Wanting Reed (Break Me) BOOK 2

by Candela, Antoinette

  I throw up my hoodie as the wind starts to pick up and the sun falls in the sky. I don’t even notice someone walking next to me until we stop at the corner and wait for the light to signal us across.

  “You lost?”

  I cringe, recognizing the voice and shift my eyes to the right. It’s my best buddy Jace. “Shit, I was just thinking about how much I missed you.” I chuckle.

  “Yeah? Ain’t that some shit.” He smiles like he’s got some big surprise for me. All I’m thinking is maybe he’s on his way to Elle’s place, and I could follow him there. “I just left my sister’s apartment, and she said she missed me, too.”

  Fuck. There goes my plan. If I want everything to go well Friday, I need to behave around Jace. I abruptly change my tone.

  “How is Elle?” I ask, thinking maybe he hasn’t caught wind of the shitstorm with Sierra the other night. He glances my way and gives me a look.

  “She’s having a bad day, but you wouldn’t know anything about that, now would you?”

  I sense a little sarcasm, so maybe he does know. “Shit, Jace, you were right about the Sierra thing. I totally shouldn’t have trusted her, and in the end, she stabbed me in the back.”

  I don’t care if he thinks it’s the funniest thing he’s heard because right now I feel like the biggest idiot for not listening to the stupid prick. What was I supposed to do at the time? He was ready to kick my ass. The last thing I thought he would do was warn me about Sierra in an attempt to help me.

  As Jace starts walking away, he turns around and says, “Well, I can’t say I didn’t warn you, but it seems that you weren’t the only one getting the shit end of the stick that night. See ya around, lover boy!”

  Huh? What the fuck did he mean by that? I think nothing of it, or maybe I should since what he said about Sierra was actually true. Fuck. I hate when people talk in riddles.

  I skip the Peeping Tom bit and head home. If I were to see her, it would just make it harder for me to walk back to my apartment alone. Instead, I stop by the liquor store and grab a case of beer and watch fucking Red Sox nation go crazy on TV.

  The rest of the week is filled with the same old shit— work, classes, the gym and working out with the team. This routine is getting old quick. It would not be so bad if I had someone to break up the time. I’ve been taking way too many showers. Luke is giving me hell about it and bought me a few bottles of lotion as a joke. I am seriously thinking my roomie should actually consider stand-up comedy instead of whatever the fuck he does for a living. I should ask him one of these days, but I’m scared to find out.

  No calls or texts from Elle all week. I’m not surprised.

  It’s Thursday night. Exactly twenty-four hours before the plan is put in motion. I finish cooking myself dinner and watch an episode of Sons of Anarchy after my sister mentioned it to me on the phone. I don’t pay much attention. It’s just white noise, a constant humming in my ear. I’d rather stare at the clock on the wall and watch the minutes slip by. The next few hours are going to kill me, so I head to my bedroom and pull out my guitar. Maybe playing will make the time go by faster. Plus, I want to practice the new song I wrote. It’s almost done. I just need a couple of tweaks here and there and it should be ready. Perhaps someday I’ll get to play it for Elle.

  It’s Sunday night. I got no studying done and no running. I couldn’t make it to dinner, so Jace brought over some leftovers. I spend the rest of the afternoon watching football with him. I can’t remember the last time I vegged out in front of the TV like this. It feels good to do it with my brother who doesn’t mind running back and forth between the kitchen and the living room to get whatever I want. I like it and take advantage of it for as long as I can.

  “Okay, I think you’ve abused me enough today.” Jace laughs, throwing himself on the couch. “What’s up with you, anyways? Mom was about to get in the car with me, but I told her that you’re a big girl.”

  “Thanks for that. I don’t think I’m up for a tag team interrogation.” I smile, reaching out to pat his knee. “And to answer your question, I’m just a little tired.” I yawn, pulling the blanket up around my shoulders.

  “Does it have anything to do with Tyler’s birthday and a lot of alcohol?”

  I don’t answer for a minute. I’m emotionally drained but at the same time relieved that I told Tyler, but now what do I do? Call Reed? No, that won’t happen. Not yet. I can’t. I need everything to sink in, and it’s not just going to take a weekend for it to happen.

