, looking down at me.
Lost in the watery blue of her eyes, I exhale. “I would like to stay in touch if it’s okay with you.”
“Jesse, last night was great, but let’s not pretend it was anything more than it was. You had your one night with the girl from the bar in Memphis. Now, you’re free to move on to the next city.”
Struggling to find words to express the gaping hole in my chest her words have caused, I let her go. Defeated, I rinse my plate and add it to the now full dishwasher. Ears trained on the words she uses to explain our location to the cab company, I walk to her bedroom and collect the rest of my belongings from the floor.
Placing her phone on the nightstand, she smiles at me. “It was fun, Jesse. It really was. I’m going to grab a quick shower. If you’re not here when I’m out, have a great show.”
Nodding, I reply. “Thanks. Goodbye, Angel.”
“See ya later, Prince Jesse,” she smiles.
Falling In
Jesse
“Buck up, mate. You got what you came here for,” Tag says, clapping me on the back as we load our bags into the storage compartment on our bus.
“Did I?” I question, making the mistake of speaking my thoughts out loud.
“What do you mean? Of course you did. The waitress has been properly bagged and tagged. What more could you ask for?”
Thoughts turned to the silk of Sophie’s skin, the tickle of her hair as it brushed across my chest, I plop onto one of the hard fake leather seats in the dining area where we consume way too much fast food. “Yeah, I guess so.”
“Besides, there’s only enough room on this bus for one broad, and I’ve already called dibs.”
“What are you talking about?”
He nods out the window where Lacey is approaching with a suitcase in tow.
Raising my eyebrows, I ask, “What happened to your ‘bag and tag’ policy?”
“She got in my head, mate. I was with that girl last night. You know the one, crazy hair and too many piercings. Tried getting at you, but you turned her down.”
“Yes, I know the one,” I reply.
“So anyway she was a wild card. Could’ve given that tattooed goddess in the pornos a run for her money, I’ll give her that much. The whole time I just couldn’t stop myself from thinking, ‘She’s not Lacey’. So I called her up this morning and invited her to come along.”
“Last time I saw her; she was ready to have your head on a dingy bar tray. How’d you pull that off?”
“What can I say?” He shrugs, standing as Lacey comes aboard. “I have a way with the ladies.”
Shaking my head, I stand and head toward my quarters.
“Jesse,” Lacey calls, forcing me to turn around. “Before you run off, I have something for you.” Confused, I watch her make her way down the narrow space between the kitchenette and the table. “It’s from Country,” she whispers, pulling a neatly folded piece of paper from her back pocket.
Clasping my hand around the letter, I stare at her trying to form words. Nodding, she signals her understanding and finds her way back to Tag’s arms. Nauseating bundle of flutters in my stomach, I continue my way to my room, the only private room available. Sitting on the bed, I kick of my shoes and rub my face. A part of me wants to open the letter and devour every word within. Another thinks it’s best to leave well enough alone. Torn between my desire to make Sophie mine and my inability to watch my heart being ripped from its rightful place in my chest again, I lie back. Eyes trained on the ceiling I allow my thoughts to consume me until the rhythm of the road lulls me to sleep.
Sophie
“Okay, Marcus is occupied with a coloring book and Netflix on my phone. What the hell happened to you?” Kita asks, sitting across the table from me. “You’ve been crying since I brought him home. I know you’re not this emotional over Lace running off with whoever that guy’s supposed to be. So, what is it?”
“No, it’s not Lacey,” I reply, wiping tears from my cheeks. “Although, I could’ve died on the spot when she handed over the keys to her car and told me to use it for the next few weeks. That’ll buy me a little time.”
“Yeah, Pops and Unc are going to have a look under the hood of your heap today. With a little luck, they’ll get it straightened out.”
“Even if they do, it’ll be years before I can afford the repairs.”
“Sophie,” Folding her arms and leaning back, she looks at me. “I want you and Marcus to move back in with me. We still have the extra room. Lacey’s cousin was supposed to move in, but she never did. Rent is much cheaper when you split it three ways, utilities too.” She pulls an envelope out of the back pocket of her shorts and slides it my way. “After we left yesterday Pops took up a collection. It’s not much, but it should help you finalize things here. I’ll cover you for as much as I can toward the rest. We’ll figure it out.”
Already on the verge of tears again, I push the envelope away. “I can’t put anyone out like that, Kita.”
“Country, listen to me. You don’t have a choice. Your life is falling down on top of you. The fact that you’re sitting here crying into a cold cup of coffee is proof. Get over your precious pride, and let me help you.”
I laugh. “When you put it like that, how can I resist? Although, once again, you have the cause of my emotions wrong. The initial cause at least.”
“So tell me what started this whole mess then.”
Unable to look at her, I bury my face in my hands. “I screwed everything up! My whole plan derailed by one night with a man I should’ve never let in, in the first place.”
“I assume we’re talking about Jesse?” She asks, condemnation already filling her voice.