  “What’s going on? You’ve never been like this. Alcohol or not.” He grimaces and sits up.

  Geez, am I that obvious? I sit up on the couch, feeling the rush of nausea instantly hit me as I glance wistfully at my brother.

  “Did you and Tyler get into a fight or something?” he asks, turning his attention away from, of course, a Cowboys game. BAM! Reed. I flip the channel and return his stare.

  “I wish I weren’t so easy to read.” I pull my knees up under my chin.

  “Shit, nineteen years as your brother. Seriously?” He laughs, running his fingers through his shaggy brown hair. Just to change the subject, I want to ask him about Brooke, but I know that won’t work with him. He’s always been secretive when it comes to his love life. “You and Tyler hitting a rough patch?”

  “Huh?” I look at him in surprise.

  “You guys were a thing, right? I mean, with all the time you spend together. I thought you guys finally took the next step.”

  I focus on the commercials on TV about some crazy Halloween nonsense to drown out and avoid my brother’s question. Moments later, Jace is snapping his fingers in front of my face and saying my name and something about a space cadet. I reluctantly return to reality and smile wearily at him.

  “Tyler and I were on two different paths. He wanted more in our relationship than I was able to offer him,” I relent, hugging my knees to my chest.

  “Why was that such an issue? You two have been best friends since who knows when, and I always thought it was only a matter of time before you hooked up,” he reasons.

  “Yeah…well, we tried, but something kind of got in the way recently.” My voice is steady and controlled, despite the unease consuming me about this particular subject Jace chose to discuss.

  It seems Reed has thrown a rather enormous wrench into my plans. That’s all he’s done since entering my life. He’s flipped it completely upside down, but at this moment, it feels right. I just need to get a handle on my emotions before we can work things out.

  “Oh shit, Elle,” Jace replies, leaning back on the couch. “Please don’t say what I think you’re about to say.”

  “It’s obvious you don’t like Reed,” I counter.

  “Yeah,” he groans. “He’s a douche.”

  “I’m sorry, Jace, but the truth is I’m still in love with Reed, and it’s not fair to drag Tyler into all of this.”

  “I realize you had a thing with Reed before, but I’ve seen him around and talked to him recently. I know he was fucking hanging around Sierra and I didn’t say anything to you, but is it wise to throw away a possible happy future with Tyler?” He leans forward, lacing his fingers together and knitting his eyebrows inquisitively.

  “Okay, stop,” I reply coolly, dropping my knees from my chin. I’m annoyed that Jace didn’t come to me, knowing Reed was here. It’s water under the bridge now, and I don’t have the energy to get into an argument with him over it. I already had it out with Tyler for not being up front with me. “I hear your concern, and I know all about the Sierra thing, trust me, but this is my life. I need to talk to Reed when I’m ready. I want to hear him out and decide if what I’m feeling is love or if we were just a fling. I need you to support my decision and not assume Reed is at fault on all costs.” I inhale, thinking about when and where this will happen with Reed and what the end result will be.

  “You know what, Sis?” He gazes at me thoughtfully. “I’m glad you can talk about it with me. The only difficult part about this
whole thing for me would be being nice to the dude. I kind of like giving him shit all the time. It won’t be the same anymore.” He switches the channel back to the game.

  “You’re a fucking piece of work.” I laugh, slapping his thigh. “All this talk about me is getting boring. I’ve been meaning to ask you about Brooke. How is that going?” I wink, wiggling my eyebrows.

  He glances over at the TV. “Off limits, Sis,” he answers, focusing on the game. “Hey, look the Cowboys are ready to score.” He’s trying to deflect attention away from himself, so he doesn’t have to talk about his seemingly active love life.

  “One of these days, Jace, you’re gonna need some advice from me about women, and I might not be so eager to give it to you.”

  “I doubt it.” He winks. “You love me too much.”

  It’s finally Friday. Piper’s plans for tonight involve the House of Blues. This is one of the premium venues for bands to play, and the fact that Crimzen is performing there is beyond awesome. I can tell as soon as Piper walks in the door how excited she is and how different it is than playing at the Middle East. For all intents and purposes, this gig tonight can really put Crimzen on the map. I really wish that for them, and I’m glad that Piper invited me, along with Evelyn and Mindy.

  “Cab should be here in fifteen minutes!” Mindy yells, looking out the window of my apartment.

  “Let’s do this!” Evelyn quips, downing her third shot.

  “Jesus, Evelyn, save some for the rest of us.”

  “I’m good. Don’t you worry,” she exclaims as she adjusts her skirt and props up her boobs. “I get to see my man tonight, all fucking six feet of him. Long black hair and fucking amazing, green eyes. You know he already has a nickname for me? Evie. He fucking calls me Evie. I fucking love him,” she breathes, getting this crazy dazed look in her eye.

  Piper giggles as she walks out of the bathroom. “I think someone needs another shot to loosen up.”

  “I want to enjoy the band and being shitfaced will not help with that.” I frown, placing my hand over my empty shot glass.

  “Get rid of your hand,” she gestures, tapping my hand with her freshly manicured nails. “We can play quarters, or I’m going to tie you up to a chair and shove a funnel in your mouth. It’s your pick.” She grins wickedly. “Remember how that turned out for you?”

  “Fine.” I shake my head in amusement at Piper’s attempts to get me drunk.

  She pours. I drink. That was number three.

  Since she’s gotten here, she’s been very particular and preoccupied with my appearance. She’s gone out of her way to help me find something to wear, put on my makeup and do my hair. She said I look best in red. So, red it is.

  Piper’s phone rings as we all grab our purses to wait outside for the cab.

  “Oh, shit.” She frowns, reading the text. “Opening act just bailed. Bus broke down. Link is on his way to pick me up. Can you guys meet me there? I’ve got to help the band set up,” she says in a flourish, running her hands over her black silk capris.

  “That shouldn’t be a problem,” I say, checking my makeup in the hallway mirror.

  “Sorry, guys.” She heads for the door. “Don’t forget to call me as soon as you pull up,” she demands, shooting me a pointed look.

  “I will. I will,” I moan. “What is with you tonight? You’re like a mother hen.”

  “Just promise you’ll call me. I need to get you in, and I don’t want you to miss the show,” she commands, waiting impatiently for me to respond.

  “Yeah, I’ll call you,” I reply, shoving my ID and keys inside my purse.

  “Good. See you there.”

  The streets are crazy as we drive into Boston and pull up in front of the House of Blues. I text Piper like she asked, and she arrives at the door within seconds. She smiles so hard that it looks painful as she seizes my arms and shoos Evelyn and Mindy in front of us.

  “What’s your problem tonight?” I raise an eyebrow, seriously debating whether or not Piper is insane or drunk.

  “I told you already. There’s no problem. I’m just excited to see my band play. It’s going to be great. You wait and see.”

  “You’re making me nervous.” I give her a stern look when she glances over her shoulder and smiles at me. I’m sure she has the best of intentions, but for some reason, in the back of my head I have an inkling that something more is going on, something huge.

  “Don’t be,” she says as she continues to drag me through the mob.

  “They’re not on yet?” I shout over the noise of the crowd as we make our way down the row to my seat.

  “Oh, there’s a last minute fill-in for the opening act. I’ve heard him sing before. He’s amazing,” she bubbles as she finds a spot dead center in front of the stage. There is electricity in the air, and the crowd is starting to get restless as they wait for the opening act to appear on stage.

  “You know I trust your taste in music,” I chime, blowing the hair away from my face. The rising temperature in the room is quickly getting to me.

  “You’re really gonna love this guy.” She draws out the word love, smiling at me. “Listen. I’ll be right back. I’ve got to help with the stage lighting. Stay right here,” she says, letting go of my arm.

  “I’m not going anywhere.” I cringe as I get bumped and pushed by an overexcited crowd. It’s going to be a long night as I watch Piper disappear toward the stage, leaving me to my own devices. Evelyn and Mindy met up with the band to wish them good luck before they went on stage. I glance around nervously. The crowd is growing increasingly unruly and boisterous. I doubt they will be able to find their way back to me before the band appears on stage. I hope to God I come out of here alive.