I nod.
Carefully choosing her words, she exhales. “Okay. I know you haven’t had a one night stand before, but you didn’t do anything wrong—”
“That’s the problem,” I pull my legs into the chair and rest my chin on my knees, “I don’t feel like I’ve done anything wrong. It was right. It was all so perfectly right that I flipped out and acted like an idiot. That was my only mistake. I’m afraid there’s no going back now.”
“Why would you want to?” She asks. “The guy’s a user. When I said I wanted you to hook up with someone, I didn’t mean you had to devalue yourself in the process.”
“What are you talking about?” I snap. “You’re the one that pointed me in his direction.”
“Only because he was the only dark, mysterious man within a ten-mile radius.” She shrugs. “I never thought you’d fall for his bullshit.”
“That’s just it, Kita,” I start, tearing up once more. “He’s so much more than that. The way he took care of me, held me, called me Angel. That was as real as it gets. And, he’s known loss too. Felt in the same way I have. Something has been connecting us since the moment he walked into Tony’s and last night our hearts collided without either one of us giving consent.”
“Oh, please,” she says, rolling her eyes. “That wasn’t love. It was a good lay, plain and simple. Don’t get stupid on me like Lacey. I already had to smoke one out over her craziness.”
“I’m not Lacey,” I reply, jaw clenched. “I don’t fall in love with every guy I see.” Sighing, I look over at her. “Let’s just drop it, okay. It’s not like I’ll ever see him again, so it doesn’t matter.”
“There’s my girl,” she says, smiling. “Think you can sneak some ribs home from work tonight? We need to celebrate you moving in again.”
Knowing I should be annoyed by her request for me to put my job on the line, I nod. The truth is, Markita’s been the only person I can truly count on these past five years. Even if I know she’s wrong about Jesse and me, I still can’t let that get in the way of our friendship. I need her, so I’ll do whatever she asks and she knows it.
Bring Me to Life
Sophie
Back t
o the scene of the crime, another shift at Tony’s where it all began. I’m sure Lacey’s given him my letter by now. The very fact that he hasn’t responded is proof that to him, it didn’t really matter. Maybe Kita was right. Maybe my lack of experience did allow me to imagine some sort of nonexistent connection.
“Waitress?”
In no mood for this today, I spin around and plaster a fake smile on my face. “What do you need?”
“Another round,” the trucker type guy says. “And how’s about a basket of hot wings with your number on the side.”
“How’s about a salad with a side of go fuck yourself?” I quip, much to the delight of his friends. Instantly regretting my impulsiveness, I smile as sweetly as I can. “I’m sorry. It’s a bad night. Doesn’t give me the right to take it out on you fine gentlemen. Another round and those wings will be on the house for my mouth.”
“Now that’s more like it,” he grins, patting his plump belly.
Repulsed, I check my phone on the way to the counter to put in their order. Not a single call or text.
The rest of my night passes just as slowly. By midnight, we’re down to our last few tables and the only thing holding me up is the counter. “Got some coffee on in the back,” Tony says, coming to the register to collect my drawer.
“Thanks,” I answer, with a yawn. “When Betty gets back from her smoke break, I’ll take you up on that.”
“You’re a catch, Sophie. My top girl,” he jokes, running a hand over his bald scalp. “Thanks for pulling double your weight. Can’t believe Lacey left us high and dry.”
“I can,” I laugh. “When you think about it, that’s exactly the kind of thing she’d do.”
“You’re right about that one,” he winks, green eyes full of light.
Jesse
The bulb lights of the makeup mirror shining in my eyes, I stare at myself. This is what I love, what I was born to do. So why do I feel so lost? Glancing at Sophie’s letter on the vanity, shake my head. No, I’ve already decided not to have a go at it until after the show. The last thing I need right now is for anything to fuck with my head.
“Pony up,” Tag says, dropping by to let me know it’s time.
Walking through the corridor leading to the stage of the Verizon Arena, I hear the crowd chanting as the opening act closes and starts introducing us. Reaching the stage entrance, I welcome the flood of adrenaline as the stage lights go dark signaling the changeover of sets. Taking my place at the mic stand, I smile. For the next ninety minutes at least, Sophie Westbrook and the enchantment she has me under will be nothing more than a distant memory.
“That was awesome,” Lacey says, latching onto me as I exit the stage.
Slinging my towel over my shoulders, I nod. “Thanks.”
“Care if I hang with you for a bit?” She asks, handing me an unopened bottle of water.
“I don’t suppose I do, but I thought you were here with Tag.”
“Ugh,” making sure to keep her head forward, she shoves her hands in her pockets, “it’s part of our agreement. He gets to indulge in whomever and whatever he wants after the show, but I’m the only one allowed in his bed at night.”
Deciding it’s best not to touch that one, I open the door to my dressing room. “Help yourself to whatever you like. I’m going to grab a quick change in the loo.”
Grabbing a bag of Cheetos, she shrugs. “Take your time.”