  This is the night where it all happens. I’m going to lay it all on the line for her. I’m not holding back anything. I invited Luke to tag along. It’s the least I can do since he’s been my right-hand man pretty much since I’ve returned from Texas. I hope he doesn’t make me regret it.

  It takes fucking forever to get to the House of Blues because the streets are lined with Red Sox fans cheering on Game Six of the ALCS against the Tigers. I think the cabbie almost ran over a handful of drunk bastards walking in the middle of the street. I’ve never seen anything like it, and it doesn’t help that Luke is hanging out the window and yelling at the top of his lungs, “Go fucking Sox!”

  When we arrive at the House of Blues, Luke talks me into hanging outside on the balcony overlooking Lansdowne Street where he and a bunch of drunken goons are yelling smack to Tigers fans below. Shit. I’ve heard stories about Boston fans. They live and breathe this shit, and I’m getting a bird’s eye view of it tonight. I tell Luke I’m going to head downstairs and to meet me by the stage when he’s done heckling all the poor Detroit fans.

  They announce over the speakers that the opening act’s not going to make it in time. Boos of disapproval saturate the air, and large groups of people head to the bar to purchase more alcohol to pass the next sixty minutes. Talk about some shitty luck. I hope this last minute change doesn’t alter anything Piper has planned tonight. I check my watch and like clockwork my phone chimes at exactly nine thirty. Piper texts letting me know that she just pulled up and that Elle will be arriving in a few minutes. She’d planned to text Piper when she arrived so she can meet them at the door. I need everything to fall into place tonight.

  I wait around apprehensively for Luke who appears fisting two beers. He elbows his way through the crowd hooting and hollering while making eye contact with any girl within two feet of him.

  “Holy shit, dude. I hear the opening act is stranded somewhere. That gives me a little more time to work the ladies in the crowd.” He laughs, wiggling his eyebrows as he glances down a brunette’s top as she walks by us.

  “You’ve got a one-track mind,” I grin, taking the beer he offers me. I turn to the stage and throw back my beer while watching the stagehands set up the sound equipment.

  “Damn right, shithead. Or I
could be like you with a fucking puss on my face,” he jokes, lifting his beer to his lips. “I’m thinking you need the other kind of puss on your face.”

  “Fuck off, asshole!” I say, pushing his shoulder.

  “Dude, I’ve got your back. I can pick you up a shitload of lotion if you’ve run out,” he banters, egging me on.

  “Hey.” As I’m about to give him a fucking earful when I hear Piper’s melodic voice float through the commotion. I pull my eyes away and smile as she runs up a breathless like a woman possessed. Grabbing my arm, she pulls me aside and frowns sharply over at Luke.

  “Glad you could make it,” I chide her, releasing a calming breath. God knows I fucking need her to pull through for me in a big way.

  “Whoa... whoa... roomie…who is this hottie?” Luke coos as he rakes his hungry blue eyes over her, pushing me aside to get a better look. “Fuck, you’ve been holding out on me!” He shakes his head in approval. He reaches out and twirls a piece of her long black hair between his fingers. She snatches her hair out of his grasp and rolls her eyes. “Relax, baby... you got a name?” Luke drawls, stepping toward her.

  “Who the fuck are you?” she asks blatantly, giving Luke the once-over.

  “Man of your dreams,” he says, blatantly licking his bottom lip and tilting his head to check out her ass.

  “Do you know this guy?” Piper glares, raising her eyebrows in disgust.

  “Unfortunately.” I laugh. “This is my roomie, Luke.”

  “We should get better acquainted,” Luke continues undeterred, taking another step toward her. “How come you never told me about your new friend?” He furrows his brow at me and then returns to eye fucking Piper. “Dude, you’re out of your damn mind!” I laugh.

  “Speak for yourself, fucker!” Piper exclaims, throwing her hand on her hip. “I’m the girl that takes no shit from any guy but the lead guitarist of Crimzen.” Her cheeks flush red. “You, my friend, are the biggest jerk off, waste of breath I’ve met so far. Really Reed, if this douche doesn’t stop eye fucking me, I’m going to go all crazy bitch on him.” She pushes him on his chest with both hands.