Collecting a change of clothes and my toiletry kit, I step into the private restroom. Post show enthusiasm rapidly draining from my system, I have a quick wash up and change into a more comfortable pair of jeans and a t-shirt. Lacing my sneakers, I gather my my belongings and step back into the dressing room. Lacey has made herself comfortable with one of my Xbox controls and is now having a go at FIFA.
Socked feet tucked under her, she looks over at me and smiles. “Wanna join me?”
“Maybe in a minute,” I answer, taking hold of the last piece of Sophie that’s within my reach. “I have to take care of something first.”
Grabbing the letter, I step back out into the hallway. All around me, the crew works tirelessly to get us packed up and on the road to Louisiana. Nodding my appreciation to our sound manager, I lean against the wall and unfold the letter.
Taking a deep breath, I read:
Prince Jesse,
I didn’t expect you to be my Prince Charming when I made the joke in the bar. In fact, I thought you’d be just like every other arrogant asshole who has ever sat at that table hoping to score with me. And, I think we can both agree that for a while you were.
That changed last night, and it only got better this morning. I see you for more than just the leather and the groupies. When I look in your eyes I see a broken man, begging for someone to fix him. I know what that looks like, because for a long time now I’ve been a desperate girl praying for someone to save her.
I think you’re that someone, Jesse. At least, I want you to be. That’s the part that terrifies me. I don’t have the best track record when it comes to relationships. For the most part they all end in ashes. I have no doubt that loving you will destroy me, and yet I can’t shake this feeling that loving you is something I’m meant to do one day.
Something about you has the power to bring me to life, Jesse Lee, and after a long time of feeling nothing I’d love the chance to feel something again. It’s crazy to even think about, your life is on the road and mine is here. I have no idea how we’d even begin to make it work. You’ve seen all I have to offer. I know you’re used to so much more, but I’m hoping you can forget that.
I want to know you, Jesse. I want to heal your wounds, and discover your flaws. And I want you to want to do those things with me too. This morning you said you’d like to keep in touch. I rejected the idea, but not because that wasn’t exactly what I wanted to hear. I ran from it because it was more than I could’ve ever dreamed.
I don’t know if you still want that, but here’s my number. 555-555-0157. I have to work tonight, but I always keep my phone on. If any of this sounds good to you, please call me.
I hope you do.
Sophie
Unable to contain the crashing thuds of my heart against my chest, I barrel through the dressing room door. “You can have a go at anything you like, just make sure they pack up my systems when they chase you out.” Not caring about organization, I grab my duffel bag and begin throwing any loose bits of my stuff into it.”
“Everything alright?” Lacey asks, alarmed.
“Fine,” I answer, using one hand to search for a cab company while trying to zip the duffel shut with the other.
Coming over to help, she states. “This doesn’t say fine. It says panicked.”
Taking a minute to collect my breath, I smile. “I’m fine. Really. Just let the guys know I’ll make it in time for the show tomorrow no matter what happens.”
“Wait. What? Why would they be concerned about that?”
Ignoring her I instruct my phone to dial the number from the internet browser. “Yes, hello, I need a cab from the Verizon Arena to Memphis, TN.”
“Memphis?” Lacey asks, her eyes lighting up. “You’re going to get Country, aren’t you?”
“We don’t really do transit to other cities.”
“I’ll pay double the fair, plus tip,” I insist.
“Let me see what I can do,” the operator replies through her thick drawl.
Feeling as though I’ll jump straight from my skin with every click of her keyboard, I watch as Lacey slips back into her shoes. “What are you doing?” I ask, covering the phone with my palm.
“If you’re going after Country, I’m coming with you,” she replies. “I know my way around the city better, plus I have a key to Tony’s.”
“We can have someone there in ten minutes,” the operator says, coming back on the line.
“Deal,” I agree, hanging up and fully focusing on Lacey. “You can’t go. You have to make sure someone knows where I’ve gone.”
“Hey, you,” she screams, opening the door and grabbing the attention of the nearest roadie. “Tell whoever needs to know that me and Jesse are going back to Memphis. We’ll meet up with you guys in New Orleans.” Raising her eyebrows, she turns to me. “Done.”
“Of all the partners in crime in the world, I’m stuck with you,” I respond, shaking my head.
“Oh come on now,” she smiles. “Don’t be so hard on yourself. I’m sure I’ll grow to love you.”
“Come on,” I say, lifting the duffel bag. “If we’re going to do this we have about a ten second window before someone grabs us after that colorful announcement you gave.”
“Watch out, Country!” She exclaims. “You’re not gonna know what hit ya.”
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Also Available
Run to You (Run Series Book 1)
Run From You (Run Series Book 2)
Run With You (Run Series Book 3)
Coming Soon
Seeking Country: Jesse’s Girl Part 2
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The Final Installment in the Run Series
Run All the Way
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Rock and Roll Country (Jesse's Girl #1) Page 6
